Glenn McGrath visits local cricket clubs

Cricket legend Glenn McGrath has visited Geelong to show his thanks for local clubs’ support of his foundation.

Glenn McGrath presented both Lara and Bell Post Hill players with playing caps. picture: Glenn Ferguson

CRICKET legend Glenn McGrath has visited Geelong to thank local clubs supporting his mission to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

Mr McGrath, whose late wife Jane died aged 42 after battling with the disease, had only ever visited Geelong once prior to Saturday’s trip.

“I enjoyed the last one and today’s been pretty special,” he said.

Mr McGrath visited Lara Cricket Club and Geelong City Cricket Club on Saturday.

Glenn McGrath with local cricketers at Lara Recreation Reserve. picture: Glenn Ferguson

Both clubs were holding Pink Stumps Day events, part of the McGrath Foundation’s largest community fundraising initiative.

The clubs were chosen from hundreds of entrants into a competition to receive a visit from the famed bowler.

Glenn McGrath celebrity bowls to Lara Cricket Club’s leading batsman. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

“Lara and Geelong City cricket clubs have been long-time supporters of the foundation, with this year being their ninth and sixth Pink Stumps Days respectively,” Mr McGrath said.

“Together they’ve raised an incredible $100,000 and we couldn’t be more grateful for their ongoing efforts.

“The fact I can come down here and thank them is absolutely incredible.”

And dreary weather couldn’t stop him from hitting the cricket pitch during his visit.

Glenn McGrath with Lara male breast cancer survivor Damian O’Malley. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

“I rolled my arm over to one of the guys,” McGrath said of his visit to Lara.

“I didn’t get him out.

“It was a bit of fun.”

Pink Stumps Day events raise money for McGrath breast care nurses in communities across Australia.

Breast care nurses provide physical and emotional support to anyone experiencing breast cancer and their families.

Glenn McGrath with young fans Zavier Hughes, Joshua, Indianna and Joel Severyn. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

Mr McGrath knows the impact they can have well.

He and Jane “first-hand” saw how they could help during a cancer battle.

At first the couple went through the journey by themselves, he said, but when Jane later had a breast care nurse, it made “such a difference”.

“It gives a little peace of mind,” Mr McGrath, who co-founded the foundation with Jane in 2005, said.

It raises funds to support people by providing specialist McGrath breast care nurses.

The foundation currently funds 135 nurses across Australia, including two at Barwon Health.

Mr McGrath said a further 24 were needed in Victoria.

“Our Pink Stumps Day campaign plays a vital role in helping us close this gap to ensure everyone has access to this important, free service,” he said.

Originally published as Glenn McGrath visits local cricket clubs