HPA Proudly Supports Ben Martin in the Fight Against Brain Cancer
June 2026 | Community & Giving Back
We believe that caring for people extends well beyond the walls of a hospital. It’s woven into who we are, and that’s exactly why we’re proud to stand behind Ben Martin as he takes on a deeply personal challenge to raise vital funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF), one of Australia’s most impactful brain cancer charities.
A Family United by Love and a Fight That Hits Close to Home
For Ben Martin, this isn’t just a fundraising challenge. It’s personal.
Ben’s sister-in-law, Liz, is living with brain cancer. At just 37 years old, a wife, a mother of three young children, and a woman full of life. Liz was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of brain cancer, after suffering a seizure at home in June 2021.
In Liz’s own words:
“I already knew there was no cure, so I was absolutely petrified. Then they said, ‘Terminal illness, less than two years on average, but we’re hoping we can get you three.’ At this point, there really are no words to explain the crushing grief… it was my world being taken away from me. Just like someone clicking their fingers.”
But Liz is a fighter. Through surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and the relentless challenges that follow, she has faced every obstacle with extraordinary courage, all while holding onto the hope that one day, a cure will be found.
“I’m up to 18 months of Chemo which I’ll take until either my body won’t let me, or it stops working, or until they find a cure… Praying hard for that cure.”
It is that hope, Liz’s hope, and the hope of so many families like hers that is driving Ben to lace up his boots and walk, determined to do something meaningful in her honour.
Read Liz’s full story here
Who Is the Mark Hughes Foundation?
The Mark Hughes Foundation was established in Newcastle by former NRL star Mark Hughes and his wife Kirralee, following Mark’s own diagnosis with brain cancer in 2013. What began as a deeply personal mission has grown into a nationally recognised charity dedicated to funding critical research, raising awareness, and providing meaningful support to brain cancer patients and their families across Australia.
Brain cancer remains one of the most underfunded and devastating cancers and MHF is working hard to change that. Their goal is clear – to double survival rates and improve the quality of life for patients within the next 10 years. For families like Ben’s, that mission isn’t a statistic…it’s everything.
Ben’s Fundraising Mission
Moved by the incredible work MHF does for patients and families facing this cruel disease, Ben set himself a fundraising goal of $3,500, and we’re thrilled to share that he has already surpassed that target, raising over $4,500 and counting!
In Ben’s own words:
“I’m inspired to do my part to make a difference. Your support will go directly towards critical research, patient support programs, and other vital resources that MHF provides. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the fight against brain cancer.”
Every dollar raised brings researchers one step closer to the cure that Liz, and thousands of Australians like her are praying for.
NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round – Round 17, 25 to 28 June 2026
Ben’s fundraising effort coincides with one of the most powerful events on the NRL calendar, the annual NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, taking place in Round 17, from 25 to 28 June 2026. Players, officials, coaches, and fans across the country will be donning their MHF beanies in a show of solidarity that grows stronger every year.
Running alongside the NRL round is the Big Three Trek, a 150-kilometre walk from Sydney to Newcastle over three days, with 80 trekkers taking every step in honour of those who have lost their battle with brain cancer, and those still bravely fighting.
There Is Hope
Liz’s story is heartbreaking but it is also a story of extraordinary resilience, love, and hope. She is still here. She is still fighting. And with every dollar raised, every beanie worn, and every kilometre walked, the chances of finding a cure grow stronger.
The Mark Hughes Foundation exists because people refuse to accept that brain cancer gets the last word. Ben and his brothers are proof of that. And so is every single person who donates, shares, or simply takes a moment to learn about this cause.
Together, we can help make the cure that Liz, and so many others are praying for a reality.
How You Can Help
Ben has already exceeded his original goal, but every additional dollar raised goes directly to MHF’s life-saving research and patient support. Whether you donate $10 or $500, your contribution makes a real and lasting difference.
Donating is quick, easy, and secure. Head to Ben’s fundraising page today and help keep the momentum going.
👉 Donate to Ben’s fundraising page
👉 Learn more about the Mark Hughes Foundation
👉 Learn more about the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round
