Purple Bra Day: Daniel McKeating to become a superhero – including wearing a bra outside his clothes – in solidarity with breast cancer-fighting wife Rebecca

CENTRAL PERTH will turn purple on Friday as thousands of superheroes hit the streets to fundraise for Purple Bra Day.

Purple Bra Day is now in its fourteenth year and Breast Cancer Care WA (BCCWA) needs more heroes than ever to take up the challenge and don the emblematic purple bra – outside of their clothes.

The day will be particularly poignant for Subiaco couple Daniel and Rebecca McKeating.

Just over a year ago they received the devastating news that Rebecca was diagnosed with stage two, grade two (oestrogen positive) breast cancer; she was 33.

“Bec had been experiencing an uncomfortable feeling that she had just put down to hormonal tenderness,” Mr McKeating said.

“I had encouraged her to get it checked out but she kept putting it off thinking it would be nothing serious at her age.

“Then our friend got diagnosed with breast cancer at only 29 so we went to our GP who was just as shocked as we were when the results came back.”

During one of Mrs McKeating’s visits to the Mount Hospital for treatment, a nurse informed the couple about BCCWA’s support services.

“BCCWA have provided both of us with so much support during one of the hardest times of our lives, they truly have been a saviour,” Mr McKeating said.

Mr McKeating will be showing his appreciation for BCCWA again this year by participating in the Run for a Reason for a second time, as well as rattling the tin in Perth CBD for Purple Bra Day on Friday.

“Last year (I raised) nearly $4500 for BCCWA, and I will be running again this year with the aim to raise as much as possible,” he said.

The official Purple Bray Day event will take place on Friday but individuals and companies are encouraged to hold a fundraising activity or donate funds any time from now until the end of June.

All money raised from the event will go towards providing free access to breast care nursing, counselling, financial and practical support.

BCCWA chief executive Zoe McAlpine said Purple Bra Day was the biggest fundraiser of the year.

“In 2016, over 1500 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in WA alone.”

“These statistics show just how important the support of the community is. Whether it be yourself, a friend, relative or work colleague, we all have some sort of connection to breast cancer so getting behind Purple Bra Day is a great way to show your support.”

To support other women and men affected by breast cancer like Rebecca and Daniel McKeating, register for a free hero pack here.