Alarmingly very little is known about what causes it or how it is treated.

The Mark Hughes Foundation was formed so that research could be carried out to decrease both the incidence of brain cancer and mortality rates associated with the illness.

Mark Hughes is a former Newcastle Knights league player. In 2013 Mark, his wife Kirralee and their three children received the devastating news Mark had brain cancer.

The foundation was formed to raise much needed funds to promote research, heighten awareness and support brain cancer patients and their families.

After losing their beloved husband, Dad and Pa Artie to brain cancer, Cootamundra’s Chambers and Miller families are getting behind the Mark Hughes Foundation and encouraging others to do the same.

In June this year at the age of 58, Artie Miller, the father of Melinda Chambers, Grant Miller and Dean Miller lost his battle to brain cancer after being diagnosed three months before with an aggressive grade four brain tumour.

Artie is fondly remembered by his loved ones for his three passions in life - his family, football and his work.

“We are just heartbroken to have lost our beautiful Dad and Pa. Our Dad was an amazing, caring man and a real character. He lived and breathed rugby league and was a supporter of the Mark Hughes Foundation. If we can help raise awareness and funds for research through the Mark Hughes Foundation to help in the fight against this incurable debilitating disease we know Dad would be extremely proud of us for helping other families” daughter Melinda said. 

Melinda, her brothers and her mum Glenda wanted to do more to raise awareness of brain cancer and have got behind ‘Wear your Beanie for Brain Cancer Awareness Week’ which will take place between July 28 and August 1.

Already Sacred Heart Central School have jumped on board to support the concept and the family business of SG Chambers in Wallendoon Street will also support Wear your Beanie for Brain Cancer.

The Miller and Chambers family is putting the call out to other local businesses, schools and sporting organisations to support the day. It is really easy to register your business to be involved. Simply Google Mark Hughes Beanie for Brain Cancer and you will find a page with a link to register.

It is particularly easy for schools to be involved with students asked to wear their beanie and bring a gold coin donation.

All funds raised go directly to brain cancer research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

As an added bonus for participating schools, all registered schools go into the draw to win a rugby league coaching clinic with Mark Hughes and Mark Hughes Foundation ambassador Danny Buderus. There is also a signed 2014 Knights jersey up for grabs.

Jump online today and do your bit to support this great cause.