“Team Big G” to take on A Walk in the Park Geelong

FORMER Geelong Walk in the Park organiser Kirsten George has never completed the walk in her home city, but this year will be different as she prepares to undertake the 2km course at Eastern Park in honour of her late father.

A Walk in the Park Geelong will again be held in Eastern Park this Sunday, May 7, shining a local light on Parkinson’s disease, world’s fastest growing neurological condition.

Ms George’s father, Graeme Hemley, passed away at the age of 75 in July of last year from a stroke, and was the original motivation for Ms George beginning the Geelong Walk in the Park in 2018, after battling Parkinson’s disease for almost 20 years.

“I’ve never done the walk here in Geelong personally, I’ve always co-ordinated the planning and made sure things ran smoothly on the day, so it will be a little bit strange and very emotional,” Ms George said.

“It will be a walk of celebration I think for our family, personally, he wouldn’t want us crying or being miserable, and we want Sunday to be a day about celebration, so that’s what we will do.

“He was always a big presence, he was a good man, he was friendly, kind, generous and everyone’s mate. He struggled with the Parkinson’s, but he was determined to get on with what he loved.

“I just bloody miss him.”

This year’s event will be run by Fight Parkinson’s after Ms George stepped away from her organiser role due to caring for her father and work commitments.

An East Geelong resident his entire life and husband to Kaye, “Big G” – as he was fondly called – was an avid sports fan, playing games for the Geelong Football Club as a youngster and finishing second in the 1968 Stawell Gift.

“He just loved the camaraderie that came with anything he was involved in,” Ms Hemley said.

“He was an upholsterer his whole life and belonged in all the local sports clubs.”

The course at the event site just near the barbecue pavilion in 100 metres from the entrance of the Geelong Botanic Gardens circuits Eastern Park.

Walkers will get picturesque views of Corio Bay as well as walk below Eastern Park’s famous flying fox community.

The walk’s proceedings will begin at 9.30am before the 2km walk commences at 10.30am. Organisers have assured the course is mobility friendly and suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

Fight Parkinson’s chief executive officer Emma Collin, who attended last year’s Geelong event said events like this Sunday’s lift the voice and profile of Parkinson’s.

“Together we can make sure Parkinson’s is better understood and resourced to ensure everyone gets the support they deserve,” Ms Collin said.

“When the community is united, they can empower each other to make a difference. This event provides the perfect opportunity for people to walk together to be seen, heard and understood.”

Register at parkinsonswalkgeelong.com.au or phone Fight Parkinson’s on 03 8809 0400.

Everyone who registers for Geelong’s A Walk in the Park and raises $25 will receive a free event T-shirt.