Vaughan Prout is our Shake it up Hero of the week, we asked him some questions to find out what drives him to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

Why Shake It Up Australia?

I am 34 years old and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

When I was looking for a foundation to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s I was looking for one that gave 100% of money raised to research and research that takes place in Australia. Shakeitup ticked all the boxes.

What drives your commitment to find a cure for Parkinson’s?

I was diagnosed last year with the disease one week before my 33rd Birthday.  I was heart broken. I’m in the prime of my life and I’ve got a young family. Why me???? I had so many questions.

My Wife, and our two wonderful children drive my commitment to find a cure to Parkinson’s. My son Lewis is 22 months and my daughter Bonnie is 9 weeks. Having these three special people in my life makes it worth living.

Tell us what you’re doing to Shake Things up?

I have entered into the Run Melbourne 2013 half marathon to raise money for Shakeitup.  A lot of my friends and family have also donated and entered the event upon hearing of where my fundraising is going which is very humbling.  We have now raised not only money but awareness to this shocking disease.

A close friend of mine Shane Hutton, is an amazing ultra marathon runner and mountain bike enthusiast.  When he found out that I had Parkinson’s he felt the need to help raise money and awareness for this disease. He has come up with the idea of running around Port Phillip Bay in a couple of days. It is approximately 250 km’s.  The aim is to raise $10,000 for the Shakeitup foundation. Not only that, he is also holding an endurance ride for Mountain bike riders of all skill and at the cost of a gold coin donation with all money raised going to Shakeitup.

I myself am a keen Mountain bike rider and ride the local trails of Lysterfield and the Youyangs (VIC) on a regular basis. I also enter into endurance rides with my mates.  I plan to keep as fit as possible to keep the Parkinson’s symptoms minimal and my interest in Mountain Bike riding and running is helping greatly.

What’s your goal

I plan to keep as fit as possible to keep the Parkinson’s symptoms minimal and my interest in Mountain Bike riding and running is helping greatly.

Best Advice

Whilst living with Parkinson’s I feel it’s good to keep a positive, relaxed and happy attitude.

Are you passionate about finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease?

Visit our ‘Getting Involved’ page on our website to find out how you can make a difference!