BALLARAT is invited to A Walk in the Park at Lake Wendouree this Saturday, 5 October to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson\u2019s Victoria.<\/p>\n
The community will unite at the rotunda adjacent to the Gatekeeper\u2019s Cottage at 1.30pm for 2pm, when a friendly afternoon stroll organised by the local Parkinson\u2019s Peer Support Group will begin.<\/p>\n
Elaine Maberly said it\u2019s the second time her network has coordinated the event, which runs at a similar time to a larger state walk in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere 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,\u201d she said. \u201cWe sent $500 to Parkinson\u2019s Victoria as a result.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group expects this year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
But naturally, Parkinson\u2019s itself may influence attendance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have no idea how many will come because when you\u2019re dealing with an illness like this, if it\u2019s very cold, wet, windy there will be fewer people than when it\u2019s a nice day,\u201d Ms Maberly said.<\/p>\n
Anybody of any age is welcome to join the walk, with $10 registration for individuals or $15 for a family.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just nice to be together,\u201d Ms Maberly said.<\/p>\n
The Ballarat Parkinson\u2019s Peer Support Group is thriving, meeting on the first Friday of every month. It spans four decades.<\/p>\n