This November, Shake It Up supporter Jeremy will undertake the fisiocrem GC50 Run Festival, tackling his first ever 50km Ultra Marathon in honour of his mother, who lives with Parkinson’s, with a big goal to raise $50,000 for Parkinson’s research.

We spoke to Jeremy all about his fundraising endeavour and what inspires him to make a difference for people living with Parkinson’s.

Hi Jeremy! Tell us all about your upcoming 50km challenge. Is this the first time you will take on an Ultra Marathon?

I recently registered for the 10km race. After registering I selected which foundation I wanted to support. I selected Shake it Up Australia. Immediately I had an idea to transfer from the 10km run and register for the 50km Ultra Marathon.

I have never run this distance before, so I thought to myself,  why not make this my mission to run 50km and raise 50k for Shake it Up Australia.

My beautiful mother has Parkinson’s disease, so this is extremely close to my heart.

What is your training like?

I have not run consistently for close to 2 years, so I have engaged my running coach to help with support and programming. I will be running 4 times per week.

I luckily own a gym on the Gold Coast, and have been a personal trainer for well over a decade. I am currently doing 4-5 weight sessions, as well as hiking, pickleball, and some other forms of cross training.

What drives your commitment to fundraise for Parkinson’s?

First and foremost my beautiful mother is my biggest purpose and driving force. Secondly because I have a gift of helping others. It’s my life’s purpose to help inspire, and raise awareness for those who suffer with Parkinson’s disease, but also for those who do not.

I love to teach people and educate people on how to live a balanced lifestyle focused on longevity. This run will be a great way to help make a tiny difference.

What is your advice for others hoping to make a difference for people with Parkinson’s?

My advice is to firstly listen, we have two ears and one mouth. Listen twice, and speak once. For those who don’t have Parkinson’s disease I think it is so important to understand the disease as best we can so we can then offer support, in whichever way is necessary.

Support is so important. Fill your cup first, so you can help support those near and dear to you. I always make sure I’m filling my cup so I’m always available to those who need me, in particular my mother.

Why did you choose to raise funds for Shake It Up Australia?

For my Mum and all the other people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, or who have a loved one affected by the disease.

You can support Jeremy’s fundraising goal here, or sign up to participate in an athletic event for Shake It Up yourself here.