For 13 years, Frannie’s Day has been an annual highlight for Kelly English and her close-knit community. Kelly started the barefoot fancy dress bowls event as a way to honour her mum Fran, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. After a mastectomy and numerous treatments, she was given the all-clear however, the cancer later returned and sadly Fran passed away at the age of 53.
“Frannie’s Day was an event that was meant to be a one-off, but we just held our 13th annual event. Think fancy dress, lunch, entertainment, raffles and auctions. Around 150 people show up each year, and even more to the raffle, and it means a lot to me as most people knew Mum.”
After learning about McGrath Breast Care Nurses, Kelly knew that turning pink and raising funds for the McGrath Foundation was the perfect way to honour and celebrate the life of her Mum.
“There is no other charity I would have worked with. Helping people already diagnosed with breast cancer, that is everything,” said Kelly.
“My dad and I were able to support my Mum throughout her treatments, but I realise many others will have to go through cancer alone. That is why we like to support the McGrath Foundation’s mission to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse.”
Kelly’s fundraising spirit is inspiring everyone around her, including her daughter who held a pink swim fundraiser earlier this year. Together their focus remains firmly on the future and their goal of funding a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.
“Including the Frannie’s Day fundraising page and my daughter’s swim that she did in May, we hit the $65,000 mark in 13 years. It was perfect weather on the day too – Mum always brings the sun, every year without fail,” said Kelly.
Having already begun planning for next year’s Frannie’s Day, Kelly and her community are well on their way to reaching their incredible goal and helping to ensure no one misses out on care.
“Breast cancer won’t win. It didn’t win by taking my Mum. All it did was make me more determined than ever to take a stand.
“I think people just need to put themselves aside for a minute and take a look at the impact fundraisers have on supporting those in need. It doesn’t take a lot of effort. My event does because it’s in Mum’s name so I put the extra effort in, but anyone can fundraise with a pinked up event from a local sports day, trivia night, Bunnings BBQ, Mum’s group morning tea, park dog walk in pink for a donation – anything will work and every donation adds up,” shared Kelly.
Pink is the Colour of October!
Host a Pink Stumps Day, Pink Up Your Town or fundraise your way this Breast Cancer Awareness Month (1-31 Oct) and do it in Pink to show your support for those experiencing breast cancer.
Your support will move us closer towards a future where no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.
