Tracy Bevan steps up to bat for the McGrath Foundation with a fundraiser that’s super sweet

Ambassador and director of the McGrath Foundation, and Collaroy local Tracy Bevan is proudly keeping the promise she made to her best friend Jane McGrath

Manly Hospital where Tracy Bevan (R) promoting high teas for the McGrath foundation with McGrath clinical nurse consultant Elaine Arnold.

When Jane McGrath lost her battle with breast cancer, her best friend Tracy Bevan made her a promise.

“When Jane died (in 2008) I promised I would continue her legacy,” said Ms Bevan, Ambassador and Director of the McGrath Foundation.

True to her promise, the McGrath Foundation will hold it’s annual Signature High Tea event in Sydney on September 30 to raise funds for the dedicated McGrath Breast Care Nurses providing care across Australia.

Manly Hospital where Tracy Bevan (R) promoting high teas for the McGrath foundation with McGrath clinical nurse consultant Elaine Arnold.

The event was started by the close friends in 2006.

“Jane and I were lucky enough to go to The Ritz as cricket wives and have high tea. We thought how lovely it would be to do something like that to raise money for charity,” said Ms Bevan.

“The first one was in Manly, and it was such a hit. Now we hold two a year — one in Sydney and one in Melbourne.

Ms Bevan said that despite the serious subject matter, the day was always fun.

“Both men and women come along and enjoy a day in a fun environment and indulge in sweet treats.

Tracy Bevan is raising funds for the McGrath Foundation’s breast care nurses

“Jane used to say that chocolate has no calories if it’s for charity! It’s a lovely way to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.”

There are currently 110 McGrath Breast Care nurses in Australia, who have supported 47,000 families through breast cancer.

“Every dollar raised helps to continue funding our nurses,” said Ms Bevan.

Manly McGrath Breast Care Nurse Elaine Arnold said her role allowed women with breast cancer to get the best possible support.

Tracy Bevan with Jane McGrath

“As a McGrath Breast Care Nurse, I make a difference for my patient every day by relieving anxiety and encouraging self-belief.

“Breast cancer is very complicated and there’s always crossroads in the type of treatment you can choose to receive. As a McGrath Breast Care Nurse, we educate and empower our patients to make informed decisions about what’s right for them,” Ms Arnold said.

“We then act as a liaison between the various medical practitioners to ensure a patient’s treatment is as streamlined and worry-free as possible.”

Details: The Signature High Tea will be held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on September 30, from 11am to 2pm. Tickets are available at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au