Our hero this week is Jeff Smart who, inspired by our Trek for Treatment in Larapinta, decided to challenge himself with the entire 248km Larapinta Trail. Jeff is by no means a newbie trekker – he was with us on our El Camino Trek last year too. We chatted with Jeff about his amazing achievement.

Tell us about your Larapinta Trek to Shake Things Up?

I walked the full length of the Larapinta Trail – 248km in 16 Days.

It was an extraordinary adventure – but probably more than I had anticipated. In particular, the walk up to Counts Point and Mt Sonder – It was a wow moment from both spots to look back and see how far I had walked.

I got a real buzz from achieving and not letting PD hold me back – though at times in the 248km (16 days) I may have had some doubts.  It is important to me to challenge the image/perception of what it means to have PD.  My personal highlight was probably the 31 km day from to Ormiston Creek – both as a challenge and the views.

I am proud to have lived up to the challenge set by Michael J Fox- “live in the moment, enjoy the day, make the most of what you have”.

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.