Her uncle who lives in Kurri was only 29 years of age and faced an uncertain future.

Since then he has had two operations and one lot of radio therapy, and at the moment he is stable.

So when Ellie’s Mum, Belinda Bailey, became aware of the Mark Hughes Foundation and the upcoming ‘Wear a Beanie for Brain Cancer Awareness fundraiser’, she decided to get her daughter’s pre-school involved.

Ellie attends Singleton’s Skallywags pre-school and they immediately jumped on board.

Much to Belinda’s surprise when Mark and his wife Kiralee heard about this he offered to visit the pre-school and show his support.

Mark, a former Kurri boy and Newcastle Knights Rugby League player  was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013.

He turned up to Scallywags on Thursday morning and told The Singleton Argus that the community is really getting behind the fundraiser.

Mark came up with the concept that was intially aimed at schools to raise awareness but now  he says the whole community including many businesses are supporting the idea.

“Beanies and brain cancer seemed to fit perfectly together,” he said.

Mrs Bailey was thrilled that Mark was able to visit the pre-school and pose for some photgraphs with the children.

“I have always tried to put a positive spin on Matt’s diagnosis and have encouraged both my daughters to raise money and awareness around the issue,” she explained.

“It is the least funded in terms of cancer research and the biggest killer of people under 39 and children under 10.”

 “This is a cause that is close to our hearts as we always support our families in any way we can,” Scallywags Group Leader, Steph Moore said.

Steph also knows Matt and is encouraging all the children to wear a beanie any day next week and bring along a gold coin donation for this worthy cause.

“If any other members of the community or businesses wish to donate they can also come to Scallywags between 8am and 5.30pm and do so,” she said.

The Mark Hughes Foundation has been formed to raise much needed funds to promote research, heighten awareness and support brain cancer patients and their families within the community.

Organisations in the Hunter Region are invited to participate in the ‘Wear your Beanie for Brain Cancer Awareness Day". 

It is to  held next week from Monday  July, 28 to Friday August, 1 on a day nominated by  the individual organisation.

 Each person who wears a beanie will be asked to make a gold coing donation for the Mark Hughes Foundation. 

All funds raised go directly to Brain Cancer Research at Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).