Our hero this week is Kim who is riding 800km in March to raise funds for Parkinson’s research.

This mammoth challenge is inspired by Kim’s Mum who has had Parkinson’s for 14 years.

Read more about her story below:

What drives your commitment to a cure for Parkinson’s?

My mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the ripe age of 56 and has had it for 14 years. Mum has always been into keeping active, keeping healthy and has always been an independent strong woman. In my family is my Dad, my Mum, my sister Rabekah and myself. Over the years I have watched the progression in mum’s Parkinson’s which for me has been heart-breaking. She tries to not let Parkinson’s stop her from being independent. To also see the amount of medication mum takes daily to manage all the Parkinson’s symptoms is hard, sometimes the medication does not work which results in mum being in pain. Mum is a strong woman who still pushes through to get daily tasks done. Her passion is gardening, I have always been amazed at the hard work she has put in to produce a beautiful garden, even to this day. Parkinson’s has also had an impact on my Dad. Dad helps care for mum. He is an amazing and resilient man, who is the most amazing support for mum with her Parkinson’s. I am so proud of my mum for keeping strong. She may be stubborn but she’s someone who inspires me to keep pushing through when I find things challenging.

What are you doing to ‘shake things up’ and fundraise?

I am riding 800km in 30 days. Shaking the legs up, that’s for sure. I will be breaking the ride up during the week as I will still be working, I am a high school teacher, as well as managing my sessions at the gym.

I will be commencing the riding from March 1st 2022. I have been doing some training rides to build up my endurance. What I love about cycling is the freedom of being on the bike in the open air.

What advice do you have for others looking to fundraise?

Start early, get friends and family to share any social media posts you may have. I have found by adding in facts or statistics about Parkinson’s also increases awareness outside of what the stereotype of what Parkinson’s Disease is. But I have also realised by posting on social media that more people that we know can relate to or have been impacted by someone they care about with Parkinson’s.

Find out more about how you can make a difference by getting involved with fundraising. 100% of all funds raised will go directly towards cutting-edge Parkinson’s Research for better treatments to slow, stop and prevent Parkinson’s progression.