Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2025 Wrap-Up: $428,000 Raised for Research!

Tuesday, 20th May 2025

This April, thousands of Australians came together to take on a challenge, start a conversation, and raise vital funds for Parkinson’s research as part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month. And together — thanks to every step walked, pancake flipped, photo shared, dollar donated, and story told — our incredible community raised a record-breaking $428,000.

All of it — 100% — will go directly to funding Australian research that is working to slow, stop, and ultimately cure Parkinson’s disease.

This year, our community’s creativity and commitment blew us away. From treks across Nepal to classical concerts and corporate campaigns, we saw powerful, personal stories transform into impactful fundraising efforts.

Here, we celebrate our top 5 fundraisers — and the difference they’ve made.

Zoe Campbell & Macquarie Group — Headshots for Charity | $65,000

Zoe Campbell, daughter of Shake It Up Founder Clyde Campbell, led a team of Macquarie Group graduates to run the Headshots for Charity campaign in Sydney and Melbourne. More than 650 staff headshots were taken in exchange for donations, which were then doubled through Macquarie’s workplace giving program.

“Being able to support the foundation through this initiative at Macquarie has been really special and rewarding… Corporate fundraisers like Headshots for Charity show just how powerful simple but effective initiatives can be in driving real impact.”

Zoe’s personal connection and passionate leadership made this the highest-raising campaign of PAM 2025 — with every shot captured making a difference for research.

Marg, Chappo & Winx — 365KM Challenge | $13,618

Marg and her husband Chappo, who lives with Parkinson’s, set themselves the challenge of walking 365KM in April with help from their bulldog Winx — a number symbolising the months left until their 40th wedding anniversary.

Despite setbacks, their honesty and heartfelt updates on social media drew powerful community support.

“It’s not just about raising awareness — it’s also about raising hope. Hope for better treatments, hope for more support… and ultimately, hope for a cure.”

With help from friends who walked extra kilometres for them, they collectively passed 700KM — a moving show of solidarity and love.

Gary McKitterick & the Annapurna Circuit Team | $52,211

Organised by long-time supporter Gary McKitterick-Gillett, 19 Australians undertook an extraordinary trek across Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit, reaching 5,416m over the Thorong La Pass.

The trekkers — aged 16 to 73 — raised funds through BBQs, pancake stalls, raffles, and community talks, building both awareness and momentum.

“The greatest achievement this year has been the conversations held, the barriers broken down, and of course the money raised.”

This inspiring effort combined adventure with advocacy, bringing Parkinson’s research into the spotlight on both local and global stages.

Rachel Scott — Playing for Parkinson’s | $10,831

Professional cellist Rachel Scott dedicated her Bach in the Dark concert series to Shake It Up with a special livestream event called Playing for Parkinson’s. Inspired by her friend’s mother and a late supporter who loved her music, Rachel assembled a line-up of classical artists for a moving online performance.

“I know there is no cure. But I also know scientists are working tirelessly to try and find one — climbing a huge mountain. And I figured that with the help of some friends, I can make a little bit of a difference.”

Rachel’s story reminds us how art and advocacy can intersect powerfully.

Vicky & Penny — Pilates for Parkinson’s | $6,579

In a heartfelt fundraiser, Vicky and Penny — who share the pain o having had a parent diagnosed with Parkinson’s — hosted the first-ever Pilates 4 Parkinson’s event in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Set at the beautiful Punt Road Wines, the sold-out outdoor class included a Pilates session, bubbles, and community spirit.

“United in our passion to help find a cure for Parkinson’s and our love of Pilates, we came up with this idea. We never expected this much success.”

This beautiful event turned movement into meaning — with plans to grow even bigger next year.

Thank You, Australia.

To every person who fundraised, donated, hosted, or showed up — thank you.

Your support fuels the research that brings hope. And your stories remind the world that Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect those diagnosed — it affects families, friends, and entire communities.

100% of funds raised during Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2025 will go directly to Australian Parkinson’s research.

Stay tuned as we continue sharing more inspiring fundraiser stories over the coming weeks!

Together, we are moving forward. Faster. But the fight against Parkinson’s and the need for research funding doesn’t end in April. You can help keep our momentum by making a donation today.