A friendly afternoon stroll

BALLARAT is invited to A Walk in the Park at Lake Wendouree this Saturday, 5 October to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Victoria.

The community will unite at the rotunda adjacent to the Gatekeeper’s Cottage at 1.30pm for 2pm, when a friendly afternoon stroll organised by the local Parkinson’s Peer Support Group will begin.

Elaine Maberly said it’s the second time her network has coordinated the event, which runs at a similar time to a larger state walk in Melbourne.

“There was initially no enthusiasm to do our own walk, and last year all in a tearing hurry, we arranged for a walk and had a remarkable response,” she said. “We sent $500 to Parkinson’s Victoria as a result.”

The group expects this year’s walk to be even bigger, with short and long Fairyland courses, a Botanical Gardens route and a full lap of Lake Wendouree, catering to all abilities.

But naturally, Parkinson’s itself may influence attendance.

“We have no idea how many will come because when you’re dealing with an illness like this, if it’s very cold, wet, windy there will be fewer people than when it’s a nice day,” Ms Maberly said.

Anybody of any age is welcome to join the walk, with $10 registration for individuals or $15 for a family.

An afternoon tea will be held at the same rotunda after the stroll, weather permitting, and all attendees are encouraged to bring a plate to share.

“It’s just nice to be together,” Ms Maberly said.

The Ballarat Parkinson’s Peer Support Group is thriving, meeting on the first Friday of every month. It spans four decades.

They get two or three new diagnosed members every month, and their carers, with 80 on the mailing list. Expert guest speakers often present. Contact Elaine Maberly on 0438 085 797.