This week’s Shake It Up Hero is Gary who is going to great heights to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research.

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

We have a family friend who suffers, albeit quietly from Parkinson’s Disease. He goes about his day and work as best he can and gets on with life. His attitude to life has inspired me to be grateful for my own health and that of my own family. I began raising funds and awareness last year for Parkinson’s Disease, and along the way have been constantly inspired by stories about people who know someone, a family member or friend who also gets on with life while dealing with Parkinson’s Disease. Finding a cure or at least developing an effective early test for Parkinson’s Disease would be life changing for sufferers and society as a whole. I feel that we are on the cusp of greatness and new developments but it takes time, money and commitment. If I can contribute a little towards finding a solution that would in turn provide inspiration and motivation to others to also make the effort to help others.

Why Shake It Up Australia?

To me Shake It Up Australia represents a professional and legitimate organisation that has links to a global knowledge resources through the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  I know that all of the money that I raise goes directly to finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. This demonstrates integrity and commitment which are both very important to me and the people who make donations.

Tell us what you are doing to Shake Things Up?

I have written articles and had them published through my employers magazine, Crown Chat. Showing me walking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and highlighting this year’s trek to Mt Everest Base Camp. Where we hope to take 10 people who will each be tasked with raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease.

Each week as I complete my training at the 1000 Steps In Upper Ferntree Gull in the Dandenong’s in Victoria or on Mt Coolum in South East Queensland I post my experiences on social media and share it with the world. I have written other more serious article which I have published through Linked In. My web site also has Shake It Up front and centre as our chosen charity to support on the front page.

Greatest Reward?

There is no better feeling than knowing that the little bit that we do goes some way to helping others in need.

Best advice for people looking to Shake It Up?

Make a start, small or large projects it doesn’t matter. We are trekking to Mt Everest Base Camp, last year we went to Annapurna Circuit and climbed to 5500 M. You could bake cakes, have an afternoon tea, go for a walk or run a raffle. Or you could join us in our quest to reach Mt Everest Base Camp.

Next year who knows what adventure we will dream up.

Are you interested in becoming a Shake It Up Hero through your own fundraising initiative? Find out how you can get involved and help us shake things up for a cure!