Australian cricket team and the McGrath Foundation: together, making a difference at the 3 mobile Test

The Australian cricket team was today joined by two McGrath Foundation Breast Care nurses at the SCG as the 3 mobile Test in Sydney turns pink to support the placing of further breast care nurses around the country.

McGrath Foundation Chairman Glenn McGrath presented each Australian player with a specially-made baggy pink cap from Albion, as nurses Bronnie Taylor and Catrina Ross joined the traditional SCG team photo.

Catrina Ross works as a McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse at Hornsby, Manly, Mona Vale and Ryde hospitals, while Bronnie Taylor is a McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse for Cooma Cancer Services.

Bronnie Taylor’s experience in rural NSW has given her a first-hand look at the important role Breast Care Nurses play:

“Many of the women and families that I see already have to travel some distance for their treatment and, in all honesty, I have seen this affect women’s decisions on what treatment they will take. By being a McGrath Breast Care Nurse, right there, on the ground, I can give them whatever support they need, be that advice on the side effects of some medicines right through to recipes to try for food that they and their family may be able to eat.”

Last year’s inaugural pink 3 mobile Test saw just on $580 000 donated to the McGrath Foundation and McGrath has seen the difference that these funds have made:

“It was such a humbling experience to think that people wanted to really help Jane achieve her goals of a Breast Care Nurse for every family affected by breast cancer and increased breast awareness among younger women. To this end everyone can feel really proud that our McGrath Breast Care Nurse numbers have gone from 7 this time last year to 53 this year – which is an incredible achievement. The reality is though that there are still plenty of communities out there who need their own McGrath Breast Care Nurse and so we are continuing to try and raise the necessary funds to support their placement."

Players Test shirts will see the 3 mobile logo go pink along with the players number and initials, while for the first time the McGrath Foundation logo will feature on the collar of the playing shirt.

It is these unique limited edition shirts that will be worn and then signed by the Australian players, that fans will go into the draw to win by donating to the McGrath Foundation at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au during the match.

“Again, this year anyone who donates to the Foundation via our website at any point during the match, will go into the draw to win one of the signed players shirts from Day 1 of the Test – the difference being that this year the shirts carry our logo on the collar making them truly unique and definitely an amazing collector’s item!” McGrath said.

The ‘pink’ 3 mobile Test will see a number of activities and events that will aim to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women and funds for breast care nurses:

-Day 1 will see McGrath Foundation volunteers selling pink bandanas for $3, with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation.

-3 mobile will be turning their on-field signage, fence signage and the stumps pink, while in addition 3 mobile volunteers will be distributing Pink Zinc to fans throughout the ground in return for a gold coin donation to make the SCG even pinker than last summer’s successful effort from fans.

-Fans can get involved with a range of McGrath Foundation merchandise available for sale at the SCG, including polo shirts, caps, flags and even pink wigs with a percentage of proceeds going to the Foundation.

-McGrath Foundation friends including NRL star David Williams, Australian netballer Catherine Cox, Commonwealth Bank Southern Star Lisa Sthalekar along with former cricket stars McGrath and Michael Bevan will be cooking a BBQ for fans in the public section of the SCG on Day 3 as Ladies Day become Jane McGrath Day.

Tickets to the Jane McGrath High Tea on January 5 can be purchased on by completing the booking form which is available at www.scgt.nsw.gov.au.

Tickets to the 3 Mobile Test can be bought from Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or at www.ticketek.com.au.

About the McGrath Foundation

The McGrath Foundation was co-founded by Jane and Glenn McGrath. The Foundation provides funding for McGrath Breast Care Nurses nationally, with particular emphasis on rural and regional areas across the country. Each McGrath Breast Care Nurse is funded for a minimum of three years. To date there are 53 McGrath Breast Care Nurses nationally.

3 Mobile’s ‘Pink Zinc’ campaign

3 mobiles ‘Pink Zinc’ campaign features a number of fund raising activities across the 3 mobile Test Series with 3 donating all proceeds to the McGrath Foundation.  Show your support by:

1. Purchasing the 3 mobile Men of Cricket calendar priced $29.95 from 3 mobile stores, online via 3’s dedicated website www.three.com.au/menofcricket and at 3 mobile Test Series matches.

2. Purchase Pink Zinc sun cream for a gold coin donation at the 3 mobile Test Series or at your nearest 3 store

3. Or simply text PINK to 19 33 63 to make a $3 donation to the McGrath Foundation (Telstra customers deduct $1.10 service fee. Not available to Optus & Virgin customers.)