- The McGrath Foundation has announced a major change
- Annual Pink Test begins on Friday at the SCG
For sixteen years the Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground has been raising money for the McGrath Foundation, a breast cancer charity, but this year there is a big change to the famous match.
The entire SCG is dyed pink each year in honor of Jane, the late wife of cricket legend Glenn McGrath, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2008 at the age of 42.
Around half of Australians will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, so the McGrath Foundation has announced it will no longer limit itself to just helping those suffering from one form of the disease.
Starting in 2025, the foundation will focus on all types of cancer; This year’s fundraiser aims to sell 350,000 Virtual Pink Seats.
Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said: “The Pink Test has always been a very special moment in the cricket calendar.” “We are delighted to support Glenn on this momentous occasion and continue our partnership with the McGrath Foundation to help them take their care even further.”
Holly Masters, chief executive of the McGrath Foundation, said: ‘Mcgrath Cancer Care nurses will provide free clinical, psychosocial and emotional support to people and their families across Australia. Ensuring greater equity in cancer care is our driving force and the Pink Test is just the beginning.’
Most Australians have a story of how cancer has affected their lives in some way, and the country’s best cricketers are no different.
The McGrath Foundation, with the support of Cricket Australia, has announced it will move its focus beyond breast cancer (pictured, Glenn McGrath, left, and Australian captain Pat Cummins at the SCG on New Year’s Day)
The entire SCG turns pink every year in honor of cricket legend Glenn McGrath’s late wife Jane (pictured with the former fast bowler)
Mary, the mother of Captain Pat Cummins She died of breast cancer in May last year, and the cricket legend has said it was the most difficult period of her life and completely changed her perspective on her priorities.
‘In a way, it really makes you focus on what I think is important. “It’s family, it’s enjoyment, it’s trying to find joy in life and I think it’s been a slight change in the way I’ve approached playing and touring and it’s given me that real mentality of order,” Cummins said. News Corporation.
“When you go out, all you want is to play well and of course there will be pressure, but you must not forget that what mom and dad used to tell us every time we went to play when we were kids, was go and enjoy it. Do your best , but make sure you enjoy it.
‘I try to remember that every time I go on tour or play.
‘No matter what you choose to do, there is always an opportunity cost. And I think in recent years that’s probably rung true.
“That’s when you go on tour and you’re missing maybe moments or family moments. “It’s a deliberate choice, so make sure you make the most of that tour or that match if it makes sense.”
Cummins has made the big decision to spend more time at home after the birth of his second child, even if it means he will have to miss Test cricket for Australia.
The Australian Test skipper is expecting his second child with his wife Becky in January or early February, around the time the Australians are scheduled to play two Tests against Sri Lanka.
The McGrath Foundation has become one of Australia’s most recognized and respected charities, and occupies a prominent place in the country’s cricket world.
Gordon, the father of fellow Australian cricketer Alex Carey, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2021, and the Australian star is happy the foundation now offers support for all types of cancer.
‘Expanding it to all cancers will certainly help many families in Australia. Our family has been affected by cancer through Dad and I think the main thing we remember is the help he received and the support he received during that period from the nurses and doctors. So expanding it will mean a lot in Australia,” Carey said.
‘(Dad) is fine now. Fortunately it is improving. With the uncertainty of what will come next, I think that is where the McGrath Foundation is so special, not only on the medical side but also in the support that not only the patient, but also their families need.
“You form really incredible relationships with people from that era… and Dad still talks to many of the nurses and doctors who helped him in that early period.”