Mudgee man’s pink tractor trek funds McGrath Foundation breast care nurse in Sydney’s south west

THE latest McGrath Foundation breast care nurse has been described as a “ray of sunshine”. And she has Mudgee real estate agent Hugh Bateman to say thanks. He rode a pink tractor around NSW to fundraise.

Hugh Bateman and Samantha Burns at Liverpool Hospital. Picture: Tim Clapin

• How Norman lost 90kg
• Love birds make nest in traffic lights
• Girl cans birthday presents to help grandad

The latest McGrath Foundation breast care nurse at Liverpool Hospital has been described as a “ray of sunshine”.

Samantha Burns has just started in the role and will cover Liverpool, Bankstown and Fairfield. She joins one other breast care nurse at Liverpool.

Mudgee real estate agent Hugh Bateman rode a pink tractor around NSW last year, raising enough money to keep her in the job for three years.

She will provide physical, psychological and emotional support from the time a ­person is diagnosed, through treatment, and to the changes in life afterwards — all provided free of charge.

“Most patients just want to talk, I want to be the ear they can chew,” she said.

Samantha Burns joins Jazelle Tannous and Hugh Bateman at Liverpool Hospital. Picture: Tim Clapin

“It’s a privilege to be with these families as they experience breast cancer.

“It’s hard to put into words how satisfying it is.”

Mr Bateman started his tractor trek with the notion of raising money for breast care nurses and increase awareness. Little did he know just how affected he’d be, hearing other breast care nurses and patients share their stories and thank him for his contribution.

“It’s gratifying to see and hear those stories,” he said.

Jazelle Tannous, 30, is currently 30 weeks pregnant and is receiving treatment at Liverpool Hospital. She discovered breast ­cancer after her 19-week obstetrician appointment. She started chemotherapy the week after and has one session to go, followed by the delivery of her second child, a mastectomy, then more chemo.

“It’ll be tough, but it’s nice to have the breast care nurses here to help,” she said.

Families in the Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool area can self-refer to the free service by contacting Ms Burns on 0472 837 382 or email [e-mail].