Equipped with skates, a man was spotted manoeuvring through the heavy vehicles on National Highway at Benz Circle on Tuesday morning. He isn’t any ordinary skater moving through city roads, but a firm man set on an 800 km journey on skates to help underprivileged women suffering breast cancer get treatment.
Rana Uppalapati (34), started off at Vizag’s R.K. Beach on May 28 daring the harsh weather conditions and is covering 100 km a day. On Tuesday morning, he completed 350 km, and has a long way to culminate the journey at Chennai’s Marina Beach, where Chennai Pinkathon, an awareness campaign for breast cancer, would be held on June 5..
“This is to raise funds for the underprivileged women with breast cancer which can be cured upon treatment and also spread awareness on the disease. Earlier I had travelled 600 km between Mumbai and Goa, and now I wanted to do this in my own State”, Rana told The Hindu.
“Apart from this, I want to send out a message to the youth that nothing comes easy unless you put in hard work. I am not a sportsperson but a businessman and had earlier worked for Cognizant. I skated only during my childhood. But when I walk and do the same campaign none will bother me. As I skate, people are approaching me to inquire about the campaign and the purpose is served,” Mr. Rana said.
“On the way to Chennai I am meeting friends, cousins and relatives. That is restoring my spirits. Donors can visit ketto.org/800 and contribute for the cause”, he added.
As per the web portal, Rana earned Rs. 83, 644 as on Tuesday evening and the target is set at Rs. 2 lakh.
Rana Uppalapati is covering 800 km on skates to create awreness on breast cancer
