Emily’s Fundraising Fun Run for Parkinson’s

Tuesday, 2nd December 2025

In November 2025, Emily Crain joined forces with her brother and a group of friends to run 10km in the Canberra Times Fun Run, all in honour of her mum, who lives with Parkinson’s. ‘Team Paula’ not only took on the 10km challenge but together raised $3,000 for Shake It Up and Parkinson’s research, as well as important awareness about her family’s experience and her mother’s journey with Parkinson’s.

When creating her fundraiser page, Emily told her community,

“Every day, I see my mum face the challenges of this disease with courage, strength, and determination. Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect movement – it impacts every part of life, and yet she continues to inspire everyone around her.

 

This fundraiser was a way for me to give back and raise awareness for the many families going through the same thing. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps fund important research, support services, and brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s.

Emily, tell us about taking part in the Fun Run! How did you find the day?

The day was unreal, adrenaline was high! Running with my mates for such an important cause was an amazing feeling. It’s something I’ll definitely never forget.

What was the highlight of the whole experience for you?

Race day was definitely a massive highlight, but the days leading up were so special. Seeing friends, family and even strangers showing us support was truly amazing.

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

Shake It Up is doing incredible research into PD. When my mum was diagnosed, I felt like I needed to do something to help. Being able to support a foundation that could make a real difference felt like something I needed to get around.

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

Slowing, stopping or curing Parkinson’s would mean everything to my family and I. It brings hope and a brighter future for my mum and so many others living with the disease. Knowing that research has the power to change lives, ease daily challenges, and give families back some normality makes supporting this cause incredibly special to me.

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

Do it! It’s absolutely worth every single minute. Knowing your efforts could help create a world without Parkinson’s – the world I’d like to live in –  makes it an experience you’ll never forget.

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