Hendrix Schmidt is proof that you don't have to be grown up to do something extraordinary.
The seven-year-old St Patrick's Primary School student's heartfelt mission to honour a loved one lost to brain cancer inspired his entire Swansea school community to rally.
Even Newcastle Knights assistant coach Danny Buderus got in on the action on Friday, when the school held a Beanie for Brain Cancer fundraiser in support of the Mark Hughes Foundation.
"I wanted to organise this event because somebody special to me was affected by brain cancer," Hendrix said.
"This made me want to raise money to help support and hopefully find a cure.
"We're doing a beanie fundraiser for the Mark Hughes people and to help with brain cancer and to find medicine so brain cancer can be treated."
The Mark Hughes Foundation raises much-needed funds for research, creates awareness and supports brain cancer patients and their families.
Hendrix wrote a heartfelt letter to his principal, Lucy Harvey, asking if the school would support the fundraiser, and to local businesses to sponsor raffle prizes.
Ms Harvey said she thought it was a "wonderful idea" and praised Hendrix for thinking of others.
"Today is about celebrating leadership and compassion," she said.
"Hendrix, who is in year two, has shown incredible initiative in organising this fundraiser to support the Mark Hughes Foundation and raise awareness of brain cancer," Ms Harvey said.
"For such a young student, this level of empathy and leadership is something we are incredibly proud of.
"He has been inspired by a personal connection which has made this cause very meaningful for him. Hendrix's leadership is inspiring other students to think beyond themselves and make a difference."
The day included a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses and sporting organisations. The school community raised more than $3260 for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Mr Buderus said Hendrix's efforts were "inspiring".
"It's awesome," Mr Buderus said.
"He did a great job, you can see where he is going in life. You can see he's going to be a real leader in his community, he's already a leader here at his school at such a young age, so you've got to give kudos to mum and dad and especially the school for how they're bringing their students through."
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Students were encouraged to wear a beanie and their favourite footy jersey and bring along a gold coin donation to support the foundation.
This year marks the 10th National Rugby League (NRL) and Mark Hughes Foundation anniversary Beanie for Brain Cancer Round across round 17 of the Telstra Premiership this week.
Across the nine Beanie Rounds to date, rugby fans have helped raise $29.7 million through the sale of more than 1.3 million beanies.
