Back on the Trek: Junee families lace up for loved ones lost to brain cancer

TWO Junee families will once again put their bodies on the line this weekend, joining a record field of 85 trekkers walking 150 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle in the fight against brain cancer.

The annual Big Three Trek begins on Friday and will see participants cover the gruelling distance over three days before arriving at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday for the NRL clash between the Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers.

Among them will be brother and sister Jason Ferrario and Kylee Huard, along with Michael Diggins, his wife Lisa, their son Rhys, Michael’s sister Lisa Harris and her son Charlie, all carrying deeply personal reasons for taking part.

The trek forms part of the NRL’s 10th anniversary Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, which has helped raise almost $30 million through the Mark Hughes Foundation since 2017.

For Jason and Kylee, every kilometre is walked in memory of their brother, Rick Keast.

The family was devastated in 2009 when Rick lost his life to brain cancer after a courageous battle spanning more than a decade.

“We were heartbroken in 2009 when our big brother, Rick, lost his courageous battle with brain cancer, having fought it off 10 years prior,” they said.

Jason Ferrario is lining up for his third Trek in honour of his late brother, Rick Keast (pictured) | Image: Supplied

“We are always motivated by the courage he showed throughout his battle. He is greatly missed by family and friends every day.”

For Jason, this year’s event marks his third consecutive Big Three Trek, having first taken on the challenge in 2024.

He was joined for the first time last year by his sister, Kylee, who has again signed on for the gruelling 150-kilometre journey.

After completing the trek together in 2025, the pair are preparing to tackle the challenge again this weekend, motivated by Rick’s courage and the hope that increased research funding will one day lead to a cure.

“We enjoyed every minute of fundraising and the trek itself in 2025 and can’t wait to be involved again in The Big Three Trek 6.0 in 2026,” they said.

Jason Ferrario with sister Kylee Huard on last year’s Big Three Trek | Image: Supplied

Jason has spent months rallying support across the Riverina, selling raffle tickets and seeking donations from local businesses and community organisations.

In recent weeks, venues including Junee Diesels, Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club, Junee Hotel, Commercial Hotel Junee, Red Cow Hotel, Junee Bakery, Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Wagga Brothers Rugby League Club and Junee IGA have all thrown their support behind the fundraising effort.

Junee IGA manager Shane Willis and his team also donated 60 kilograms of party mix lollies to help fuel trekkers during the 150-kilometre challenge.

Junee IGA has donated 60kg of lollies to help fuel this year’s trekkers | Image: Supplied

Brain cancer remains one of Australia’s deadliest cancers, killing more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. One Australian is diagnosed every five hours.

For the Diggins family, the walk honours the memory of beloved son, brother and nephew Zach Diggins.

Zach was just 12 years old when doctors delivered the devastating diagnosis of a grade four astrocytoma wrapped around his spinal cord.

Given an 18-month life expectancy, he underwent major surgery involving the insertion of two rods, two anchor bars and 12 screws in his spine before beginning radiotherapy treatment at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Zach was given a prognosis of just two years when the tumour was discovered in his back at the age of 12 – he lived until he was 18 | Images: Supplied

Despite the prognosis, Zach refused to let cancer define him. He embraced life, discovered a passion for music and built a reputation as an inspiring DJ after football and touch football were no longer possible.

But shortly after his 18th birthday, the family received another devastating blow when scans revealed the tumour had returned.

Following further surgery, radiotherapy and rehabilitation, Zach initially recovered well before the cancer spread to the base of his brain stem.

He died in October 2022, but his legacy continues to inspire those closest to him.

Rhys Diggins, Michael Diggins and Lisa Harris during the Big Three Trek in 2025 | Image: Supplied

Zach’s father, Michael Diggins, brother, Rhys, and aunt, Lisa Harris, completed the Big Three Trek in his honour for the first time last year.

They will return this weekend, joined by Lisa’s son, Charlie Harris, while Lisa Diggins will be part of the support crew.

“Zach willingly donated his tumours and blood to research,” the family said.

“The Big Three Trek allows us, his family, the opportunity to raise much-needed funds towards brain cancer research and support anyone on their brain cancer journey in his honour.”

From left; Junee’s Michael Diggins, Jason Ferrario, Rhys Diggins, Lisa Harris and Kylee Huard after completing the Big Three Trek in 2025 | Image: Supplied

As the Junee families prepare to tackle 150 kilometres in just three days, every step will be taken in memory of Rick and Zach, while helping fund research that could one day spare other families from the same heartbreak.

The Junee contingent is also running a mega raffle featuring more than $12,000 worth of prizes in support of the trek.

Tickets are $5 each, with all proceeds going directly towards brain cancer research, awareness and support through the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Donations can also be made through the trekkers’ fundraising pages below:

• Jason & Kylee: https://bigthreetrek6.gofundraise.com.au/page/JasonKylee
• The Diggins Family: https://bigthreetrek6.gofundraise.com.au/page/TeamDiggins