Our newest Shake It Up Ambassador, Amy Ruffle, completed the Run Melbourne Half Marathon on the weekend, raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s on the way. Amy is an actor, producer and comedian best known for her lead role in NETFLIX’s Mako Mermaids and various stage productions here in Australian and in Los Angeles. She joined the Shake It Up team to support her father Rob, who lives with Parkinson’s.
Thanks to Amy’s fundraising efforts through Run Melbourne, she has raised $3,115 for Parkinson’s research. Congratulations, Amy! We spoke to Amy to hear more about her inspiration for this half marathon.
What inspires your commitment to a cure for Parkinson’s?
My dad inspires me to find a cure for Parkinson’s as he continues to live with the disease. He participates in research studies himself, selflessly recognizing that while a cure might not come along in his life time, he wants to be a part of finding a cure for the people that come after him. He is the kindest, strongest and funniest person I know and my inspiration in every sense of the word.
Tell us about your experience running and fundraising through Run Melbourne?
I was blown away by the generosity of people I know, and complete strangers, who donated to my Run Melbourne fundraising effort. It was incredibly heart warming to see how many people contributed money, and provided a great deal of motivation in the training leading up to the half marathon, and in the final few kilometres on the day when my legs were wanting to give up! I was proud to wear the Shake It Up Australia merch and hopefully did the community proud getting across that finish line.
Could you fundraise for Parkinson’s and make a difference towards a cure?
100% of the funds you raise will go directly to cutting-edge Australian Parkinson’s research.
