Our heroes this week are Tony and Wendy who set off earlier in the year as ‘The Adventure Is’ to traverse the country from Byron Bay to Steep Point – the eastern most point, to the western most point of the country. They’ve had an incredible time on the journey and have so far raised $2,592 for Parkinson’s research.

Tony and two other family members have Parkinson’s, Tony being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s in 2020. Tony said that the biggest change for him was learning to slow down, he said he’s always had the saying ‘sleep is a waste of time’ but now its a must to let his body recover from a simple day in the garden.

As they approach Steep Point, aiming to arrive on the 13th, we spoke with Tony and Wendy to hear more about this extraordinary journey.

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

To help find a cure in my life time, so I will be able to spend as much time with my children and grandchildren. To get people with Parkinson’s involved in research. The more people involved, the better chance we have of finding a cure.

What are you doing to ‘shake things up’ and fundraise?

Traveling from the easternmost point to the western most point of Australian talking to  to people to be involved and donate. Promoting everything we do on social media to help create more of a conversation around what you can do, and how you can help people living with Parkinson’s.

Tell us about how the adventure has been going so far?

Inspiring to keep doing what we’re doing.

It’s been challenging out of our comfort zone.

Ticking of bucket list items and places.

Meeting new friends

Sharing life stories places and adventures.

What are the future plans for the adventure?

Continue traveling and share the adventure and talk to as many people in person and online about Parkinson’s. Pushing ourselves to travel to remote and off grid places. Living life to the fullest with Parkinson’s. Inspiring people to get up and live life with Parkinson’s.

You can donate to Tony and Wendy or follow their adventures on their Instagram page. 

Could you fundraise for Parkinson’s? 100% of the funds you raise will go directly to cutting-edge Australian Parkinson’s research. Find out more.