On what other adventure can you follow in the footsteps of the Romans, the Knights Templar, pilgrims and modern day adventurers to Santiago de Compostela?
In just 2 weeks time this team will be heading to Spain to walk the El Camino and raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s. Meet the team and find out what inspired them to join ‘Camino for a Cure’.
Lyn
My name is Lyn I am originally from a farming family in central Queensland, have been living in Palmyra – Perth WA for 37 years. Retired 3 years ago, 63 years young, mother of a beautiful daughter Stacey, mother-in-law to Nick and grandmother (Mimi) to Aidan my 5-year-old grandson who live in Newcastle.
The reason I have taken on this challenging trip is I have always enjoyed fund raising for very worthwhile causes since 19 years old. I also have been very interested in the Camino Trek for the last 5 years or so. I do know of inspirational family, friends, neighbours, business and dance acquaintances who have been on the Trek and those people who unfortunately having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and the same who have sadly passed.
Jess & Marion
Mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year and has been active in fundraising since the diagnosis.
Since the diagnosis, she’s been doing everything she can to prevent the condition worsening, which involves lots of PT classes and yoga. She heard about Camino for a Cure and thought it’d be a great mum/daughter trip and asked me to come along. We haven’t been to Spain, so it seemed like a great excuse to raise money, spend time together and see a new country!
Georgia
I’m from Sydney where I work in book publishing and have done on and off for over 14 years.
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease ten years ago, so he is my major reason for doing this trek. I was keen to get involved as soon as Shake It Up asked for expressions of interest nearly a year ago! Along with my dad I have two other family members who have PD so this is a disease I am very aware of.
Emma & Marie
Emma
I am 24 and a Bachelor of Education and Arts student at Sydney University. As soon as mum told me about this adventure and the cause associated with it, I was immediately convinced we should go! When everything seemed to fit right into place, and the cause is something so close to our hearts, I thought we should take it as a sign and dive right in!
Marie
I’m Marie and at age 50 I noticed a tiny tremor in one of my fingers and it was one year later, at 51 that I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Walking the Camino has been on my bucket list so combining this with the ability to raise funds for Parkinson’s research seemed like a great way for me to make a contribution towards getting closer to a cure for Parkinson’s.
Jenni, Dave & Eileen
Jenni, Dave and Eileen are joining us on the Camino for a Cure Parkinson’s Trek. Jenni was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014 and has witnessed the physical challenges people with Parkinson’s face and the impact it has on their loved ones.
Jenni has always been fascinated with the century old pilgrimage of El Camino de Compostela Santiago so she jumped at the opportunity, and is delighted that her husband and sister are also joining her for this amazing adventure.
Jeff
Jeff lives with Parkinson’s and is passionate about helping to find a cure. The Camino is Jeff’s second fundraising effort after he trekked the Great Wall of China with his daughter 2 years ago.
After reading about the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. I jumped at the chance to join the trek.
I may have PD but since I’ve been diagnosed I have met some inspiring people. And now I am off on another great adventure.
Maryanne
There were a few reasons I decided to take on this challenge. Firstly I was very impressed by Shake It Up Australia’s commitment to 100% of funds raised being directed to the Parkinson’s research to try to find a cure.
Secondly I love multi day walking, my husband and I have completed the coast to coast walk in the UK 3 times – 300kms in 14 days – as well other multi day walks in Australia.
Thirdly I think when you have a condition such as Parkinson’s it’s really important to try to stay as fit and healthy as you can to help manage it.
This challenge ticked all the boxes for me.
Want to join a walk for Parkinson’s?
Our next challenge is Tuscany 2023 where you will journey into the historical heart of Italy as you trek to fund cutting-edge Australian research to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s disease. Sound like the adventure for you? Find out more today.
