This week, we announced that Shake It Up is going to Tasmania next year on a mission to raise funds for Parkinson’s.
Next October, a team of supporters will embark on a 5-day trekking adventure along the Bay of Fires. Beginning in Bridport, the team will make their way across white beaches, through natural woodlands and around windswept headlands. As they are challenged to traverse the series of beaches and natural reserves that make up this dramatic landscape, they’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sweeping views of the Tasmanian coastline.
All of the funds raised on this adventure will go towards supporting Shake It Up Australia Foundation as we continue the quest to find better treatments for Parkinson’s disease and ultimately a cure. And we’d like you to be involved!
So to get us all excited, we thought we’d look back at some of our previous treks and trekking heroes!
Andy – Larapinta 2019
Only recently diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s, Andy braved the Larapinta Trail with our Trek for Treatment participants in August 2019. But it was not the physical aspects Andy found challenging – the trip became an emotive experience of reflection and goal setting for the future.
“What an amazing experience and what a great and inspiring group of people to trek with. Choosing to sleep out under the stars in a swag and seeing 6 shooting stars in 5 minutes was one of the highlights. The wonderful, rugged, diverse but beautiful landscape we hiked through was fantastic. Sharing a week in the Australian Outback with other people with PD and with the family/friends of those supporting loved ones with PD, made this trip a very special and unique trip. Whilst PD affects many people in many different ways, this trip highlighted that PD has no rule book and that it is different for every person. I learnt so much and was inspired by some many individuals in so many ways. It also provided me time to reflect on my PD journey so far but also motivate me in continuing to do everything I can to slow this progression on my body and brain.”
Marie and Emma – El Camino Spain 2018
Marie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 5 years ago but hasn’t let that stop her from her very successful millinery business, making racewear fascinators. Marie and Emma had a fantastic time on the Camino and raised over $20,000 for Parkinson’s research.
Maire: I was 50 when I noticed a tiny unusual twitch in one of my fingers and it was one year later, at 51 that I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. That was nearly 5 years ago. Walking the Camino has been on my bucket list, so combining this with the ability to raise funds for Parkinson’s research in Australia seemed like a great way for me to make a contribution towards finding a cure for Parkinson’s.
Emma: I knew how much this trek would mean to Mum as the Camino has been a dream of hers or a while. It seems like a great opportunity where Mum’s dream and a cause close to both our hearts have coincided. The timing has been perfect with uni break too so it really seems like the stars aligned for this trip to happen!
Angela – Larapinta 2019
Diagnosed over 8 years ago, Angela pushed through the challenging Larapinta trail walk with courage and determination and came away with some rewarding lessons about herself.
“What a challenging trek it was but so rewarding. Early morning starts but worth it to see the sunrises, steep climbs but great aerobic exercise and magnificent views. Being taken out of your comfort zone, being challenged, having the peace and time to reflect and discover that you might not be able to change a situation but you can adapt.”
Jenni, Dave, Eileen – El Camino 2018
Jenni was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014 and witnessed the physical challenges people with Parkinson’s face and the impact it has on their loved ones. Jenni has always been fascinated with the century old pilgrimage of El Camino de Compostela Santiago so she jumped at the opportunity, and is delighted that her husband and sister also joined her for this amazing adventure.
“I am not a gambling person, but I felt I had hit the Trifecta when I first read about The Camino for a cure 2018. The centuries old pilgrimage of El Camino de Compostela Santiago has long fascinated me, and while it was a distant maybe on my bucket list the motivation wasn’t there to pursue it UNTIL supporting Shake It Up Australia gave me cause to become motivated AND Inspired Adventures provided the opportunity to go for it!”
Could you trek for Parkinson’s? Find out more about our Bay of Fires Tasmanian trek today.
