A big thank you to everyone who PARTICIPATED and PLEDGED in our 2022 Pause 4 Parkinson’s campaign for Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April. Together, we raised over $210,000 for Parkinson’s research and raised the profile of Parkinson’s in the community.
Our fundraisers were integral in this year’s Pause 4 Parkinson’s campaign, challenging themselves, hosting events and raising funds for Parkinson’s.
Today we celebrate the achievements of our Top Fundraisers for 2022.
Ben Coburn – Cobes for Parkinson’s
Ben Coburn and his friends set themselves a huge challenge – a 1km Swim, 8km Run and 3.5km Board Paddle. The team had big group of supporters who helped them along the way and very generous donors. Together, they raised $27,673 for Parkinson’s research.
Ben and his crew also went on a social media spree to raise awareness about Parkinson’s. They interviewed people with Parkinson’s and doctors, as well as being interviewed themselves on local podcasts and radio to try and spread the word about Parkinson’s and how it impacts people and families.
Matt Bowman – 80km Ultra Marathon
Another Shake It Up supporter with a huge challenge and our second highest fundraiser for 2022, Matt Bowman completed the Margaret River 80km Ultra Marathon to raise funds for Parkinson’s. Matt ran the distance in 9 hours 36 minutes, breaking his goal of 10 hours AND placed third in his category! Congratulations, Matt! Through his generous friends and family, Matt raised $10,005 for Shake It Up throughout April.
Louise and Zach walk Paws 4 Parkinson’s
Work colleagues from Thales Australia, Louise Capper and Zach Bunting, together with their dogs Sheba, Bruno and Irish, walked all through April for Pause 4 Parkinson’s. Louise, who was diagnosed in 2020, walked 65km and Zach walked 62km for a huge combined total of 127km! Initially targeting raising $500, they ended up raising more than $5,700, due to the generosity of friends, colleagues and sponsors.
They received support from their local InZone Cricket who donated 50% of cricket net hire during the month of April.
Lucas and the Lads – Newcastle Half Marathon
Earlier in April, Lucas completed the Newcastle Half Marathon with his team ‘The Lads’. They ran with Lucas’ father in mind as he has been dealing with Parkinson’s since his diagnosis in early 2018. Together, they raised $4,285 for Parkinson’s Research.
Lucas has been a long-time supporter of Shake It Up, challenging himself for Parkinson’s last year and completing the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival for Shake It Up in 2018, raising much needed funds and awareness on the way.
Gary climbs Mt Everest – virtually and physically!
Year on year, Gary McKitterick-Gillet supports Shake It Up through his company Trek Ready Himalayas, who host virtual and physical treks of Mt Everest Base camp.
2022 was the first year since Covid-19 that Gary has been able to return to Nepal for the trek, with cold temperatures and stunning views! He trekked with Tina Beard who has been part of Gary’s virtual treks.
Gary has also been facilitating virtual treks of Mt Everest from anywhere in Australia for anyone who wants to participate but isn’t able to travel to Nepal. For his virtual trek, Gary climbs Mt Coolum in QLD over and over again until he reaches the same distance as Mt Everest. If you want to be part of a virtual or physical trek of Mt Everest with Gary, you can contact him on trekreadyhimalayas@gmail.com
Thank you again to everyone who PARTICIPATED and PLEDGED during April for Pause 4 Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Together we can make a difference towards better treatments for Parkinson’s.
If you’d like to get involved in fundraising, please contact our Fundraising and Events Manager, Isobel at isobel@shakeitup.org.au
