More than being pretty in pink

Kathryn Abbey, Nic Hoogland with a picture of Tan Twitt, Katrina Bentley-McGrath and Annie Porter. 269211_23 Photos: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Shelby Brooks

A sea of pink coloured Pakenham Cricket Club (PCC) on Saturday for the eighth annual Pink Ladies Day, raising thousands of dollars in honour of people touched by breast cancer.

Touted as ‘the’ social event on the local sporting calendar, PCC’s Pink Ladies Day held extra significance as the club honoured two local breast cancer survivors.

Tooradin Cricket Club walked away with the Annie Porter Shield, while the Player of the Match Russell Lehman received the Andrea Berkhout Award.

Pakenham president and Cardinia Shire’s Person of the Year Phil Anning said it was a fitting tribute to two women who had been a massive inspiration throughout the community

“Annie and Andrea have inspired many people, not just within the Pakenham Cricket Club, but all around the community with their positive attitude and true fighting spirit,” Phil said.

“Through adversity they have provided inspiration to us all and it is fitting that they are being recognised by having these awards named after them.”

PCC broke all previous fundraising records, managing to raise $11,397 from the weekend’s event.

162 ladies attended the event under “perfect” weather conditions, Phil said.

“It was the perfect day,” Phil said.

The highlights of the day were guest speakers Tracey Bevan and Amanda Sidebottom.

Guest speaker, McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director Tracey Bevan, travelled from Sydney to make an emotional speech for guests, Phil said.

“Tracey had the had the whole room captivated. She was outstanding and have everyone in tears as she spoke about the people she had met who had suffered from breast cancer and the amazing work of the breast cancer nurses. We were privileged to have her,” Phil said.

“Amanda Sidebottom who is recovering from breast cancer was also terrific as a guest speaker.

“Again, her story was truly inspiring and motivated everyone to support the cause.”

Since its inception eight years ago, the PCC Pink Ladies Day has raised almost $50,000 for the McGrath Foundation – an organisation that is dedicated to its mission of ensuring that a McGrath Breast Care Nurse is available to anyone experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support.

An afternoon tea was provided, while the popular refreshment ‘Phil’s Pink Drinks’ was also available at $5 each.

Those attending were encouraged to embrace the Pretty Pink Pig Raffle, with a first prize of $500 and nine other prizes won.

Further raffles were run, with tickets $2 each or three for $5…with the now famous pink shovels part of the prize pool.