Laura Kelly

In April 2025, I lost one of my best mates — my beautiful three-year-old son, Noah — to brain cancer. No parent is ever prepared for that sentence to become part of their story. Yet here I am, turning heartbreak into purpose by fundraising for the Mark Hughes Foundation and taking on the 8-day Larapinta Trail trek through the Northern Territory in Noah’s honour.

Brain cancer is the second most common cancer in children and kills more children than any other disease. Those who survive are often left facing serious, lifelong health challenges. In the oncology community, time is a luxury many parents simply don’t get. Cancer stole my joy — and during Noah’s illness, it stole countless little moments from us every single day.

Our journey felt like a constant sprint up an unforgiving mountain, a feral beast always at our heels. And yet, through it all, Noah smiled. He laughed. He danced with the nurses and asked for Bluey stickers like it was any other Tuesday. His life may have been short, but I squeezed every bit of love, laughter, and meaning out of it. He inspired me daily with his bravery and resilience. I am so incredibly proud of the way he endured both the beauty and the pain of treatment.

Every child deserves the chance to grow up and grow old. To plan exciting futures, chase their dreams, and fulfil their potential. But cancer cuts life short for hundreds of children every year before they’ve had the chance to make their mark.

I'm fundraising because children can’t fight cancer alone and am  fundraising in honour of Noah — and in hope that within this lifetime, we will find a cure for childhood brain cancer.

There is so much more to be done to push boundaries, drive research, and inspire real change. If sharing our story helps bring us one step closer to that future, then Noah’s light continues to shine.

My goal is to raise $10,000, and every donation—big or small—will help me reach that target. Your support will go directly towards critical research, patient support programs, and other vital resources that MHF provide.

Thank you so much for your generosity and support!