ANNIE Richardson is tickled pink to toss the coin at the marquee AFL Cairns match this afternoon at Port Douglas.
Today’s game between Cairns Saints and Port is the third year that the Pink in the Tropics cancer support group is combining with current league premiers, the Crocs, to put on a special day.
“Businesses and locals are all on-board to support us and it’s very humbling to get such a great response,” said Richardson, who is also a breast cancer survivor.
“Through events like this we’re able to give back to the community in a big way.
“There’s something big coming which will be announced on Saturday and I’m thrilled to bits that Pink in the Tropics are able to do it.”
The group offers support to local women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“With the funds we help in any way we can, from housekeeping to airfares for families interstate,” Richardson said.
GREAT CAUSE: Cairns Saints players Adam Davey, Jarrod Searle and Port Douglas’ Adam Gross will kit up in special jerseys today to support breast cancer awareness as the Port Douglas Crocs host the Pink in the Tropics AFL Cairns match. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE
“We are able to do it only because of the generosity and continued support from the Douglas community.”
In previous years, funds raised allowed the group to purchase a new chemotherapy chair in the Liz Plumber Centre in Cairns and new iPads to keep women entertained while receiving treatment.
Richardson, convener at Pink in the Tropics, had another tussle with breast cancer in the last 12 months.
“I feel very proud to be able to walk out on to the ground this year,” she said.
Crocs president Chris Bradsworth said it was a special day on the calendar for the club.
“The club supports the fund raising by the wearing the pink and white jumper and helping share awareness of breast cancer,” Bradsworth said.
“We all have family members, friends or know of someone who has gone through this.”
On the field, today’s Round 6 contest shapes as a potential grand final preview with both clubs flying through the early stage of the season and are both unbeaten.