For Tamworth Tradies Support the Ladies founders Gary Sinclair and Mathew Whitson, creating a non-profit organisation aimed at stopping breast cancer in its tracks is all about education - and they're bringing their unique style of awareness to the Bull n' Bush Hotel Medowie on Friday, 5 April...
It started with something simple - asking friends and colleagues to wear a pink shirt to work on Fridays, but two years on the organisation has grown from its humble beginnings in Tamworth and has been embraced by other areas, including Brisbane and now Newcastle.
"It all started two years ago after both my wife and Mathew's were diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age," Gary said.
"We're not interested in raising money as such, we're not asking for anything, just that people educate themselves and be aware of the danger signs.
"All we ask is that people buy a pink work shirt, any kind they want, and put our logo on it. The way we see it, is you have to buy a work shirt anyway, just make sure the fifth one is pink and start a conversation. You don't have to be a tradie either, we have people who work in a variety of roles who all wear a pink shirt on Fridays."
"We're not interested in raising money as such, we're not asking for anything, just that people educate themselves and be aware of the danger signs..."
Gary said a large focus of the organisation is on partners and husbands to be educated and aware of any changes or signs that something isn't quite right.
"It's awkward to say, but partners and husbands are the most familiar with their wives and girlfriend’s bodies and it's important that they take notice of any changes and pay attention when their partners say something doesn't feel right," he said.
"That's what we are about, making it clear that you cannot take chances, you have to pay attention to your body and that goes for men's health issues as well, and if your partner says something hurts or doesn't feel right take action straight away, even if you think it might not be serious."
The organisation will launch a Newcastle leg of the non-profit group at the Bull n' Bush Hotel Medowie on Friday, 5 April from 4pm.
"We chose the Bull n' Bush because it already has a regular, dedicated fundraiser for breast cancer research, so it seemed like a good fit," Gary said.
"It's a hotel that seems very community minded and holds a lot of fundraisers for good causes."
Bull n Bush hotelier Eileen Clark said it was important for local hotels to support fundraisers in the community, as they bring people together for a common cause.
"A pub can be a venue for so many activities and functions, and we all like to help out when we can," she said.
"I have chosen to support breast cancer research for the last couple of years, as it’s a disease that affects nearly all of us, whether it’s a loved one suffering or it could be a friend.
Those coming to the event are encouraged to wear a pink shirt in support of the cause.
To find out more contact the Bull n Bush Hotel, Medowie on (02) 4982 8802.
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