Shane Warne’s lasting influence will once again take centre stage at this year’s Boxing Day Test, where cricket fans can access free heart health checks as part of a campaign to raise awareness of cardiovascular health. Premier Jacinta Allan has announced a $400,000 grant to support the Shane Warne Legacy, which will fund additional medical-grade machines capable of delivering quick, four-minute heart checks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The initiative, launched after Warne’s passing in 2022 due to a heart attack at age 52, has become an important annual effort to help prevent heart disease, one of Australia’s leading causes of death. Last year, more than 33,000 people took advantage of the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Health Check, with over 7,700 of those occurring at the Boxing Day Test alone.
Victoria’s government has a track record of prioritising heart health, including opening Australia’s first specialist cardiac hospital, the Victorian Heart Hospital, in March of last year. In its first six months, the hospital’s cardiac emergency department treated over 3,300 patients, the majority being men with a median age of 65.
Helen Nolan, CEO of the Shane Warne Legacy, expressed that Shane would be immensely proud to see his name associated with such a critical cause. “Losing him at 52 was far too soon, but if we can save lives by raising awareness, then we’re ensuring his legacy lives on,” she said.
The initiative is not just about honouring Shane’s memory; it’s a call for action to prevent tragedies that can be avoided through early detection. Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley echoed this sentiment, encouraging fans attending the match to take the opportunity for a free check. “Shane is a sporting icon, and it’s fantastic to see the Victorian Government supporting this effort to save lives.”
With thousands of spectators expected to fill the stands, the hope is that many will take a moment to ensure their own heart health – and in doing so, continue Shane Warne’s legacy of giving back to the community that loved him so much.
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