Our Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2026 Fundraising Champions

Trek Ready Himalayas – $68,800 

Gary Mckitterick-Gillett led a group of 34 Australians across some of the most demanding Himalayan trails. The trekkers came from Toowoomba, the Latrobe Valley, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to take part in the challenge across April and May, trekking through altitude, cold and remote terrain. Their determination transformed every step into meaningful impact, directly supporting world‑class research aimed at better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Supported by a number of corporate sponsors, this was a truly collective effort for a bigger cause. 

“The effort and resilience of this year’s trekkers were driven by a purpose far greater than the mountains themselves: improving the lives of those living with Parkinson’s.” – Gary

Monkey Mia Boys – $64,000

The Monkey Mia Boys have been raising funds for Shake It Up since 2018, when a group of them decided to travel on motorbikes from the westernmost point of Australia (Monkey Mia) to the easternmost point (Byron Bay). Since then, they have raised more than $400,000. This year they once again rallied the support of their incredibly generous and dedicated community in the weekend of World Parkinson’s Day, to raise a huge $64,000. Due to our Diamond Sponsor BMD Group, this was matched dollar for dollar, contributing to more than $120,000 that will go directly to Australia’s best Parkinson’s researchers.

“We’ve taken on many great adventures. Noel and I have been humbled by the ongoing generosity of family, friends, and a community that continues to rally behind this important cause.” – Andrew

Louise Owens – $42,000

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 54, and then more recently receiving a shock diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Louise decided to focus on fundraising to help find a cure. 

Her dedication to making a difference was clear in her 3-pronged fundraising programme, encompassing:

1. Bake Sale – 50 friends and star bakers cooked up a feast of cakes, biscuits, jam and preserves and made $4,000 for reserach

2. Auction – With talks from Shake It Up founder Clyde Campbell and fellow Shake It Up supporter Emma Tinkler, Louise auctioned 36 prizes and raised $28,000.

3. Raffle – A follow up online raffle of 50 prizes donated from generous friends and family raised another $5.5k

“I’m a positive and proactive person, and so it made sense for me to do fundraising to help find a cure. All-in-all it was a great result. We all had fun – people have already told me that they’d like to be involved next time!” – Louise

Colliers Team – $19,560

Colliers decided to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research after the effects it had on a number of team members’ families. They walked laps of the Tan Track from 8am-4pm on March 27th, encouraging clients, family and friends to join the team during the day for a lap or a BBQ lunch, as well as a competition with generous prizes donated. 

“The team at Colliers were proud to support fundraising and awareness efforts for Parkinson’s research in 2026, particularly given the impact it has had on the families of several of our team members. Together, we aim to help drive meaningful progress.” – Annabelle

Paddle for Parkinson’s – $14,600

Five years ago, Shake It Up supporter Lyle had a simple idea: to swim 40 laps of Camp Cove for his 40th birthday. What started as a personal challenge soon became something more meaningful, as Lyle made the decision to support Shake It Up Australia in honour of his uncle Brian, who lives with Parkinson’s disease. 

Each year, Lyle and his family and friends add another lap to the challenge, bringing them now to this year’s 45 laps for 45 years. The team have now raised over $40,000 for research and have created something really special: an opportunity to gather their community, honour the resilience of those living with Parkinson’s, and make a significant contribution in the quest for a cure.

“My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s ten years ago. I’ve watched him navigate the progression of this disease with courage, strength and not a single complaint – more than I could ever manage. Research matters. Funding matters.” – Daniel

Andrew & Marg – $13,400

Chappo was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was just 53 years old, and while he faces each challenge with courage and humour, the impact is real. Chappo and his wife Marg fundraised for a second year, clocking up the kilometres with a walking challenge. 

Their goal was 353km, but together with friends and family they reached a huge 371.9km. Their challenge also aimed to raise awareness of the unique challenges of Young Onset Parkinson’s, and they both shared experiences of how their lives are impacted on a daily basis, to grow understanding.

“Our goal was 353km. That number matters to us: when Chappo and I married in 2015, he promised we’d have 40 years together, 353 is the number of months between April 2026 and our 40th wedding anniversary. In some way, it felt like if we could walk the 353km, we could also celebrate that milestone, eventually.” – Marg

Symon & Jayne – $12,340

This year, Parkinson’s Awareness Month marks five years since Shake It Up supporter Symon first received his Parkinson’s diagnosis. “Five years ago, I walked into a neurologist with a sore shoulder and arm”, Symon says. “30 minutes later, I walked out with the news that I had Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease”. 

Along with his wife Jayne, Symon came up with a unique challenge in 2026 to run $10km in the Canberra Running Festival, personally donating $10 for every person that ran past him. Overall, Symon and Jayne have now contributed over $60,000 in the last 3 years to research through a series of challenges.

“ I have been lucky enough to hear from some of the researchers that Shake It Up Australia fund and small breakthroughs are happening regularly. We just need to remain optimistic, keep funding the experts and eventually the scientists will crack the code.” – Symon

Carol Ferrone – $10,141

Shake It Up ambassador Carol Ferrone held a Sydney premiere of a passion project that was deeply personal and close to her heart – a documentary that invites audiences to view a intimate portrait of two people. One man living with Parkinson’s, fighting daily to stay present in a body that won’t always cooperate, and another beside him as advocate, family member, and witness. 

The Sydney premiere and support of her community raised over $10,000 while starting vital conversations and building awareness about Parkinson’s.

“Through movement, routine, humour, and an unbreakable bond, this film captures the quiet battle to slow the disease, protect independence, and hold onto what matters most, while offering insight into current research, the urgency of funding, and the vital work of Shake It Up Australia.” – Carol

Good Vibrations – $9,170

Good Vibrations was created after Steph’s mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just over three years ago. Steph first started the event to inspire her mum Liane to keep living fully and to remind her that this diagnosis does not define who she is. Now the event has become so much more than they could of hoped.

On Saturday 11 April 2026, the Good Vibrations Fun Run for Parkinson’s raised more than $9,000 for research, with all donations on the day being matched by our generous sponsor BMD Group. Energy levels were high, vibes were positive and the event gathered together an incredible community to make a difference for people living with Parkinson’s.

“Good Vibrations aims to inspire, engage and recognise those living with Parkinson’s disease and their support networks, while bringing the wider community together through movement and connection.” – Steph

Marty’s Family – $5,620

This family team fundraised in support of their brother, brother-in-law and uncle Marty, who was diagnosed at just 42 years of age. More than a decade on, his positive attitude, physical capability, strength and resilience are an inspiration to his whole family.

They decided to ‘shake up their activity levels’ over the month of April to acknowledge the daily challenges that Parkinson’s places on Marty’s body; to raise awareness of young onset Parkinson’s; and contribute to funding for vital research to help slow, stop, and cure Parkinson’s.

“We see the workout that Parkinson’s puts Marty’s body through everyday. This month, it’s our turn! We’re putting our bodies through a workout to raise awareness of Parkinson’s, and funds to progress vital research. Together, we can make a cure for Parkinson’s inevitable.” – Marty’s Family