$26,000 raised at Parkinson’s walk

RESIDENTS from across the region directly and indirectly affected by Parkinson’s disease finally got the chance to gather in unity last Sunday after two straight cancellations of the Walk in the Park Geelong fundraiser.

Families and individuals affected by the progressive neurological disease gathered at Geelong’s Eastern Park for the first walking fundraiser in three years, raising $26,000 for Melbourne-based research information organisation Fight Parkinson’s.

A Walk in the Park Geelong organiser Kirsten George, who walked for her father on Sunday, said it was amazing to see a tremendous turnout from the Geelong community in what is an emotional day for so many.

“It was great to see so many people get around this year’s event,” Ms George said.

“We’ve just had so much support for the event this year and our main sponsor Homestyle Aged Care has been amazing because they helped get the day up and running.

“Because of them every single dollar we raised through donations and registrations will go straight to Fight Parkinson’s.

“It was good to be back.”

A Walk in the Park’s special ambassador MP John Eren played a pivotal role on the day telling his story of living with Parkinson’s.

The state’s representative for Lara was diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost three years ago and now educates residents in the region about his illness.

“The day was fantastic, a great effort,” Mr Eren said.

“I want to thank Kirsten obviously and the entire Geelong community for their support. Clearly these events have a tremendous impact on people living with Parkinson’s.

“While events like today is about supporting those affected, it is also about getting the message out that it is okay to access support services.”

Fight Parkinson’s CEO Emma Collins said it was great to be back in Geelong raising awareness about a disease that affects 57,000 people in Victoria alone.

“This community is special because of the way it comes together to support one another,” Ms Collins said.

“The support has been there the last two years but there is something really satisfying and energising about being physically able to come out and connect in events like this.”

Other organisations and businesses who helped on the day included Centra, Geelong Bank, Barwon Water, All Powerful Electrical and musical acts such as Parkinsong and The Jazz Cats.

More information about Fight Parkinson’s can be found at www.fightparkinsons.org.au.