Carey family want McGrath Foundation’s SCG Pink Test against South Africa to be biggest yet

Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s wife Eloise has seen firsthand how nurses change the lives of cancer patients. Her hubby is calling on all fans to help the Aussies make a difference.

Eloise Carey has witnessed first hand how a nurse can change the life of a cancer patient.

Her husband, cricketer Alex Carey is getting ready to play in the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Test against South Africa at the SCG on Wednesday.

Working as an occupational therapist for the elderly, Ms Carey knows cancer support is more than just about treatment.

“It’s not just about the physical support of managing cancer, it’s psychological support, it’s emotional support,” she said.

“It doesn’t just help the person diagnosed with breast cancer, which is such a traumatic thing to go through but all their family as well.”

Alex Carey, McGrath Foundation Ambassador and wicketkeeper, with his wife Eloise and their kids Louis and Clementine. Picture: Tim Hunter

Going into its 15th year, the SCG match will raise money in support for people with breast cancer and breast cancer nurses in honour of former cricketer Glenn McGrath’s late wife Jane, who died in June 2008.

Since then, the event has become a big ticket event of the cricket calendar. With Covid restrictions a thing of the past, Alex Carey is hoping to attract the biggest crowds yet.

“We have a great opportunity to help make a difference just by playing cricket,” he said.

“Hopefully this test is bigger, pinker and better and raises more funds than ever in the past.

“It’s our opportunity as players to offer whatever we can to get more nurses on board.”

For Ms Carey, the best part of the test is seeing the outpouring of support the community has for the cause.

Australian wicket keeper and batsman Alex Carey wants to see the biggest crowds yet at the SCG. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Just going out and seeing tens of thousands of people all wearing pink just supporting such an amazing cause that does help so many people is really quite overwhelming,” she said.

“It is such a special day and such a special week in cricket.”

At the end of the day, the Careys want to see the spotlight on the nurses and families the Pink Test will help.

“The difference these nurses make is everything,” Ms Carey said.

“It means you’re not going through it alone, you’ve got someone experienced with so many skills, it makes such a huge difference.”

LET’S MAKE THE SCG BLUSH IN SEA OF PINK

Lachlan Leeming and Jessica McSweeney

The third cricket Test between Australia and South Africa may be a dead rubber after the Aussies swept the series in two matches – but that won’t stop a flood of supporters turning the crowd pink for the 15th annual Pink Test.

The Jane McGrath High Tea event has already sold out, while tickets to watch the clash at the SCG are being snapped up, as Dani Willis, the wife of Aussie batsman Steve Smith, urged punters to turn the ground pink.

Aussie batsman Steve Smith’s wife Dani Willis wants to see punters get as pink as possible. Picture: Jeff Williamson

“We are expecting 500 people for the high tea … not only is it a good day at the cricket, but it’s now an entire community. The whole of Australia knows about the Pink Test and Jane McGrath,” she said.

The Pink Test, the centrepiece of the partnership between Cricket Australia and the McGrath Foundation established in memory of former bowler Glenn McGrath’s wife Jane, raises funds for breast care nurses around Australia.

And the fashion advice from Willis is simple – “just get as much pink as possible.”

“I love to see how creative people get ... I saw one girl in a dress made entirely out of McGrath foundation bandannas. It’s not just putting a pink hair tie or a pink bag … people are head to toe pink,” she said.

“Just have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously, the more pink the better.”

She hopes money raised this year will help the foundation get even more breast care nurses above the 193 they already have.

“Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women ... having that extra support from someone who understands what you are going through is invaluable,” she said.