Fundraiser run for Parkinson’s research

A BALLARAT-raised business owner is getting ready to take part in a fundraising walk with the cash going towards Parkinson’s research.

eQuality Support founder and managing director Mark vanHammond is aiming to raise $38,000 for the Shake It Up Australia Foundation.

Running more than 40 kilometres in the Sydney Marathon in September as part of the campaign, Mr vanHammond said the campaign grew out of his desire to git fit.

“Getting back into exercising after COVID was the first drive,” he said. “As I progressed, I wanted to fill another goal which turned into the Sydney event and the opportunity to raise became a no-brainer.

“Parkinson’s affects a significant amount of people and it’s one of the fastest-growing neurological diseases in the world. This money will go directly towards researching for better meds or a cure.

“The $38,000 represents the 38 Australians diagnosed every day.”

Mr vanHammond said he’d received more than 30 donations and have raised about $15,000 since launching the campaign.

Mark’s father Hans was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in late 2021, with the former saying his dad’s experience with the disease makes the campaign more personal.

“Having that close connection makes it a charity of both meaning to myself and purpose,” he said.

“Seeing the impact that Parkinson’s can have on the individual and across to families, it was the next part of wanting to do something for a cause that affects 150,000 Australians.

“The 12 months before his slight improvement you could continually see this decline in dad’s confidence. That was the hardest part of it to see someone previously so community involved.

“He’s very heavily involved and engaged in this though which is awesome to see. He goes to the Wendouree Fire Brigade where he talks about it at their monthly meetings.”

Hans still lives in Ballarat where he taught TAFE engineering for more than 30 years and was a Wendouree Fire Brigade volunteer for more than five decades.

To donate, visit bit.ly/3NMHCu7.