Two of Australia’s finest young sporting stars Ellyse Perry and James Tedesco have accepted invitations to become patrons of Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, which former Australian Test cricket captain Mark Taylor co-founded during his own playing days.

Both Sydney-born, Perry, a dual international in cricket and soccer and the only person, male or female, to participate in World Cups in both sports, and Sydney Roosters, NSW Blues and Australian Kangaroos star Tedesco, who won the Brad Fittler Medal as NSW’s best player in last year’s Origin series win, have received a warm welcome to the charity from Taylor.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have Ellyse and James join us as patrons,” the 1999 Australian of the Year said. “They are elite sporting personalities in the prime of their careers and we’re delighted they’ve agreed to come on board”.

Ellyse Perry said the opportunity to support the Foundation’s fund-raising initiatives excited her greatly.

“I have been familiar with the wonderful work Sporting Chance has been doing providing funds for mobile home care cancer units,” she said. “It’s a privilege for James and me to add our names to the support team”.

Tedesco said joining Ellyse Perry as a Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation patron was a significant honour.

“Hopefully, our involvement will encourage lots of younger people to provide support which in turn makes  life a whole lot easier for children with cancer,” he said.