Almost three months after his wife Jane’s tragic death at the age of 42 from cancer, former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath says their kids are helping him to cope.
A relaxed McGrath was all smiles in Sydney on Wednesday as he announced he would return to the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival to raise funds for The McGrath Foundation.
He and his wife, who died on June 22 this year, established the foundation to raise money for *** cancer research and treatment.
McGrath, Jane and their two children James, 8, and Holly, 6, joined more than 21,000 people in last year’s event.
This year, the former Test cricketer will take his children and his mother Beverley on the festival’s 4km family fun run and walk, on September 21.
“Jane was here last year and walked across the bridge so we’ll see how we go when we walk across the bridge.
“It’ll being back a lot of memories,” McGrath said during what was his second public appearance since his wife’s death.
“But I think also it’s about promoting that healthy lifestyle, and that’s something that’s very important for me and my family … we’re really happy to be back this year.”
McGrath said training for the event had helped to pick him up after the strain of recent months.
“We’ve been getting ready for it, we’ve been riding to school each day and home, it’s about 2km in each direction, so we’re just trying to get fit again.
“For me personally, getting back down to the gym and getting fit is a great way to pick myself up, it’s been a tough last few months.”
McGrath said his children’s strength over the past few months had helped him to cope with his wife’s death.
“We’re going well, some days are easier than others.
“The kids are going really well, which is great.
“They’re my main priority and the fact that they’re handling things so well makes it easier for me.
“We talk about Jane every day and they don’t get upset anymore so it’s good they can do that.”
He said he knew his wife wanted her family “to be happy and getting on with life and that’s what we’re trying to do”.
Mrs McGrath was first diagnosed with *** cancer in 1996. She fought a secondary cancer in her hip and in 2006 was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
She had surgery and was recovering before complications set in.
Her husband stood down from international cricket for eight months to help her recover from radiotherapy.
The McGrath foundation is expecting more than 500 people to take part in the run, which is hoped will raise more than $50,000 for *** cancer research.
