Our hero this week has decided to go public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis by running for Parkinson’s.   Michael was just 44 when he was diagnosed and has never been one to sit around and do nothing!  Not only has he committed to run the City2Surf in Sydney but will also follow it up by running the Bridge2Brisbane. We asked Michael what drives him to make a difference?  He said, “With a wife and two beautiful girls, I need no other motivation”.

What Drives Your Commitment to find a cure for Parkinson’s?

Apart from the obvious, being affected by the disease doesn’t just impact on me but it affects those closest to me, my family and close friends.

Why Shake It Up Australia? 

Once diagnosed you do what any Google warrior does, look for information.

Shake It Up Australia had the information, it was in plain terms which was easy to understand. When I reached out, Clyde himself made contact and was brutally honest about what lay ahead. This suited me as I didn’t and still don’t have the time to pussy foot around.

Tell us what you are doing/did to Shake Things Up?

It has taken some time to go public as I didn’t want this to be about me, however, I also didn’t want to be sitting on my hands doing nothing. 

Greatest Reward?

My wife and two beautiful girls. I need no other motivation 

Best advice for people looking to Shake It Up?

Don’t let PD define who you are, allow it to drive who you want to be and don’t waste time.

If you would like to support Michael visit his fundraising pages for either the City2Surf or Bridge2Brisbane.

Looking for an event that you can participate in for Parkinson’s.   Head over to our athletics event page and find an event in your state.