Junee families reach Newcastle after gruelling 150km Big Three Trek

UNITED by heartbreak, fuelled by purpose, and driven by sheer determination, two Junee families have successfully completed the gruelling 150-kilometre The Big Three Trek — arriving at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle just in time for tonight’s NRL clash between the Newcastle Knights and the Canberra Raiders.

Before kick-off, the entire Big Three Trek crew will be honoured with a lap of honour around the stadium, cheered on by thousands of supporters as part of the official Beanies for Brain Cancer Round celebrations.

Brother and sister duo Jason Ferrario and Kylee Huard, alongside Michael Diggins, his sister Lisa Harris, and son Rhys, joined more than 60 others on the punishing three-day charity walk in support of the Mark Hughes Foundation and its fight against brain cancer.

The local crew covered the entire distance on foot—trekking through city streets, bushland, regional highways, and beachside towns—raising more than $27,000 between them for research and support services along the way.

The journey began at sunrise on Wednesday, with the group ferrying across Sydney Harbour before marching 50 kilometres north to McMasters Beach.

Thursday brought another 55 kilometres, with the crew pushing through the Central Coast to Catherine Hill Bay, rising before dawn and walking deep into the night.

On Friday, the final leg began at the Catho Pub, with just 45 kilometres left to cover.

After two days of sunshine, light rain began to fall as the trekkers neared their destination—adding one final challenge before their emotional arrival at McDonald Jones Stadium. The group paused for lunch at Liles Oval in Redhead, just 20km out, before powering through to the finish.

There were emotional scenes outside McDonald Jones Stadium as the weary but determined trekkers arrived shortly after nightfall, greeted by a wave of cheers, applause and heartfelt embraces.

Hundreds of supporters welcomed the walkers home, with tears flowing as families reunited, teammates embraced, and the significance of what had just been achieved began to sink in.

Among those celebrating the milestone were Junee’s Jason Ferrario and Kylee Huard, who walked in memory of their late brother Ricky Keast, who passed away in 2009 following a decade-long battle with brain cancer.

It’s the second time Jason has completed the walk, having first tackled the trek in 2024.

He has been documenting the journey on social media, sharing emotional updates, photos and videos that captured both the struggle and the spirit of the walk. Support has poured in from across the Riverina, with locals following along every step of the way.

IGA Junee also stepped up to support the cause, donating 40 kilograms of mixed lollies to fuel the crew through long hours on foot.

Also completing the trek for the first time were Michael Diggins, his son Rhys, and sister Lisa Harris, walking in memory of Michael’s son Zach, who lost his battle with brain cancer in 2022 at just 18 years old.

“I’m gearing up and making a difference by fundraising for a cause that’s close to my heart,” Michael said before setting off.

As of Friday morning, the 2025 Big Three Trek had raised more than $315,000, smashing its original goal of $185,000 and pushing the event’s lifetime total beyond $1 million.

Now in its fifth year, the Big Three Trek has become one of the NRL’s most powerful charity movements, aligned with the league’s Beanies for Brain Cancer Round and named in honour of its three founders, who began walking in 2021 in tribute to their late soccer coach.

As the Junee crew crossed the finish line—through tears and cheers—it was clear their mission had triumphed not just in distance, but in community, courage, and a cause that continues to inspire thousands.

You can still help our local legends by getting behind their fundraising efforts below.

Grab a raffle ticket — Over $10,000 in prizes up for grabs! rafflelink.com.au/bigthree

Donate directly to their campaigns:

• Jason & Kylee: gofundraise.com.au/page/JasonKyle-46226432
• Michael Diggins & family: gofundraise.com.au/page/TrekkingforAchyman

Every dollar helps the Mark Hughes Foundation continue life-saving brain cancer research and support.