Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath has praised the staff and clients of agribusiness Elders Ltd for their efforts to assist in the employment of breast cancer care nurses in rural and regional Australia.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Elders undertook a fundraising drive specifically for the McGrath Foundation – a charity formed by Glenn and his wife Jane following Jane’s diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.

A total of $64,700 was raised throughout the Elders national network of offices and branches which hosted and organised various locally-based activities and collected donations on behalf of the McGrath Foundation for the recruitment of breast care nurses.

A cheque for the total amount raised was presented to Glenn McGrath at the Elders Adelaide office today.

On behalf of his wife Jane and the McGrath Foundation, Glenn said he was thrilled that Elders branches and offices throughout Australia had been doing what they could to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

"And we are equally appreciative of the generosity of rural communities which supported the Elders fundraising drive, especially in those areas where farming families have been doing it tough in recent times," said Glenn.

"It never ceases to amaze me how generous Australian people can be, even when they are facing their own personal challenges.

"Having grown up in the country, I also know how difficult it can be for rural people to access the services that their city counterparts have come to expect, especially when it involves medical care and support.

"That’s why this money raised by Elders is so important. Every dollar will go a long way towards providing Australian women in country areas with the care and support they deserve," said Glenn.

Elders Managing Director Greg Hunt said it was heartening to see so many people get behind the fundraising drive. "I know a lot of effort went into organising events and seeking support from local communities right across the nation," Mr Hunt said.

"Many people throughout rural Australia have been affected by breast cancer in some way or another.

"Women particularly play a vital role in rural and regional communities and we need to ensure that they have access to appropriate care when it’s needed."