11 October 2016

Some of Queensland's cricketing greats – and two of Australia's leading female cricketers – have combined to help raise $30,000 for prostate cancer research.

Ian Healy, Andy Bichel, Andrew Symonds, Nathan Reardon, Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry were part of the Bulls Masters inaugural golf series held to support Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

The four-day golf series at venues in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns and Townsville involved 300 players between February and May this year. The series was supported by Bulls Masters sponsors Suncorp Bank, CNW and Drummond Golf.

Bulls Masters Managing Director Jimmy Maher today presented a $30,000 cheque to the PCFA Queensland State Manager Megan Cairney at the foundation's office at Bowen Hills.

"Prostate cancer is a disease that is important to many Australian families. The Bulls Masters community comes together to raise funds for important causes and we have chosen the Prostate Cancer Foundation as our beneficiary this year," Maher said.

"Fund raising in the community is an important function of our organisation. We travel across QLD to promote cricket and pathways for young regional players. It gives us the chance to hold events to raise money that can have a wide impact."

Megan Cairney, PCFA Queensland State Manager, says that more than 3,000 Australian men die from prostate cancer each year and initiatives like the Bulls Masters golf series help to make a difference in the fight against the disease.

"PCFA is thankful for the funds raised by the Bulls Masters inaugural golf series. This initiative is a great example of how community events can make a meaningful impact on prostate cancer awareness and sustaining essential support services for men and families living with prostate cancer," said Ms Cairney.

Earlier this year, the Bulls Masters raised more than $217,000 for Bravehearts following the hugely successful Twenty20 All-Stars clash in Mackay.

The Bulls Masters bring together some of Queensland's greatest former and current players to help regional players. Current Australian women's players Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry also featured in the golf days, giving up time away from their schedules with the Southern Stars.

"We always get a kick out of seeing the reactions some of these really good players get from the people they see and Meg and Ellyse added to that – a lot of fun was had for a good cause," Maher said.