11 December 2024
Forget the Boxing Day Test at the MCG! Trundle, a town in New South Wales, is hosting its cricketing blockbuster, The Trundle Testicle Festival, to raise much-needed funds and prostate cancer awareness.
Event organisers Sharon MacDonald and Paula Wright, customer service officers at AGnVET, said the event started when one of their coworkers, Doug, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2018.
“We asked if we could do anything. He said he was fine, but we decided to fundraise anyway. The girls in our town host a very successful pink night to raise funds for women’s cancers, so we decided to do a blue night for the fellas,” she said.
“Our town is quite proactive in getting behind a worthwhile cause. As soon as you ask for something, people get back to you and say, ‘How can I help?’. Everyone gets involved. The footy team choreographed a Full Monty for us one year, and it was on the night before the grand final.
“The blue night was popular, but with COVID, we decided to do something else, and Paula, one of the organisers, said we should play cricket on Boxing Day!
“We named it the Trundle Testicle Festival to get men talking about their health and encourage people to get their PSA checked,” Sharon added.
Sharon said she was very much looking forward to this year's test, which sees sides square off in a super eight cricket format.
“Last year was lots of fun. We even played through a thunderstorm, but there was a lovely rainbow at the end of it. Everyone dresses up, too.
“We host a BBQ. Everyone enjoys a beer, and it’s just a lovely way to get together and raise awareness for a really important cause,” she added.
Sharon said it was eye-opening to find out how many people were impacted by prostate cancer in the region.
“People don’t like to talk about prostate cancer, unfortunately. We sadly lost Doug in 2022 at the age of 67,” she added.
“His son was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he wasn’t even 40. He’s had treatment, and he’s good now, but it just goes to show how much prostate cancer impacts our lives,” she added.
Sharon said the second Boxing Day Test will include a raffle and an auction.
“We had a ball last year, and we are back at it again to support our men and spread the message that getting tested for prostate cancer now involves a simple blood test.
“We have clothing and beer holders with this message: “Know your PSA – it’s no poke!” We think it gets across,” Sharon added.
“Over the years, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for PFCA. It’s an important organisation for men and their families who need support,” Sharon added.
To get involved, you can nominate a team via the Trundle Testicle Festival’s Facebook Page or email trundletesticlefestival@gmail.com.
