Pink Night Under The Stars event raises $35,000

The Exchange turned into a sea of pink on Saturday night – all to support the McGrath Foundation and breast cancer awareness.

In a joint collaboration between Pink Up Namoi organisers, the Rotaract Club of Narrabri and the Narrabri Industrial Network, an estimated $35,000 was raised at the Pink Night Under The Stars event.

Guest-of-honour at Saturday night’s event was McGrath Foundation ambassador and director Tracy Bevan who was accompanied by the foundation’s public relations and film crew.

The dinner follows last year’s successful campaign, which saw more than $106,000 raised at events held across the shire.

Saturday night was an enormous fundraising success in its own right, with the gala evening well-supported by local, industrial and agricultural businesses.

Businesses dug deep on the night itself during the auction, with local business owners Will Childs (WTC Group Australia Pty Ltd), Ross, Nick and Chris McClure (Specialised Civil Services and Specialised Quarries and Concrete) and Justin Smith (JA Smith Solutions) giving generously for the McGrath Foundation fundraiser.

Mrs Bevan spoke about the formation of the McGrath Foundation, as well as the cancer journey of her late friend Jane McGrath.

She also spoke about the need to grow the number of Breast Care nurses in Australia to ensure access for all.

Breast cancer survivor Karen Kirkby, who initiated the Pink Up Namoi campaign, read a letter to the audience.

The letter was written by Karen to herself, reflecting on her experience with breast cancer.

In the letter, Karen reflects on the support she received from healthcare professionals during her treatment, including McGrath Breast Care nurses.

“You will be in constant contact with all the McGrath nurses during your five months of chemotherapy,” her letter reads.

“Strap yourself in, babe, because here comes a very low point in your life. Your hair falls out, you lose your eyebrows and eyelashes, and then your fingernails and toenails fall off. Your body will have so many scars that you will barely recognise yourself when you look in the mirror.

“Chin up because the McGrath Breast Care Nurses will shine a light for you again.”

In addition to Dr Kirkby’s speech, the region’s new McGrath Breast Care nurse, Sally Laurie, was officially introduced to the gathering.

Following the dinner, a Pink Breakfast was held at the Wilga Hotel on Sunday.