22.6.2008
Glenn
and Jane McGrath at the 2007 Allan Border Medal ©
Getty Images
Jane
McGrath, the wife of former Australia cricketer Glenn
McGrath, has died after complications resulting from surgery.
McGrath, 42, battled breast, hip and brain cancer and
became well-known for setting up with her husband the
McGrath Foundation, which aimed in part to increase nursing
care for breast cancer sufferers.
"It
is with deep sadness that the family and friends of Jane
McGrath, beloved wife of former Australian cricketer Glenn
and loving mother of James and Holly, must announce she
passed away at her home this morning," a statement
issued by the McGrath Foundation said. "With Glenn
and their two children by her side, Jane's wonderful life
ended peacefully after a sudden decline in her health
over the past week."
McGrath
hoped Jane's story would serve as an inspiration for other
women fighting cancer. "Jane would want those women
who are battling breast cancer to stay strong," he
said in a statement. "She would want them to draw
strength from the fact that she didn't only 'survive'
breast cancer for 11 years, but during that time she lived
life to the fullest and found pleasure in the simple things
so many people take for granted."
Ricky
Ponting, speaking on behalf of the Australian team currently
on tour in the West Indies, expressed his deepest sympathy.
"Jane was a wonderful person who fought and maintained
grace and dignity during her long-term illness,"
he said. "She was an exceptionally friendly and lovely
person who displayed great courage and stoicism during
her illness. She was a tremendous mother to James and
Holly and shared a very special and deep relationship
with Glenn in the time they had together.
"All
of us are thinking about Glenn and their children at this
very sad time. We all wish to convey that our best wishes
go with him and to know our heartfelt sympathies are with
the family at this time. Jane will be very fondly remembered
by all of us."
Australia's
prime minister, Kevin Rudd, offered his condolences to
the family. "Jane's courageous struggle touched all
Australians," he said. "Jane was an inspiration
whose legacy will continue to benefit so many others."
James
Sutherland, the CEO of Cricket Australia, also paid tribute.
"Jane was well-known, loved and admired throughout
Australian cricket and was one of the most respected and
admired members of the Australian cricket team family
group during Glenn McGrath's playing days," Sutherland
said.
"All
of us who met her were charmed by her dignity and good
humour as she tackled her battle with her illness for
more than ten years. We also greatly respected the work
she and Glenn did through their foundation, work which
brought and will continue to bring tangible comfort to
so many others."
Australia
will wear pink ribbons and use pink grips on their bats
during the first one-day international against West Indies
in St Vincent on Tuesday, in her memory. Andrew Symonds
and Matthew Hayden have previously batted witha pink grip
to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.
Courtesy - cricinfo