INDUSTRY DONATES SIX FIGURE SUM TO MARK HUGHES FOUNDATION

GRNSW

The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) and Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) are delighted to announce that $120,000 has been raised from the partnership and numerous initiatives in recent months.

The largest contribution came as a result of the Red & Blue All November Through campaign which concluded on Sunday with GRNSW donating a total $53,935 to fight to reduce brain cancer in Australia.

Each time a race on all NSW tracks during November was won by a dog wearing the red (number 1) or blue (number 4) rugs, GRNSW donated $161 dollars to the MHF representing the 161 NRL games Mark Hughes played during his career.

A total of 196 races were won by the red rug dogs and another 139 by the blue rug dogs.

“On behalf of the Mark Hughes Foundation, I want to say a huge thank you to Greyhound Racing NSW and everyone who got behind this incredible campaign,” Mark Hughes said.

“The support throughout November, and across the last six months has been outstanding, and to see it raise an amazing $120,000 is something we’re truly grateful for.

“This initiative not only raised vital funds but also helped spread much-needed awareness about brain cancer right across the greyhound community which as we know reaches to all corners of NSW and across the country.

“Every dollar which was raised will go directly towards lifesaving research and supporting patients and families doing it tough.

“We can’t thank the industry enough for cheering on the red and blue, and for standing with us in our race to beat brain cancer.”

The $120,000 was raised through a variety of initiatives since the partnership between the MHF and GRNSW commenced in later April.

Apart from November’s Red & Blue campaign, funds were raised at Calcuttas and Sports’ Luncheons, donations from the sale of beanies during the Beanies for Brain Cancer week, individual club and participant donations, and $10,000 from the auction of the winning post at the final Dapto race meeting in September.

GRNSW also donated an initial $20,000 to the MHF when the partnership was announced at National Adoption Day in April, bringing the overall total contribution to the charity to $140,000.

“I am so delighted that our industry was able to contribute in this way to such a worthy cause as the Mark Hughes Foundation,” GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin said.

“We know what an insidious disease this is, and through our partnership with the Foundation I was stunned to hear the statistic that brain cancer is the leading cause of death in children and adults under 40 years of age.

“I hope that apart from the financial contribution we were able to play a small part in raising awareness around NSW for the Mark Hughes Foundation and the work they do in fighting to find a cure for brain cancer.

“We were honoured that they allowed us to play a part of their fundraising this year, and we have already committed to partner with the Foundation again in 2026.

“I want to offer my sincere thanks too to all of our clubs and participants around the State who have not only supported this cause, but many who have personally donated as well.”