Shane Warne’s name will live on in Australia thanks to a program that will provide free heart tests in less than five minutes, potentially saving thousands of lives. The Shane Warne Legacy was established to “preserve the memory” of the late Australian leg spinner through a series of philanthropic initiatives that aim to improve the lives of many Australians.
The first project is the “Shane Warne Legacy Heart Test Campaign,” which will provide free heart screenings to Australians over the age of 40.
By the end of 2023, the SWL will have provided 23,000 free four-minute heart tests, and the goal for next year is to provide 500,000 Australians with a check-up.
The SWL hopes that, like the national bowel cancer screening program, the four-minute heart tests will soon be free for all Australians over 40.
Approximately 45 percent of those who take the rapid heart test will be referred to their primary care physician for further evaluation, lowering the risk of preventable heart-related deaths.
What is the Shane Warne Halo Effect?
Warne died suddenly from a heart attack in March of last year while on a boys trip to Ko Samui, Thailand.
The “Shane Warne Halo Effect” refers to the surge in public interest and awareness of heart disease and heart attacks following his death.
From March 2022 to January 2023, there was a 62% increase in heart health checks, reflecting the impact his untimely death had on the community.
What is the “Shane Warne Legacy” initiative?
Warne’s son, Jackson, told Sky News Australia that his father’s death demonstrated to him and many others that a heart attack can strike anyone at any time.
“We want to make sure that we can try and save as many lives around the world, especially in Australia, by encouraging people to go and get their hearts checked for free,” he said.
“It’s actually one of the most preventable diseases in the world, cardiac disease, because when you get this test you quickly see on a piece of paper what you’ve got too much of, what you’re deficient in, or you need more of.
“Dad was always giving; he was always giving up his time and energy to help people and put smiles on other people’s faces so if we can have his legacy saving people’s lives, I think he would be super honored and super happy.”
Brooke Warne delivered a heartfelt statement on behalf of all three Warne children, expressing his impact on their lives and revealing the SWL.
“As the world honors his legacy, we’re honoring our dad, who was our pillar of strength, our confidant, and our loudest cheerleader,” the statement Brooke posted on Instagram read.
“We’re immensely proud of the Shane Warne Legacy team, who were Dad’s team in life for nearly 20 years—they are ensuring Dad will be remembered as he deserves, doing precisely what he would want—giving a leg up to those in need.
“His legacy, one of making a difference, is nothing short of extraordinary. He would love this. We aim to reciprocate the love and guidance Dad provided us throughout our lives by continuing the legacy he left behind. It’s our heartfelt commitment to sustain the legacy on his behalf.
“We believe if Dad had taken one of these tests, he might still be with us today. We don’t want any family to endure the heartache we’ve faced, and sadly, millions of others have faced, and Dad wouldn’t want that either.”
Money will be raised for the foundation through the sale of Shane Warne Legacy floppy hats
The sale of Shane Warne Legacy floppy and bucket hats will raise funds for the foundation, with all profits going back into the foundation.
“The floppy hat became an iconic symbol for Shane, and fans often donned similar headwear as a mark of respect for their cricketing hero,” the SWL website stated.
“This phenomenon underscores how a humble piece of clothing can transform into a powerful emblem of a legendary figure, further cementing their special place in the hearts of fans around the world.”
Latrobe Health Services, SiSU Health, and Novo Nordisk will collaborate on the SWL Heart Test campaign.