Bellarine clubs to hit breast cancer for six

TWO Bellarine cricket clubs will band together in the fight against breast cancer this Sunday, January 21 with a former breast cancer survivor leading the charge.

Wallington Cricket Club bowler and Green team member Melonie Cartin said the club was ecstatic to be hosting its first Pink Stumps Day against St Leonards at Wallington Reserve.

The two sides will meet as part of their Barwon Women’s Cricket Competition F Grade fixture at 1pm.

“It’s going to be a really amazing day,” Cartin said.

“We have thousands of vouchers lined up for the raffle, a signed jumper from the Western Bulldogs on the way, the wider club from the juniors through to the seniors has really gotten behind the initiative.

“The lead-up has gone absolutely gangbusters.”

Cartin was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in August 2022 and underwent a radical mastectomy surgery on her right side, followed by a preventative surgery later that year.

The surgeries were a success, and the mother of three now has only a couple of check-ups remaining before being declared cancer-free.

“The thing about breast cancer is that everyone’s story is different, it’s a community initiative and it takes a community to take it on,” Cartin said.

“I was extremely lucky to avoid chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and we got all the margins. I couldn’t work for nearly a year and Wallington was extremely supportive during that time.

“I feel like I’m still recovering but my specialist physio told me to not stop playing cricket, to just keep rolling my arm over and keep moving. For me, cricket has been a massive part of my recovery.”

St Leonards all-rounder Tanya King, whose grandfather was diagnosed with breast cancer, said her club was honoured to receive Wallington’s call to be a part of the day, citing the already close relationship between the two clubs.

“Our two clubs have had a long-standing relationships,” King said.

“Both clubs really see the advantages to group sport and community initiatives like Pink Stumps Day in this case,” King said.

“Cricket is a great way for us to keep active, and to tie in a worthwhile mission of raising breast cancer awareness is why we all take part in the sport.”

All funds raised on the day through raffles and donations will go towards helping the McGrath Foundation reaching its goal of 250 Breast Care Nurses by 2025.

Click HERE to donate to Ms Cartin’s fundraiser.