A tribute to Jane McGrath
June 22nd, 2008
Today Australia lost an amazing woman, mother and wife.
Jane McGrath, 42 was married to one of our finest ever Australian fast bowler’s, Glenn McGrath.
Jane passed away after a long batter with breast cancer and leaves behind two beautiful young children and Glenn.
It’s really hard to know where to begin in trying to capture just how inspirational this woman was. She really did light up a room and in many ways outshone her super sportsman husband. It never did seem to bother Glenn McGrath. You could tell he was totally in-love with this beautiful, vibrant and strong woman.
Rather than just focus on her own battle with cancer which she was more entitled to do, Jane and Glenn campaigned tirelessly, raising money and awareness of breast cancer culminating in the foundation of the McGrath Foundation.
To try and put into words how special this lady was is almost impossible but this might help to explain. My partners Dad, Bill recently visited from Texas and one night we watched one of Australia’s finest interviewers, Andrew Denton talking with Glenn and Jane McGrath. The interview was really more about Glenn and his sporting accomplishments. But Jane just had this ability to draw your attention, not intentionally. She had this calmness about her and a beaming smile. The interview quickly went from talking to Glenn to Andrew Denton being drawn to Jane and hearing about her initial diagnosis to her ongoing fight to beat this disease.
Her strength, composure, quiet determination and will to survive was an inspiration. Bill, who knew nothing of this woman or her husband was so overwhelmed by her that he didn’t take his eyes of the TV for the entire interview. I would say that there are very few people who can be so compelling and genuine as to be able to move someone who knows nothing of them to hope with all his heart and soul that she survived. I just know he will be so sad to hear of her passing when we email him later tonight.
We have lost so many amazing women like Jane to a horrible disease. Let’s hope that Jane’s fight will inspire others to carry on and for research to continue to find a cure.
To Jane’s loving family both in Australia and England, we are so sorry for your loss.
I have included the interview Jane and Glenn did with Andrew Denton and highly recommend you watch it.
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