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20 years of friends, food & fundraising
Deb W, Deb P & Margaret's stories
From towns turning pink to race days and high teas, people across Australia have turned passion into purpose, uniting to support people experiencing cancer.
Deb Woolford, Pink Up Berry
When Deb Woolford lost her mum to breast cancer, the desire to make a difference never left her heart. For years, she looked for a meaningful, personal way to give back, and she found it in the form of Pink Up Berry. Starting in Mudgee back in 2016, Pink Up Your Town is a powerful community initiative. It unites families and friends in towns across Australia every October to raise awareness and vital funds for McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.
Deb launched Berry’s own version of the day in 2019, together with a small but passionate committee of six. “After Mum passed, I knew I wanted to do something that honoured her and help others walking a similar path. I wanted to help make an impact, fundraise and create volunteer opportunities in our town where everyone could be part of it.”
From pink shopfronts to themed community events, barefoot bowls days to pink trivia nights, the campaign brings the town together through a shared purpose – fun and fundraising. Last year alone, Pink Up Berry raised $76,000, with more than 70 passionate volunteers getting behind the cause.
Margaret Watson, Pacing for Pink
Since 2010, Margaret Watson and the dedicated team at the Shepparton Harness Racing Club have hosted Pacing for Pink. The beloved annual event sees the thrill of racing meet the heart of the community on the racetrack. It’s a spectacular celebration marked by an outpouring of colour, care and community generosity. The racetrack is adorned in pink, and pink racing pants are worn by over 210 drivers.
“The pink pants have become such a beautiful symbol,” says Margaret. “When you see all the drivers out on the track wearing them, it’s incredibly moving. It’s our way of saying, ‘We see you. We support you.’ ”
Beyond the racetrack, the annual Pacing for Pink Luncheon is a much-loved highlight, bringing guests and community members together for a fancy meal, heartfelt moments and high-energy fundraising. Pacing for Pink continues to grow year on year with the local community consistently rallying behind the event, last year alone raising over $150,000 for the McGrath Foundation.
Deb Patterson, Deb & Jen’s High Tea
After seeing Jane and Tracy’s High Tea featured during the Pink Test cricket broadcast, Deb Patterson was inspired to host one of her own. In 2014, with her close friend, Jen, she launched her first event in Benalla, a regional town in Victoria. Their goal was simple: to create a beautiful afternoon where family and friends could come together to raise vital funds for the McGrath Foundation.
“Everyone is touched by cancer in some way, and we really take pride in creating space for connection whilst raising money,” says Deb. Over time, Deb & Jen’s High Tea has turned into not just an annual event, but a support network too. Since the first high tea, three of their guests have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
While facing her own experience with kidney cancer, Deb didn’t have access to a specialised cancer care nurse during her treatment. Which is why she’s so moved to see the McGrath Foundation expand its care. Over the last 10 years, Deb & Jen’s High Tea has raised over $12,000 for the McGrath Foundation.
“Pacing for Pink isn’t just about the races, it’s about honouring the people we’ve lost, supporting those still fighting, and standing together as a community.”
- Margaret Watson
At the heart of the McGrath Foundation’s extraordinary journey is Kerry Patford, one of the original McGrath Cancer Care Nurses who has since risen to become the Foundation’s Chief Nurse.
Over the last 20 years, McGrath Cancer Care Nurses have been a lifeline in regional and rural Australia, providing expert care, hope, and support to families during their toughest times.
20 years ago, Tracy Bevan sat beside her best friend, Jane McGrath, sharing tears, laughter, and what felt like an impossible dream.
More than 20 years ago, Alison Szwajcer met Jane McGrath. Alison was Jane’s breast care nurse, a humble but unforgettable presence who entered Jane’s life when her cancer returned and metastasised in 2006.