Ashlee’s Heartfelt Run to Support Parkinson’s Research

Tuesday, 18th November 2025

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In 2024, Ashlee’s fiancé Drew received a surprising diagnosis – he has Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), at just 37 years old. While Drew is now supported by his medical team, the path to diagnosis was a challenging one, with 5 years of experiencing symptoms before he had some clarity.

To increase awareness about the condition, particularly the many misconceptions about YOPD, while also raising funds for vital Parkinson’s research, Ashlee set her sights on a big goal: to run a half marathon in the 3 Bays Running Festival.

“This isn’t just about running a race”, Ashlee shared with her community. “It’s confronting the challenge and building resilience, just as those living with Parkinson’s do every day.”

We spoke with Ashlee all about her experience taking on this big challenge, and her advice for others looking for ways to make a difference.

Ashlee, tell us all about running the half marathon! How did you find the day?

Running the half marathon was really challenging! I really enjoyed the first 14km, I was feeling comfortable and good about my pace then we had to come up a another incline section and after that I started really struggling. It was a pretty warm day and I was feeling uncomfortably hot, thirsty and fatigued.

The last 5km was tough, especially mentally, I found it was a really tough run. But I’m so happy that I completed it!

What was the highlight of the whole experience for you?

The finish line! At about 3 km to go I asked Drew’s Mum to please have a big bottle of water ready, all I could think about was finishing and drinking the water. The finish line was really close to a beach, so Drew, a friend and I all went for a dip straight after the run (after getting my hands on the water bottle), it was so refreshing!

I also really enjoyed my training for the event. I was really motivated, had a goal to achieve and had a plan for training.

Why did you choose to raise funds for Shake It Up through this event?

I found Shake It Up last year when Drew was going through his journey to diagnosis. I came across the Shake It Up Show podcast when researching podcasts related to Parkinson’s disease that I could listen to on my commute to work. I enjoyed listening to the different perspectives of the individuals and their condition, and hearing the challenges the fundraiser would set themselves.

I chose to fundraise for Shake It Up due to 100% of proceeds going towards research into Parkinson’s disease.

At Shake It Up, we fund research that aims to slow, stop and ultimately, cure Parkinson’s. What would this mean to you?

If there was an effective treatment to slow, stop or cure Parkinsons disease, this would mean the world to me. My fiancé Drew was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease last year and to have this possibility for him in the future would be incredible.

I wish for his life to be happy and joyful, and that he can return to pursuing hobbies we used to do together such as taking our two dogs for a walk, or surfing.

Through my work as a healthcare professional I see the effect of Parkinson’s disease on a person’s daily living, in particular in mobility. I would love for people living with PD to no longer be affected by their condition.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to fundraise and make a difference?

Pick something fun and challenging . Your family, friends and local community will get behind you and support you through the fundraising journey. Also the Shake It Up fundraising team were very supportive, so remember to reach out to them if you need.

Just go for it! Every bit of awareness and fundraising helps. As an individual it feels hard to make an impact, but together, we can.

You can donate to support Ashlee’s fundraiser here, or click below to find out how you can get involved to support our mission to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s.