THE innovative Virtual Pink Seats fundraiser has returned for a second time with the target of selling 240,000 virtual seats to the Sydney Ashes cricket test that starts on Wednesday (January 5).

Former Australian test bowler Glenn McGrath, co-founder and president of the McGrath Foundation is calling on Australians to help make this the “pinkest” Ashes by buying one of the $20 virtual pink seats to ensure more than 3400 individuals and families experiencing breast cancer will have the support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse this year.

This is the 14th year of the annual Pink Test at the SCG, with Day 3 renamed Jane McGrath Day in honour of the late Jane McGrath. Last year, the McGrath Foundation, Cricket Australia and the SCG again came together to turn the SCG pink, raising a record-breaking $3.2 million with the inaugural Virtual Pink Seat campaign.

Glenn McGrath said the money raised from the sale of Virtual Pink Seats was integral in ensuring the McGrath Foundation could support the 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every day.

“The past two years have been full of uncertainty for us all, but there’s no doubt that for people living with breast cancer things continue to be even more challenging,” he said.

“Last year the Virtual Pink Seats allowed fans to be part of the Pink Test even though crowds were restricted. While we’d love to all be coming together to celebrate and unite in support like we once could, things remain challenging.

“What we can do is unite in pink. We’ve always said pink is more than a colour. To us, pink is an attitude. It’s a show of support for people with breast cancer, not only at the SCG, but right around Australia and beyond, and we saw just how powerful that can be last year.

“Last year we didn’t know what to expect and Australia overwhelmed us with support, buying 150,000 seats. This year we’re anticipating even greater support, so we’ve built a stadium with 240,000 Virtual Pink Seats. That will make this the ‘pinkest’ Ashes and help us ensure no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.”

Virtual Pink Seats are available at pinktest.com.au