Former Test Cricketer Steps in to Bat for Melanoma Research

April 21st, 2006 - Media Statement

Former Australian Test cricketer Bruce Yardley is stepping in to bat for melanoma research nearly a decade after losing his left eye to the cancer.

The 58-year-old will speak about his experience at the Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre's annual fundraising luncheon and auction.

The Centre, based at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) in Nedlands, will host the event at Subiaco Oval on Friday April 28.

Mr Yardley, a professional speaker, said he was keen to raise the awareness of melanoma, a particularly deadly cancer, after being diagnosed with it in 1997.

"I was in Sri Lanka coaching their cricket team when I realised that I was totally blind in my left eye," he said.

"I'd had problems with the same eye many years earlier and was helped by Professor Ian Constable at the Lions Eye Institute, so I immediately phoned the Institute again for help."

"I was on a plane back to Perth the next day, was diagnosed with melanoma of the eye and had the eye removed and replaced with an artificial one in an operation that saved my life."

"I was very lucky that the cancer hadn't spread to my lungs and liver, so now I consider it a priority to do what I can to ensure the rates of melanoma are brought down in our community."

Melanoma is the third most common form of cancer in Australia and there are over 1000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in Western Australia each year.

WAIMR Director Peter Klinken said with the support of identities such as Bruce, events like the Centre's annual fundraiser would fast-track research into melanoma.

"The Scott Kirkbride Centre is looking at many areas including a blood test to detect skin cancer and the genetics of the condition in a bid to reduce the toll this devastating cancer has on our community, in particular our young people," said Professor Klinken.

Local Olympians Kylie Wheeler and Kym Howe will also be at the fundraising event.

Anyone wanting to attend or to make a donation to the Centre can contact Yvonne Kirkbride or Lucy Conte on (08) 9224 0333.

For more information please contact:
Carolyn Monaghan
Communications Manager
Mobile: 0448 021 932 (media enquiries only)
Office: (08) 9224 0377