Melissa Wall, Fiona Shields and Eleisha Collins say they’re shocked at the fundraising success. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A Griffith Swans Football and Netball Club event to gather money for cancer charity the McGrath Foundation has exceeded expectations by raising $18,860.
Norm Campbell, Eleisha Collins and Melissa Wall, along with others in the club, organised the July Pink Day Merch fundraiser in memory of much-loved 42-year-old preschool teacher Alecia Webb, who died from breast cancer earlier this year.
“I think we raised most of the money because of Alecia, her face and her story. She was a beautiful person and we miss her dearly,” Ms Collins said.
“She always said the most important thing to do is to raise money and awareness.
“Norm said he wanted to do an event in her honour and create a sea of pink.”
The club sold pink beanies, hats, ribbons, socks and shirts, made by Whitelines Design.
A coffee lounge with pink furniture was set up so people could come and speak with McGrath Foundation representatives. Some 15 people were booked in for breast screenings.
Ms Wall said: “Alecia was passionate about making sure people were aware of breast cancer and talked about it. She would send random texts, ‘Have you checked your boobs lately?”’
Alecia Webb was passionate about breast cancer awareness. Photo: Eleisha Collins.
Ms Webb was diagnosed with cancer five years ago.
“The doctor told her at the first appointment that she almost certainly had cancer. From the beginning to three years later, she had chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy. She almost recovered but then she was re-diagnosed,” Ms Collins said.
Fiona Shields, a mobile breast cancer nurse funded by the McGrath Foundation to service the Griffith region, helped care for Ms Webb in her last few years.
“She was incredibly brave, she dealt with things up front. She didn’t stick her head in the sand, she wanted to work on a plan on what to do next,” she said.
Ms Shields treats 40 to 50 patients in Griffith, Hay, Hillston and surrounds three days a week.
“Alecia would always say, without the support of people like Fiona, where would we be? Especially in small towns. It would make it so much more difficult,” Ms Collins said.
The McGrath Foundation is a breast cancer support and education charity in Australia, named after the wife of former Test cricketer Glenn McGrath (Jane). The charity raises money to place McGrath breast care nurses in communities across Australia and increase breast health awareness.
