Frannie's Day
Kelly’s end goal is to fund a McGrath Breast Care Nurse in honour of her mum.
Clear the second Sunday of September in your calendar, as the annual Frannie’s day takes place. Frannie’s day is run by the amazing Kelly English, who hosts this fabulous barefoot, fancy dress bowls event.
Fran, Kelly’s mum, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. After a mastectomy, numerous treatments and radiotherapy she was given the all clear however the cancer later returned, spreading in an inoperable and undetected way, and sadly Fran passed away at the age of 53.
After hearing about Jane McGrath’s breast cancer experience and the work the McGrath Foundation does, Kelly said “there is no other charity I would have worked with, helping people already diagnosed with breast cancer, that is everything.”
“Frannie’s day was an event that was meant to be a one off but I’m now in my 13th year. Think fancy dress, lunch, entertainment, raffles and auctions. Around 150 people show up each year, and even more to the raffle, and it means a lot to me as most people knew mum.”
Feather boas, fairy wings and men in pink tutus are some of the things you can expect to see at this event. With the Kids doing the most important job, cheering everyone on and collecting the donations.
To ensure a smooth event the planning starts in February, but Kelly expresses the difficulties she faces in finding donations for her auction and also in holding back the tears “which is a fail every single year!’ Frannie’s day is perfect the way it is. I imagine mum being there in spirit on the day, at the bar with a drink in her hand and a big smile.”
“My dad and I were able to support my mum throughout her treatments, but I realise many others will have to go through cancer alone. That is why we like to support The McGrath Foundation’s mission to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse.”
The future for Kelly is to meet her pledge to “fight for people with breast cancer and a personal goal is to fund a McGrath Breast Care Nurse in her mums name.”
Kelly’s fundraising spirit is inspiring everyone around her including her daughter as she is arranging a pink swim to raise more funds. Kelly herself is planning to hold more events like the Bunnings BBQ and wants to thank her local community who have supported her fundraising throughout the years.
With a current fundraising total of $60,621 through years of fundraising, Kelly and her community are contributing to McGrath Foundations goal of 250 breast care nurses by 2025! “Cancer hasn’t won because look at what we are doing!” Kelly said.
