Greek Australian grandfather, Chris Tsalikis is more than half-way through his “marathon” walk, by now, even surpassing the $10,000 goal he had set for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to raise awareness and funds for research.

Starting off on Tuesday last week, the soon to be 83 year-old man from East Brighton, begins his daily walks from a major hospital in Melbourne and heads home. By the tenth and final day, he will have covered nearly 180km.

His energy and inspiring positive nature means that he doesn’t walk alone. Family and friends join in along the way to show support or meet him at his hospital destinations.

Tartia Quinn accompanies her best friend’s father, Chris Tsalikis on his long walk. Photo: Supplied

“What an incredible day. Sunshine was out.. Got to spend four hours with my dad doing something active and for a great cause. Proud of myself for (just) finishing the 18 or so km’s… but more importantly, just in awe of my dad .. who turns 83 next week.. and his incredible attitude and ability to do these walks without so much as a single complaint !” his daughter, Ellise Tsalikis posted last Thursday on day 3.

Mr Tsalikis had told Neos Kosmos when he launched the fundraiser in August that he felt it was time for him to give something back to the community.

“I haven’t done anything like this before. Now I can. I no longer have any obligation or financial commitments to anyone,” he had said, adding that after his daughter, Ellise was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, it was for this organisation he wanted to do something for.

On day 3, Chris Tsalikis is accompanied by his daughter Ellise, as they walk 18km from the Royal Melbourne Hospital to his home in East Brighton. Photo: Supplied

NBCF is a leading Australian national body funding breast cancer research with money raised entirely by the Australian public, with its mission to stop deaths from breast cancer, by 2030.

His last walk is on Thursday, after which Chris Tsalikis along will sculptor Anastasia Nikakis will hold an exhibition of their art work in East Melbourne, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Foundation. Titled “Morphe” the exhibition held during the first weekend of October marks the start of the international breast cancer awareness campaign that takes place every year in September.

To donate, visit this link.