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Tom’s Ironman fundraising challenge in honour of his grandfather
Friday, 2nd May 2025
Tom Neal is taking on an incredible challenge in honour of his beloved grandfather. On May 4, 2025, Tom will be running the Port Macquarie Ironman 70.3, combining personal determination with a powerful mission — to raise funds for Parkinson’s research and to honour the legacy of a man who has made an extraordinary impact on his family and community.
We caught up with Tom to hear about his journey and his inspiration behind this meaningful fundraiser.
Please tell us all about your fundraising challenge.
“My name is Tom Neal and on May 4, 2025 I will be running the Port Macquarie Ironman 70.3 in honour of my Grandfather who is currently suffering from Parkinson’s disease. While Parkinson’s is often considered a slow onset disease that affects a specific area of the brain, my Grandfather’s condition has been rare and his rapid decline in both mobility and speech has shocked all those closest to him. To honour my Grandfather, who is both a Cambridge University graduate in Veterinary Science and an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) recipient for over 40 years of service to the community of NW Tasmania, I have chosen to raise money for Shake It Up Australia.”
What inspires your commitment to fundraise for Parkinson’s research?
“The rapid degradation in my grandfather’s physical and verbal capacities has made life for him and those around him, particularly my beautiful grandmother who looks after him daily, extremely tough. Seeing this and how it has impacted my family is fuel to the fire to continue to train and in doing so raise awareness and funds to help one day find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. To see the work that Shake It Up Australia is doing and knowing it is researching ways to prevent families from having to experience this cruel disease brings me great comfort.”
Why did you choose to support Shake It Up?
“I chose to support Shake It Up because of their commitment to finding a cure for Parkinsons’. Their research and work has and will continue to make a real difference in so many lives. And to be able to raise funds for their research which may save other families from the pain and troubles of having to go through what my family and many other families have and continue to go through.”
What is your advice for others wanting to make a difference?
“Set goals and shoot for the stars. Any goal is possible if you set your mind to it. You can make a difference and you have no idea how much your contributions may mean to someone else.”
Inspired by Tom’s story?
You can help Shake It Up continue to fund life-changing Parkinson’s research. Whether you take on a personal challenge, attend an event, or make a donation, every action brings us closer to slowing, stopping, and curing Parkinson’s disease.