Cricket champion Ellyse Perry honoured by Newman’s Own Foundation

Newman’s Own Foundation, founded by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, has announced that champion cricketer Ellyse Perry is one of seven Australian sports stars being acknowledged in a special charity grants program.

In recognition of her ongoing commitment to giving back to the community, Perry was invited by the Foundation to nominate an Australian charity to receive a $100,000 grant.

She nominated Parkinson’s NSW and the grant will be used to fund the placement of a Parkinson’s Specialist Neurological Nurse in a regional community of NSW.

Parkinson’s nurses play a vital role in meeting the needs of people living with Parkinson’s and their carers including acting as case managers, advising on medication and other therapies, helping decrease their sense of isolation, and liaising between the neurologist, GP and patient.

Perry debuted as a teenager and Australia’s biggest-name dual international when she represented Australia in both Cricket and World Cup football.  She also continued for a short time to represent Sydney FC in the Women’s League before choosing cricket as her career sport. Most recently Perry achieved a new milestone as Australia’s first cricketer to play their 100th Twenty20 international. She is considered the No.1 ranked One-Day bat and allrounder in the world.

Perry said she was made aware of the privilege and responsibility that comes with success by her parents. Her choice of Parkinson’s NSW to receive the $100,000 grant is because of a personal family connection.

“Thanks to a wonderful upbringing and parents who continue to always be there for me, I am acutely aware that a lot of my success can be attributed to luck and circumstances,” said Perry.

“To be able to impact others and their lives in a positive way is possibly one of the most rewarding things you can do and cricket has always had a deeply embedded culture of supporting and promoting awareness of a broad range community care programs.”

“I am delighted that the Newman’s Own Foundation grant will make a real difference in helping people with Parkinson’s to live more independent lives,” continued Perry.

Newman’s Own Foundation President and CEO Robert Forrester and longtime friend of Paul Newman said Perry has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to giving back and empowering others, reflecting the values and mission of Newman’s Own Foundation.

“While Paul Newman was best known as a movie star, he was a passionate and successful championship racing car driver,” said Mr Forrester.  “His other passion was philanthropy, and he believed everyone has the power to make a difference.  We’re pleased to recognise how Australian sports stars give back and influence others to do the same.”

The six other athletes who have nominated charities to receive $100,000 Newman’s Own Foundation grants are Alisa Camplin, Patrick Dangerfield, Liz Ellis, Kurt Fearnley, Craig Lowndes and Johnathan Thurston.