It’s an opportunity to showcase our cricket skills and passion to the men of the club, family and friends.
Northern Power Cricket Club has been a massive supporter of women’s cricket and being a part of Pink Stumps Day was a chance to raise awareness and funds for those going through breast cancer. Kelly Jolley, a player on their women’s team also added, “It is also an opportunity to showcase our cricket skills and passion to the men of the club, family and friends!”
The club had 150 cricket fans show their support and raised more than $15,000 this Pink Stumps Day, which brings their total to $75,000 over the past four years. But it’s not all about the fundraising for the Northern Power Cricket club when it comes to cricket, the senior ladies match was supported so well and is now the highlight of the day.
Kelly also mentions, “We have many women in the club directly and indirectly affected by breast cancer.”
Sammy Thomas, a fellow player on the women’s team owes her thanks to Norther Power Cricket Club for supporting a cause that is close to her heart. “Some of life’s greatest and most gut-wrenching moments come in the most unexpected ways.”
“At 39 years of age, the words the result is positive, you carry the BRACA 1 gene rocked me to the core. Fast forward 6 months (a double mastectomy and hysterectomy later) and I felt like the luckiest woman alive. I was able to receive treatment and go on with my life as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister and friend.”
“At 44, a friend said to me, come play cricket with us next season. This kind invitation led me to meet 11 remarkable women. Women’s cricket is about friendship, fun, support, fairness, commitment and how to respect and appreciate each other’s differences.”
“Sadly today we all seem to know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Raising awareness, supporting the McGrath Foundation and celebrating life is how we can make a positive difference.”
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.
Pink Up Your Town - Margaret River
When Debbie Noonan, a resident of the Margaret River region and owner of the award-winning Margaret River Guest House in WA, came across an email about ‘Pink Up Your Town’, she instantly knew it would be the best way to honour the memory of a close friend she had lost to breast cancer.
“At the beginning, taking part in the campaign was just about honouring my friend, but then as our committee and helpers grew, I met wonderful, courageous and strong women who are living with and fighting breast cancer every day,” said Debbie.
Under the direction of a five-member committee, ‘Pink Up Your Town’ quickly turned into ‘Pink Up Our Region’ thanks to the overwhelming support of the Margaret River community.
“As word of mouth spread, it was easy to form a committee and assign roles based on each person’s skills and comfort level.”
True to their name, the entire region pinked up for a week, hosting a number of pink-themed events.
“The whole community really got involved, and local businesses did various fundraising events like high teas, archery competitions, breast cancer awareness evenings with raffles, and so on.
“Restaurants in the region did special pink meals with part proceeds going to our fundraising total. All the local shops kept donation boxes and pinked up their display windows, and our newspaper did a best-dressed competition for our main street shops.
“The quirkiest pink attractions had to be our pink cows which made every passer-by stop for a photograph and to a have a good laugh!
“Our main event was a Pink Ball which was at the end of the week-long campaign. We also had the pleasure of having Tracy Bevan attend the Ball, which made it the perfect end to a perfect week.”
McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director Tracy Bevan was blown away by the community’s display of support.
“It was fantastic to see so many amazing ways they turned their town pink. From the cows at Cowaramup, wearing pink hats and pink feather boas, the local bakery selling pink cupcakes, and the chemist with pink bunting and pink items in their window. It really made me feel extremely emotional,” said Tracy.
With Pink Up Your Town set to return this year, Debbie has some great advice for any town pinking up for the first time.
“It only takes one small seed to be planted and from that seed, a beautiful pink town will emerge. In the beginning, take small steps, and surround yourself with like-minded and motivated people,” said Debbie.
“Your committee is the backbone, as are your foot soldiers, who drive the enthusiasm amongst the locals and businesses.
“Be open to new ideas and include the young generation. They have some wonderful ideas and great social media marketing skills.
“Be prepared to be overwhelmed with emotional stories but allow these stories to motivate and drive you to achieve the goal. And most importantly, enjoy the experience.”
