Punching for a Cure 2026.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Punching for a Cure 2026.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
One million punches for WA kids fighting cancer.
Donations matched by
This year, the Pitts family are stepping into the ring after facing the unthinkable – all three of their daughters, living with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), have battled tumours. They’ll be punching alongside PCH’s Professor Nick Gottardo as team Triple Knockout, raising vital funds for childhood cancer research.
On March 5 – 6, almost 400 participants will take part in PCHF’s Punching for a Cure at Rumble Boxing Subiaco. This high-energy fitness challenge aims to hit an ambitious one million punch target, surpass last year’s total, and raise more than $400,000 for WA kids facing cancer.
Over 70 teams will punch non-stop for two hours, joined by Perth-based Olympic boxer Yusuf Chothia, former Wallabies star Nic White and much-loved PCHF mascot Stitches the Bear.
While around 80% of children now survive cancer, it remains the leading cause of disease-related death among Australian children. Funds raised by PCHF will support groundbreaking childhood cancer research, from expanding clinical trials and training future paediatric oncology leaders, to establishing Australia’s first Aboriginal-led childhood cancer research program and investing in cutting-edge equipment.
Among the participants is the Pitts family, whose three daughters are living with NF1, a genetic condition that can cause tumours to develop on the brain, spinal cord and nerves. In an extraordinarily rare and devastating situation, all three girls have faced tumours.
Matilda, 15, recently completed intensive treatment for a spinal tumour the size of an orange, undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy. She is set to mark the end of her treatment alongside her sister Danika, 10, who is now stable and has been off treatment for two years after responding to an innovative oral targeted therapy tablet. Their sister Georgia, 13, also continues to undergo regular monitoring for a low-grade, benign brain tumour.
PCHF CEO, Carrick Robinson said Punching for a Cure was about standing shoulder to shoulder with families facing the unimaginable.
“While survival rates have improved, they’ve stalled in recent years, and our vision is for every child with cancer to survive and thrive.”
“These kids deserve newer, gentler treatments. Funds raised for PCHF through Punching for a Cure are critical to fast-tracking cancer discoveries and ensuring new therapies can be accessed right here in WA, so no family has to travel interstate or overseas for life-saving treatment.”
Funds will support the newly formed WA Comprehensive Kids Cancer Centre, which brings together the clinical excellence delivered at PCH and the research expertise of The Kids Research Institute Australia and The University of Western Australia. The Centre aims to transform outcomes for kids with cancer by discovering better treatments that improve both survival and quality of life.
Natasha Pitts said the girls are “so excited to punch alongside Dr Nick” at this year’s event, adding that their journey highlights the need for more targeted, less toxic treatments for children facing cancer.
