Glenn McGrath reveals bold new vision for Jane McGrath Foundation
Glenn McGrath has raised millions of dollars promoting cancer awareness and care through the Jane McGrath Foundation but it’s just the starting of the Test legend’s vision.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Jane McGrath Day turns the SCG pink every January, now Glenn McGrath wants the entire nation to jump on board.
McGrath has vowed to turn Day 3 of the Pink Test into a national event to raise funds and awareness for cancer.
The legendary Australian fast bowler has devoted endless hours to promoting cancer awareness and care in honour of his late wife through the Jane McGrath Foundation since its inception in 2005.
Stream the AUS v NZ Domain Test Series LIVE & Ad-Break Free During Play on KAYO with FOX CRICKET’s unmatched commentary line-up. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
During this period, McGrath has hired 135 breast care nurses across the country.
The foundation reaches over 75,000 families, but McGrath says there is still work to be done.
“We need 120 more nurses around Australia,” McGrath told The Daily Telegraph.
“There are still a lot of families that don’t have access to a breast care nurse.
“With the support we will field in the next two or three years, it would be incredible to achieve.
“But this is just the start.
“The day gets bigger and better every year. Who knows where it is going to go.
“I’d love to see Jane McGrath Day where Australia as a country turns pink.
“I think that is achievable as well.
“The support we’ve received from people and companies throughout the year has been incredible.”
75 per cent of McGrath breast cancer nurses are based in regional areas.
As a Narromine boy, McGrath couldn’t be prouder to see the impact he is making in country communities.
“I understand it is tough out in the bush,” he said.
“The services aren’t quite as available as they are in the major cities. “It’s why I’ve been really focused on reaching regional Australia. We’ve seen our tough it is with the drought and now the bushfires.
“I’d love to see Jane McGrath Day where Australia as a country turns pink”
“It was Jane’s dream that any person, anywhere in Australia going through breast cancer had access to a free breast cancer nurse no matter where they live.
“We originally had one breast care nurse that looked after half of NSW, now there are nurses in Parkes, Mudgee and two in Dubbo.”
The Jane McGrath Day has been running for 12 years, but it is still an emotional occasion for McGrath.
He is kept busy throughout the day doing talks and promotions, but he always takes some time out to soak up the atmosphere.
“There is so much going on and you can just go through the motions, but I had a little bit of time in between interviews to see everyone going past in pink,” he said.
“You get comments like, ‘good luck for the day’.
“For what has been created, it is incredible.
“I can’t think of another sporting event that has teamed up with a foundation and been supported the way it has.
“To create something like this is very special. I’m very proud.”