Iconic rugby league broadcaster David Morrow has sent a message praising Mark Hughes as the NRL gets behind the Beanies for Brain Cancer round for an eighth time.
Morrow stepped down from his role on 2GB’s Continuous Call Team in February to focus on his treatment for brain cancer, marking the end of his 52-year media career.
The 70-year-old remains an avid supporter of the Mark Hughes Foundation, which aims to help raise funds and awareness to help fight the disease.
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Hughes is a rugby league great who survived brain cancer and continues to partner with the NRL in hopes of making a change for the underfunded research towards finding a solution for the disease.
More than one million beanies have been sold since the first Beanie for Brain Cancer round, with over $30 million raised for brain cancer research and patient support.
“The Beanie for Brain cancer round has really propelled us to another level,” Hughes told 2GB’s Continuous Call Team.
“The support we get from the whole community, particularly the rugby league community, at this time is overwhelming.
“You read out those stats… It keeps me motivated because we have got tot improve these things for so many people.”
Morrow, who worked calling first-grade rugby league games for 44 years, sent a message to 2GB listeners and Mark Hughes on Sunday.
“To all the continuous call team listeners, this is just a message from David Morrow wishing you all the best – especially you Mark, and the foundation, and all those who get behind the foundation,” he began.
“I can’t understand what some of you have been through, but I can now.
“I’m doing okay, as well as can be expected as they would say in doctors’ terminology.
“I tell you what it’s tough. It’s a tough road to row.
“I thank you Mark for everything you have done. You’ve helped so many people to lift their spirits and try to find a way to beat this unbelievable, hideous disease.
“Honestly, thanks for all your support and everyone else who has given me support… without them I’m not sure we would’ve even got this far. I’m lucky, I really am so lucky.
“Thanks for all your support and please support the Mark Hughes Foundation. Every cent counts towards the most underfunded research program in Australia. We need it.”
Hughes was left in disbelief after hearing the recording, stating that experiences like Morrow’s with brain cancer “is the reason why [the MHF] keeps going.”
“David has always been a huge supporter of what I’ve been doing. I always look forward to hearing and talking to him every year,” Hughes said.
“That’s hard listening that and that’s the reality of brain cancer. It’s devastating to me and everyone listening. It’s why we keep going with this [initiative].
“It’s the absolute worst. I just want to stop it. I’ve had a gutful – I just need to crack the code to this thing. I’m not going to stop.
“I know some people probably think, ‘Oh, this bloke’s back on again this year and he just raves on, and we can’t get rid of him’, but I hope you’re not going to get rid of me because I want to stick around and see this to the end myself so that the Morrow family and so many other families don’t have to go through this garbage.
Hughes confirmed that his journey fighting the disease is “going great.”
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”I’m doing great mate. I’m just so grateful. I feel fit, I’m healthy, I get scans every five months. I’m going unbelievably (well),” he said.
“From 10 years ago to being here now and to be going so well is just amazing. I’m going to keep running with the ball. I’ve got a good crack at this.
“I’m representing people like David and so many others that don’t get the opportunities that I’m getting.”