Prison raises thousands of dollars for McGrath Foundation

Thurs 21 April 2022

Inmates and staff at Macquarie Correctional Centre have raised more than $18,000 for The McGrath Foundation during a months-long fundraising campaign which concluded with a mammoth 1000km Olympic-inspired marathon.

A generous $8300 was raised during the run which saw participants sprint around the centre’s yard, while inmates raised an additional $8,000 through a variety of fundraising activities over the last six months

Governor Brad Peebles said staff also raised $2,000 during a Pink Day fundraiser which meant the centre beat its overall target by more than $3,000.

“All money will go towards the McGrath Foundation’s Breast Care Nurses – a critical support network which provides ongoing care to those experiencing breast cancer.

“Both staff and inmates have been affected by this horrible disease and wanted to do their bit to help patients and families in need.”

Senior Assistant Superintendent Amy Hobbel ran more than 42.2km – the equivalent of an Olympic marathon – a feat inspired by the dedication shown by staff and inmates.

“As human beings, we have all felt the impacts of breast cancer and have seen the struggles of those suffering from the disease,” Amy said. 

“We all want to live in a world where breast cancer is never a death sentence and those suffering from it are provided the best care possible.

Staff and inmates initially planned to run just 42.2km but persevered and ran an incredible total of 1000km when all their runs were combined.

“Everyone had nothing left but dug deep and kept going – when participants realised they were short of the 1000km mark, the group pushed through and ran an extra 17.6kms to achieve that goal,” Amy said.

“Most inmates attended with a goal of 5km or 10km and completed more than their goal, some even doing half marathons or more – they were all very sore… I know I am!

Prison staff got into the spirit of the day by wearing pink shirts, with some even donning a pink tutu.

The marathon finished with a certificate ceremony for all participants, as well as lunch and dessert – which included pink jelly and dessert.