One of the McGrath Foundation’s most dedicated supporters, Dr Prabodh Malhotra, stopped over in Castlemaine on Wednesday on his inspirational walk from Melbourne’s MCG to the Sydney Cricket Ground.
This is the second year that the 72-year-old has embarked on the arduous journey to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation to boost their pool of vital Breast Care Nurses.
Dr Malhotra began his 1325 kilometre trek on October 29 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
On Tuesday this week he walked the 25 kilometres from Daylesford to Guildford where he was warmly welcomed by locals celebrating the Melbourne Cup at the local hotel before being offered a hot shower and a place to park his van for the evening.
Dr Malhotra caught up with the Mail when he reached Castlemaine at lunchtime on Wednesday enjoying a cuppa and a chat at the Hot ‘n’ Crusty Bakery.
The retired economist has been living in Melbourne for more than 40 years and says he wanted to give something back to the community.
The fundraiser said that he has heard many touching stories of those impacted by the disease through McGrath Foundation events and along his journey.
“This country has given me a beautiful life, and now it is my turn to give something back. I am so pleased to have this opportunity to make a small contribution to such a noble cause,” said Malhotra.
Prabodh raised $73,000 for the foundation in 2022 and hopes to smash his $100,000 target in 2023. He has once again meticulously planned every aspect of the walk and recruited friends and family to act as his support team along the way.
Prabodh’s inspirational journey between two legendary cricket grounds aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of fundraising for McGrath Breast Care Nurses to assist the foundation in reaching its goal of 250 nurses by 2025.
He is scheduled to arrive at the Sydney Cricket Ground on day one of the NRMA Insurance Pink Test on Wednesday January 3, 2024.
“It was such as special moment last year. I was joined on the final leg by the Big Three Trek team fellow fundraisers walking from Allianz Stadium to the Pink Village, and was received outside the SCG by Glenn McGrath and the Premier Dominic Perrottet.
“This year I am taking a different, longer and more challenging route in a bid to stop at more regional centres and boost awareness and my fundraising efforts,” he said.
McGrath Foundation Ambassador & Director, Tracy Bevan said Prabodh’s journey is not only a gesture of solidarity but is also a powerful call to action to support those affected by breast cancer.
“Generous support from an everyday Australian like Prabodh is always special, but the fact he’s chosen to do something so extraordinary is truly incredible. Prabodh’s fundraising generosity will help us get closer to our goal of ensuring no one misses out on the care of a breast care nurse and we couldn’t be more grateful,” Tracy said.
At an age where many retirees are slowing down, Prabodh’s 66 day journey will see him stopover in Bendigo today, followed by Echuca, Deniliquin, Wagga Wagga and Goulburn in mid December. He will then journey to Mittagong, Picton, Liverpool, and Canterbury before his arrival at the SCG.
To donate and support Prabodh’s fundraising efforts click here.
For the latest updates on his walk visit his blog page