Matt Witson started wearing a pink shirt to work on Friday’s over 18 years ago, after his wife Vicki was diagnosed with breast cancer, 14 years later mate, and fellow Tamworth tradie Gary Sinclair joined him after his wife Tanya was also diagnosed.

“It’s a conversation starter,” Mr Sinclair said.

“If someone mentions your pink shirt you show them the badge and say I have the right to wear this, and by the way when was the last time you checked your partner.”

“We really want partners to know more about breast cancer diagnosis.” 

Last Friday the Tradies Support The Ladies Facebook page was launched, and the movement has gone viral, with orders for the range of shirts coming from as far as Perth, Cairns, Dubbo and Melbourne in the first week.

Tamworth’s Hip Pocket Work Wear is providing the shirts and embroidery, with ten per cent of each sale going to the Cancer Council, while the Tamworth Hotel and Wests Entertainment Group have also jumped on board.

“We are pretty chuffed with the reaction to be honest,” Mr Witson said.

“The whole intention is to make a difference, but we didn’t expect it to go as well and as quickly as it has – it’s great – everyone we talk to wants to get on board.” 

Originally Mr Witson picked Fridays for his show of spousal solidarity for a good reason.

“When I started wearing pink shirts years ago Friday was my shortest working day, so the boys at work had six hours to give it to me rather than eight,” Mr Witson said.

While Mr Sinclair has since discovered a whole new reason to love pink shirt day.

“You have all your work shirts in the cupboard, and when you reach for the pink one you know it is Friday and the week is over,” he said.

Since the launch however it has become even more handy, with The Tamworth Hotel looking to “run something on Friday’s for tradies in pink”, while a Tradie of The Week award is also on the cards for the best “pinked up” tradies on social media.

“We can’t cure it, we are tradies, but we can make a difference,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Early detection can make a big difference, so on the first of every month, and even every week, check your partner’s breasts – just obtain consent first.”

Hip Pocket Work Wear on Bridge st have a range of different pink shirts available and have already been inundated with orders.

Despite the name the boys are even hoping office workers and everyone else can get involved and help “make a difference.”