The Sydney Cricket Ground transformed into a sea of pink during The Ashes in a touching breast cancer fundraiser to mark 10 years since the passing of Jane McGrath.
Cricket legend Glenn McGrath, 47, was glowing with pride as he watched thousands of pink-wearing sports fans descend on the SCG on Saturday to honour his late wife’s cancer battle.
The ‘Pink Test’ on the third day of The Ashes Test – which used to be Ladies Day – is now Jane McGrath Day, and raises much-needed funds to fulfill Glenn’s goal of having a breast cancer nurse in every corner of Australia.
Cricket legend Glenn McGrath, 47, (Pictured with wife and children) was glowing with pride as he watched thousands of pink-wearing sports fans descend on the SCG on Saturday to honour his late wife’s cancer battle
The ‘Pink Test’ on the third day of The Ashes Test – which used to be Ladies Day – is now Jane McGrath Day, which raises much-needed funds to fulfil Glenn’s goal of having a breast cancer nurse in every corner of Australia (Cricket fans pictured)
Even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull sported a pink straw-hat, shirt and tie as he joined crowds at the sellout event, blending in with the 44,000 cricket fans who happily embraced the pink theme.
Glenn McGrath and his wife Sarah beamed as they dressed in pink alongside his son, James, and daughters Holly and Madison.
Dedicated cricket fans – both from Australia and England – happily embraced the pink theme and a swarm of colour could be seen throughout the day.
A glamorous high-tea was held to raise funds for the Jane McGrath foundation overlooking the astonishing sea of pink in the SCG.
Australian singer Ella Hooper – of Killing Heidi fame – also performed at the event on January 6 and Malcolm Turnbull addressed the room congratulating the foundation on its hard work.
The fundraising cricket event marked 10 years since Jane McGrath (left) tragically lost her battle with breast cancer (Glenn pictured right)
A gorgeous banner was brought out onto the cricket ground with the face of the late Jane McGrath printed on it (pictured)
Even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) sported a pink straw-hat as he joined crowds at the sellout event, blending in with the 44,000 cricket fans who happily embraced the pink theme
Glenn McGrath (pictured) greeted the Australian cricket players who wore bright pink hates during day three of the Fifth Test match
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and recently appointed Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie meet cricket goers
A beaming Glenn McGrath (pictured) addressed the media at the event while wearing a pale-pink suit jacket
The foundation, named in honour of the Australian pace great’s late wife, is hoping to raise $1.3 million during the Pink Test.
Jane McGrath lost her 11-year battle with cancer in 2008, prompting Glenn to form the charitable organisation.
Jane McGrath Day has raised $6.5 million during the last decade, with the foundation funding 119 nurses for breast cancer sufferers, many in rural in regional areas.
Humbled at having seen the foundation grow from 30 nurses, McGrath said his dream was to have all of Australia covered.
‘The main goal is that every family, every individual going through breast cancer has access to a breast care nurse where they live,’ McGrath said.
‘We’ve come a long way in a short space of time. We’re doing a bit of a needs assessment to see how many more nurses we need.
Malcolm Turnbull and Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie (pictured left and right) wore a splash of pink on their outfits
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull takes a selfie with a fan during day three of the 2017/18 Ashes series between Australia and England
Australian captain Steve Smith shakes hands with former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath as he presents his baggy pink cap in front of the Members and Ladies Stands
England captain Joe Root presents his pink cap to former Australian cricket player Glenn McGrath (R) on the third day of the fifth Ashes cricket Test match
Joe Root of England presents his Pink Test Cap to Glenn McGrath to mark 10 years since the passing of his wife Jane McGrath
Ladies pavillion is named in honour of Jane Mcgrath during day two of the Ashes Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground
A big silk flag with the face of the late Jane McGrath was unveiled at the Sydney Cricket Ground to mark 10 years since her death
‘We’ve got a large portion of rural and regional Australia covered. But we’re now finding shortages in the outer suburbs of the major cities, western Sydney, east and south-east Melbourne.’
The SCG Trust and Cricket Australia held the first Ladies’ Day in 2006 and two years later invited the McGrath Foundation to come on board.
Before her death in 2008, Jane McGrath was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to those suffering breast cancer.
England fans show their support for the Jane McGrath Foundation by wearing pink for Jane McGrath Day
A high tea (pictured) was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground held in honour of the 10-year anniversary of Jane McGrath’s death
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull addresses the crowd at the Jane McGrath High Tea at the Sydney Cricket Ground
A splash of pink could be seen on the high tea table held to mark the 10-year anniversary of Jane McGrath’s death in 2008
Glenn McGrath’s wife Sarah (pictured) beamed as she attended the event alongside his two children and the couple’s daughter
McGrath Foundation CEO Holly Masters (pictured) speaks at the Jane McGrath High Tea during day three of the 2017/18 Ashes series
Australian singer Ella Hooper – of Killing Heidi fame – performs at the Pink Picnic event at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Glenn continued the cause and it now receives strong backing from the cricketing community, the Australian team, as well as visiting sides.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urged Australians to dig deep to support the foundation’s good work.
The federal government funds 57 of the 118 breast care nurses around Australia.
‘This sea of pink is a sea of love, demonstrating to everyone who is battling breast cancer that you are not alone,’ Mr Turnbull said.