From diagnosis to determination: Doireann and Paul step up for Parkinson’s research

Thursday, 24th July 2025

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When Paul was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease in late 2023, he and his partner Doireann faced an avalanche of emotion, questions — and an urgent need for answers. But rather than retreat, the couple has chosen to channel their energy into action. This year, they’ll be lacing up their hiking boots for Shake It Up’s Snowy Mountains Step Up Trek, raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research — and they’ve already raised nearly $16,000.

“Once we decided to sign up, we put our little page together for the fundraiser and told my mum and no one else and thought, ‘This isn’t going to work.’ So I thought it was a good opportunity to out myself in April and tell the greater ecosystem. And then suddenly, we’d raised five grand in five hours and it was like, holy shit” — Paul

Their campaign has now reached over $14,900, with support pouring in from friends, family, and even clients — one of whom donated $5,000 after hearing Paul’s story.

A Long Road to Diagnosis

Paul’s diagnosis came after years of unexplained symptoms, including tremors and changes to his fine motor skills. But it wasn’t until a frozen shoulder, a persistent tremor, and a past brush with cancer intersected that he was finally referred to a neurologist.

“Eventually, I got an appointment with a neurologist… she took one look at me, did a few taps, got me to walk up and down the room and said, ‘Hey presto, you’ve got Parkinson’s.’” — Paul

The diagnosis was swift — but the aftermath was a different story.

“There was very little support… It was like, ‘Here you go. Yeah, yeah, well you’ve obviously got Parkinson’s.’ Not quite in that tone. But, ‘Yes, what do we do for that?’ ‘Here’s a script.’” — Doireann

Rebuilding — One Step at a Time

Paul’s lived experience has shaped a new chapter of intentional living. From adjusting work-life balance to dialing in a tailored wellness routine, he’s found purpose in proactive management — and movement.

“I’ve made the decision to scale right back on… the day-to-day work stuff… [and focus on] diet, various types of exercise, meditation, yoga, weight training, all that kind of stuff. Walking, because walking’s obviously pretty vital, use it or lose it — which dovetails nicely into the trek.” — Paul

As part of their training, Doireann and Paul are using the trek as a motivator for regular movement — and a reason to stay accountable.

“We are avid walkers actually… I walk too fast for anyone that I’m out walking with… So we brought Doireann a weighted vest to slow her down on the walks.” — Paul
“Exactly. I’ve been doing the weighted vest just as a little bit of extra… it has benefits for any prevention of osteoporosis… and the joke is that yes, because I’m so fast at walking, then everyone else can try and keep up with me.” — Doireann

Why They’re Stepping Up

For Paul and Doireann, the trek isn’t just a physical challenge — it’s a message.

“The big thing is… raising awareness is very, very important. The more people who know the better… The more fundraising, the better for trying to find ways to alleviate and maybe one day cure the disease. So it’s basically ticking all the boxes.” — Paul

And as Paul points out, for people diagnosed young, the emotional toll can be immense.

“That is the one thing — that immediately you feel like you need to retreat from the world… You start to have these self-limiting thoughts. So young onset, there’s still plenty of life left… it’s really important to get on the front foot, get out there, do as many things as possible, raise awareness and be as active as possible.” — Paul

Support Paul and Doireann’s Trek

Doireann and Paul are walking to create change — and every step counts.

Support their trek and help fund life-changing Parkinson’s research: Donate now

Your donation fuels hope, research breakthroughs, and the belief that a world without Parkinson’s is possible.