For Terry Cranage, a resident at an Infinite Care facility in Queensland, cricket has always been more than just a game. As the half-brother of Australian cricketing legend David Hookes, Terry grew up immersed in sport, playing football and tennis but ultimately finding his heart forever tied to the rhythm of cricket.
Despite his deep passion for the game, a bad fall following a medical episode two years ago left Terry uncertain about whether he’d ever see another live match again.
That uncertainty changed in the most spectacular way, thanks to Connect the 40%, an Australian platform dedicated to providing gifts and experiences to lonely or low-mood aged care residents, and its major sponsor, Foxtel.
Although Terry is fortunate to have the loving support of his wife and regular calls from his son who lives overseas, loneliness still weighs heavily on many aged care residents. Recognising the importance of his passion, Terry went to extraordinary lengths, penning a heartfelt letter to Connect the 40% and Foxtel.
In it, he described his love for cricket, the memories of attending matches at the Gabba, and his deep desire to experience the magic of live cricket once more.
Moved by Terry’s words, the team at Infinite Care worked tirelessly to ensure the letter reached the right people. With just two weeks before the Australia-India test match at the Gabba, Connect the 40%, Foxtel, and Infinite Care sprang into action.
Together, they orchestrated a plan to give Terry and two of his fellow residents an unforgettable day of cricket.
While Connect the 40% and Infinite Care coordinated the logistics, Foxtel worked miracles, securing tickets to the exclusive ‘Legends’ section of the Gabba for day two of the test. This luxurious space provided a comfortable, air-conditioned vantage point complete with fine dining, cold drinks, and speeches by cricketing icons.
Day one of the match was plagued by rain, but this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. During a rain delay, Foxtel’s Tom Enright surprised an overwhelmed Terry by revealing he would be attending day two – a day that would feature stunning centuries by Steve Smith and Travis Head.
When match day arrived, the humid weather couldn’t dampen Terry’s excitement. While he enjoyed the cool comfort of the Legends section, he often stepped outside to soak in the electric atmosphere and savour the crack of the cricket ball against the bat.
Standing proudly, Terry led the applause for Smith and Head as they reached their centuries, revelling in every moment of the game.
Reflecting on the experience, Terry described it as a dream come true:
“It was an incredible day—one I’ll never forget. I don’t have words for how much this experience meant to me. I’ve ran out of superlatives. The sound of the bat, the crowd, the players—it was perfect.”
While Terry’s story is one of joy and connection, it also highlights a sobering reality for many in aged care. Forty per cent of aged care residents across Australia receive no visitors at all—a statistic that underscores the devastating prevalence of loneliness.
These feelings of isolation often intensify during the Christmas season, a time traditionally associated with togetherness and celebration.
World-first-platfrom Connect the 40% are working to combat this by encouraging Australians to reach out and make a difference.
By visiting connectthe40.com, you can purchase gifts or experiences for aged care residents like Terry, ensuring they feel remembered and valued. Even small donations contribute to larger gifts, bringing light and joy to those who need it most.
This holiday season, let’s make a collective effort to bridge the gap between aged care residents and the wider community. Together, we can create more moments like Terry’s unforgettable day at the cricket—and remind our elders that they are never alone.
If you would like to purchase a gift or experience for an aged care resident in need this Christmas, click here.
Just beautiful, what a fabulous idea !!