Walking for a cause in Eastern Park

GEELONG’S Eastern Park will play host to this September’s A Walk in the Park – a state-wide fundraiser that champions Parkinson’s research.

Last year’s inaugural Geelong walk – which was advocated for by the daughter of a Parkinson’s sufferer – raised $17,000 for people affected by the neurological condition.

Ocean Grove’s Judy Hayes was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2014 and said the journey has been “quite difficult” to navigate.

“You get slow in everything. So many things can go wrong, and I feel a lot of things have gone wrong for me,” said Judy, coordinator of peer support group Young @ Park.

While symptoms of the disease are unique to each individual, uniting with other sufferers has proven to provide some solace for Judy.

“I’ve formed a number of relationships with a number of people,” she said.

“The thing about Parkinson’s is we all care so much about each other, and we form really good friendships. There’s not anyone in the group I don’t like.”

Terry Crosby from Portarlington discovered he had Parkinson’s last November. Terry said he most likely had it for two years prior to receiving his diagnosis.

Terry and wife Gail renewed their wedding vows at the beginning of the year. The pair have been married for over 30 years and have four children.

Gail, who acts as Terry’s primary carer, said the couple still enjoy life despite Terry’s ongoing struggle with the disease.

“I’m fine, it (being Terry’s carer) doesn’t worry me at all. It is what it is. We just get on with life – that’s my attitude,” she said.

Both Judy and Terry will take part in this year’s A Walk in the Park Geelong on Sunday September 8.

For more information and to register, visit parkinsonswalkgeelong.com.au or facebook.com/ParkinsonsWalkGeelong.