Highlights of the Vodafone Ashes Test in Sydney

With the Sydney Pink Test over for another year, it’s time to reflect on the amazing week that was and thank everyone who helped make it happen.

We’re thrilled to announce that over $510,000 was raised for the McGrath Foundation over the five days of the Vodafone Ashes Test in Sydney, so a big thank you to everyone who donated during the Test, whether at the Ground or online, or bought some pink McGrath Foundation merchandise. We’re proud to say that all funds raised will help us place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia and increase breast awareness in young Australian women. To find out if you are one of the winners of our 2011 Pink Test Promotion, click here.

The SCG was the pinkest it’s ever been, especially on Jane McGrath Day (Day 3), so thank you to everyone who showed up to the cricket in their best pink outfits. A highlight of the whole week was when a giant pink silk featuring an image of Jane McGrath and the McGrath Foundation and Cricket Cares logos was carried through the stands and onto the field before the start of play on Day 3. It was an amazing way to honour Jane and was an extremely proud moment for the McGrath Foundation Family.

We must thank our Corporate Friends, including Cricket Australia, the SCG Trust, Cricket NSW and Vodafone, without whom the Pink Test would not have been possible, as well as our wonderful volunteers who walked miles around the SCG, collecting donations in exchange for our limited edition hot pink McGrath Foundation bandanas. Our volunteers did everything we asked with a smile on their face and it’s a credit to them that at the end of the five days we had no bandanas left.

A big thank you to England’s Barmy Army, who supported us throughout the Vodafone Ashes Series, holding pink days around the country and raising more than $25,000 in the process. We’re extremely grateful for their support, as well as the support of the Fanatics.

Finally, thanks to everyone who sent us messages of support via our website, Facebook or Twitter. We were humbled to receive support from around the world and happy we could spread our breast awareness message far and wide.

We’ve got many more exciting things planned for 2011, including the inaugural Pink Stumps Day in February, so if you’re having Pink Test withdrawals, make sure you register your cricket club today at http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/pink-stumps-day.