Mooroopna Golf Club’s well-loved club manager has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and has just taken his formative steps on the recovery route.
Following surgery at the Austin Hospital in September, the cancer was determined to be Giant Cell Glioblastoma, which requires a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which he has begun.
And so, this Sunday, his second home for the past 19 years will host an event for Prothero ― the Chip In 4 Craig Fundraiser.
The day will feature an 18-hole stableford with a shotgun start at 9am, nearest to the pin and putting competitions and a raffle with a stack of prizes.
It’s a show of support for an integral member of Mooroopna who’s lent his services for the better part of two decades.
And, unsurprisingly, the Chip In 4 Craig Fundraiser has no spots left.
Mooroopna Golf Club president Paul Prosser said he’d been overwhelmed with entries and donations for the event.
“(The golf) was fully booked out last Thursday; some people booked 20 spots and have never played it before,” he said.
“There are a lot of members who’ve missed out, but they’re willing to help out on the day with barbecues, putting competitions and selling raffle tickets.
“We’ve had a lot of donations from various businesses around the region including a lot of golf packages which we’re going to auction off.”
Due to Prothero’s condition, he has been forced to take a leave of absence as he undergoes treatment.
Prosser said “you don’t miss someone in a role like that until they’re gone (from work)”, showing just how big a hole a figure such as Prothero leaves at the club.
Sunday’s fundraiser isn’t the only show of support he’s received, either.
Christine Griffin, a close friend of the Protheros, set up a GoFundMe page for the family in November with a target of $100,000 to help with medical costs as well as a much-needed holiday for Prothero, his wife Kirsty and children Will, Mia and Charlie.
In a month alone, it has raised more than $35,000.
Kirsty Prothero said gestures of verbal comfort and meals alongside the financial support had served as a special reminder of what her husband means to the community.
“As much as the financial support has been beneficial, it’s definitely the general support from the community, our friends and our family which has been overwhelming actually,” she said.
“I think even when the GoFundMe went out, there were people who were probably unaware that Craig was so unwell.
“It triggered a lot of messages and other support which has meant a great deal to Craig and to us as a family.
“That’s absolutely what’s been demonstrated through him being unwell, is just how much people love Craig.
“The community, his workplace and the members, his friends; that’s been really touching for him to realise how much everyone cares about him.”
After undergoing six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy treatment so far, Prothero will have a break over Christmas before further scans and treatment resume in the new year.
There’s a long road ahead, but the holiday scheduled for February is a getaway from the hardship the family has gone through.
And for that, Kirsty is forever grateful.
“We feel very fortunate that we live in such a great community that’s been able to support us through this, that’s for sure,” she said.
“It’s been overwhelming; I don’t think you realise until you’re in a situation like we are, just how invaluable that support in a community is.”
