Climbing for a Cure: Peter Leads an Inspiring Mission for Parkinson’s Research

Tuesday, 28th July 2026

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In October 2026, Peter McCarthy and a group of friends and industry colleagues will be undertaking an extraordinary adventure. Together, they’ll be trekking Mera Peak, one of Nepal’s highest trekking peaks at 6,476 metres, to bring attention to Parkinson’s.

“The goal is simple”, Peter says. “Do something concrete about a disease that’s diagnosed in 38 Australians every single day. We are climbing as a team, training as a team, fundraising as a team. Together, our goal is to show what’s possible when we dream big and climb higher—for a cause that matters.”

The trip is a personal one, every step taken in honour of Peter’s best friend John ‘Pez’ Perrin, who has lived with Parkinson’s for the last five years. And the crew have an even bigger goal than summitting the mountain. They are aiming to raise a huge $100,000 for Shake It Up that will go directly to Australian research to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s.

We spoke with Peter about his upcoming journey and motivation to make a difference.

Peter, what first inspired your Peak for Parkinson’s initiative?

Initially, it was being in the Himalayas on my last trek and feeling the overwhelming desire to take on a summit, such as Mera Peak. Approaching 60, perhaps some of these extreme adventure days are numbered.

Incorporating the fundraising for Parkinson’s comes from my best friend who has had a slow early onset of Parkinson’s over the last five years. This has helped give me an understanding of the support he needs, learning more about the disease itself, bringing awareness to our friends, industry and community and of course raising funds for such an important situation.

What are you most looking forward to about the big trek?

We are taking a small team who have never been to the Himalayas. It’s so incredible, the beauty and scenery is breathtaking, and the trek itself will be challenging.

I just love being surrounded by these giant mountains that bring your own life, problems and issues into complete perspective. We are all just one part of the extreme Alpine wilderness. It creates teamwork, where we all lift collectively to achieve our final goals.

Listen to Peter’s conversation on the Shake It Up Show podcast

Our mission is to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s. What would this mean to you?

More than I initially realised. Doing this for my mate Pez has been incredible, to bring our close friendship group of 50 years together, to unite as one. But I have also heard so many stories of people and their families living and struggling with Parkinson’s. It’s an incredible community that are all bonded with one goal.

It will be huge!

Why did you choose to support Shake It Up Australia?

It didn’t take long to do some research and see how this Foundation works; not only in their reach, their affiliation with The Michael J. Fox Foundation but more importantly that all funds raised go direct to the source, Australian Parkinson’s research.

What is your advice for someone else wanting to make a difference, who isn’t sure how to start?

I think everyone that leads with heart, passion and example to strive in what they want to achieve, will know how to make a difference.

For me, it was an easy decision to do something that centres around an adventure, support of a friend and fundraising with a very credible Foundation.

You can follow along and support the journey of Peter and the Peak for Parkinson’s crew here.