Our hero this week is Sarah Buckpitt who has started a Pedal for Parkinson’s Challenge in Tasmania to raise funds for Shake It Up. Together with fellow cyclists, friends and family, Sarah will be completing a 500km challenge over 5 days in May this year, and has already raised over $5,000! We spoke to Sarah to hear more about her story and the Pedal for Parkinson’s.

What drives your commitment to a cure for Parkinson’s?

I have seen first hand what the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s Disease can have on someone. Watching someone you love so dearly have their body overcome by this disease and slowly lose their independence is utterly tragic to witness. I wouldn’t wish this disease on my worst enemy and with that said it’s an honour to be a part of something bigger than just myself to help raise funds to go towards potentially life changing projects against this disease.

What are you doing to shake things up and fundraise?

Myself and a small group of friends have put together Tasmania’s first ever Pedal for Parkinson’s Tour which involves riding 500km across fives days starting and finishing in Hobart. We have a goal of raising $10,000 to help fund projects that are helping to find medicines and ultimately a cure against Parkinson’s Disease.

Can others get involved?

Absolutely! The tour is open to everyone to enter, they can enter for the full five days or a single stage or two that suits them. People can even participate from anywhere in Australia or the world! Participants must register at pfptas@gmail.com before midnight April 19 2022 to be involved.

Check out the below video for more information about the event or donate to the Pedal for Parkinson’s fundraising page.