From the field to the heart — Hurricanes Alumni stand for MND

The Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust recently came together for a special fundraising dinner — a night of connection, reflection, and heartfelt giving.

Held on 31 May, the event brought together past and present Hurricanes and Hurricanes Poua players, supporters, and community leaders, raising an incredible $8,000 for Motor Neurone Disease NZ.

“For us, this cause is deeply personal,” says Mike Russell, Chair of the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust. “We honoured the memory of two of our own — #35 Jarrod Cunningham and #15 Norm Hewitt — both of whom we lost to motor neurone disease (MND). This evening continues to bind the Hurricanes whānau together.”

One of the most moving moments came when Arlene Thomas-Hewitt, Norm’s wife, spoke about the impact of MND — a powerful reminder of the courage the disease demands. She, along with Alex and Lizzie, donated Norm’s signed Wellington jersey from his final game at Athletic Park — a heartfelt tribute that made the night even more meaningful.

Ngā mihi to everyone who supported the event. Your generosity is helping make time count for people living with MND, and their whānau, across Aotearoa.