Jane McGrath

A British Legacy in the Australian Landscape

Jane Louise McGrath AM, born Jane Louise Steele, may be best remembered as an impassioned Australian cancer support campaigner, yet her British roots and her significant contributions to the cancer community form an intrinsic part of her heritage, bridging two nations together.

Born on 4 May 1966 in Paignton, a charming seaside town in the English county of Devon, Jane grew up the daughter of Jen and Roy Steele, the latter a respected newsagent. Her formative years were steeped in the quintessential charm of British seaside life, a cultural influence that would remain significant even after her transition to Australia later in life.

Jane began her journey in the skies, working as a flight attendant for Virgin Atlantic, an internationally renowned British airline. It was during this chapter of her life that she met her future husband, Glenn McGrath, an Australian cricket fast bowler, in a Hong Kong nightclub in 1995. Their marriage in 1999 at the Garrison Church was a blending of cultures and a testimony to their shared commitment.

The year 2002 marked a pivotal moment in Jane's life as she embraced Australian citizenship, but her British origins remained central to her identity. She was conferred as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2008, a testament to her service to community health and her relentless pursuit to support women battling breast cancer.

Battling Cancer: Personal Struggle and Public Advocacy

Jane's tryst with breast cancer began in 1997 when she was diagnosed at the tender age of 31. After a challenging treatment phase that included a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, she triumphantly emerged cancer-free by June 1998. However, her journey was far from over. Despite the initial fears that cancer treatment may have rendered her sterile, she defied odds to give birth to two children.

Her cancer returned with a vengeance in 2003, metastasizing to her bones. Yet, it was during these testing times that Jane McGrath's tenacity and resilience came to the fore. Even as she battled her own disease, she found the strength to support others enduring the same trials.

Jane, along with her husband, launched the McGrath Foundation in 2005, a charitable organization dedicated to funding breast care nurses in rural and regional Australia, as well as fostering increased breast awareness amongst young women. Despite her subsequent brain metastasis diagnosis in 2006 and a subsequent brain tumour, her commitment to her cause never waned.

After a hard-fought battle, Jane passed away on the morning of 22 June 2008 at her Cronulla home, but not before making an indelible mark in the field of cancer support and awareness.

The McGrath Foundation: An Enduring Legacy

Jane McGrath's enduring legacy is best embodied in the McGrath Foundation. By the end of 2018, the Foundation had placed 120 McGrath breast care nurses in communities throughout Australia, assisting over 67,000 Australian families experiencing breast cancer.

To honour Jane's immense contribution, the third day of the first Sydney test cricket match at the Sydney Cricket Ground each year is celebrated as Jane McGrath Day. The event, marked by spectators wearing pink and stadium features adorned with pink sponsor logos, raises funds for the McGrath Foundation. The Ladies Stand is also temporarily renamed The Jane McGrath Stand for the day in her honour.

On 5 January 2013, in recognition of the McGrath Foundation's critical work, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced an $18.5 million donation to the Foundation from the Australian Government. This generous contribution secured all 44 existing McGrath breast care nurse positions and allowed the program to expand by 10 full-time equivalent places.

Conclusion: A Symbol of Strength and Determination

Jane McGrath's life story is one of courage, resilience, and selfless dedication. Born in the British county of Devon, she embraced Australian citizenship while never forgetting her roots. She took her personal battle with cancer and transformed it into a legacy that continues to support and inspire thousands of families grappling with the disease. Through her life and work, Jane McGrath has forever etched her name in both British and Australian heritage.