Snake pit to turn pink

AS AN ONCOLOGY nurse at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre, Katie Every knows firsthand the benefits breast-care nurses provide for patients and families.

That’s why on February 15, she’ll turn the Collendina Cricket Club pink for its third annual Cobra’s Pink Stumps Day, raising money for the McGrath Foundation.

“It’s a really important day in our cricket calendar, we have a great group including Eddie our cricket coach. It’s a fundraiser for breast-care nurses to improve services to breast cancer patients within our region,” Ms Every said.

“We’ve got so much momentum now and we live in such a generous community; everyone is always happy to donate to a good cause. This year we have some amazing sponsors, we have fantastic club support – from the president right through to juniors and parents.”

Ms Every said the event was not just for women but an opportunity to provide insight and information for everyone, running from 3-6pm with tickets $20 each at the door and raffles and prizes up for grabs throughout the event.

“It’s not just about the ladies at the club, it’s about involving and educating everyone, all our junior cricketers, parents – everyone becomes involved,” she said.

“They all wear pink across the afternoon. We’ve got fantastic live music that Jess Elwood organised.”

Ms Every said McGrath breast care nurses Michelle Edwards and Sue Bowles would attend the event and that local breast cancer survivor Toni Smith would share her story.

“You never know what’s around the corner, that’s why it’s important to have days like this to raise awareness. Toni’s story highlights how breast cancer can affect everyone,” she said.

“It’s such a lovely afternoon, anyone that’s been to our pink stumps day before is always excited to come back because it’s special.”

Tickets include a glass of champagne on arrival with drinks at bar prices, food provided and a service providing lifts home for a donation.

“Every year we double our numbers of people attending and money raised. It’s an event for the whole community. Everyone is welcome to come along.

“It’s a lovely day that everyone wants to support. A day of recognition, where people share their stories and we educate people about the importance of breast care awareness and prevention.”