Could you run the same distance as Everest? Our hero this week is Suzanne, who is running 130km in 14  days – the same distance and time it took her father to complete Everest Base Camp. Suzanne is honouring her father, who had Parkinson’s, and challenging herself to get the message out there about Parkinson’s. Her challenge begins on Monday 23 November and she has already raised over $5,500 for Parkinson’s!

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

I watched my Dad deteriorate over 7 years to Parkinsons Disease. My Dad was fit, healthy and strong before Parkinsons took over his life. He was a fitness fanatic who ended up being wheelchair bound. He was the kindest man who ended up losing all of his language. He was a smart man who also developed Lewy Body Dementia which is common with Parkinsons so his memory and daily functioning became severely impaired. We cared for him at home until he passed away and for the last few years of his life he required full time care. I’m committed to find a cure in honour of my Dad and his fight with this cruel disease but also for all the victims and carers who are still fighting this battle everyday. Families of people with Parkinsons don’t have time to fight for a cure as their lives are filled with the care they need to provide for their loved ones. These are the people that really need our help.

What are you doing to ‘shake things up’?

I’m running 130km in 14 days, the same distance and time it took my Dad to hike Everest Base Camp. Just over 3 marathons in 2 weeks!

What advice do you have for others looking to fundraise?

Your challenge doesn’t have to be crazy, even small challenges and small funds will make a difference. Importantly it also helps to spread the word to others about a condition that needs way more awareness.

You can follow Suzanne’s challenge through her Facebook page or Instagram handle: @run_for_rog

Could you challenge yourself for Parkinson’s? It’s not as tricky as you might think! Come up with a way to challenge yourself (perhaps you could run, walk, cycle, dance or give up alcohol or sugar), set up a fundraising page and ask your friends and family to sponsor you. As we come into Spring, now is a great time to take advantage of the warmer weather while getting the message about Parkinson’s out there.

Find out more about challenging yourself for Parkinson’s today or contact our Community Fundraising and Events Manager, Isobel, to get started.