Support Parkinson’s this April and virtually climb Mt Everest

Monday, 28th February 2022

Looking for a way to support Parkinson’s Research this April for Pause 4 Parkinson’s? How about ‘climbing’ Mt Everest from wherever you are in Australia?

This year for Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, Gary and his team will be ‘everesting’ Mt Coolum in QLD. Together they will walk the same distance as Mt Everest, all for Shake It Up’s Pause 4 Parkinson’s campaign – and you can join too!

Have a read of Gary’s story to find out more and start your own ‘everesting’ journey.

Tell us a little bit about your story?

For the past 2 years we have been ‘everesting’ local hills raising a conversation about Parkinson’s Disease; climbing over 8848 metres over a 5 day period. We have succeeded in raising over $25,000 and have raised the profile of Shake It Up Australia and Parkinsons Disease through the publication of many articles in local newspapers and magazines. We were originally scheduled to travel to Nepal and Mt Everest base camp in 2020, until the virus changed our plans. After 2 years of training and ‘everesting’ we are booked to go to Mt Everest base Camp in May 2022, which will be the culmination of our fundraising efforts.

What are you doing this April for Pause 4 Parkinson’s?

This years event is “Trek for Parkinson’s 2022” – a team event that can be completed anywhere in Australia. The idea is to climb as a team, a combined 20,000 metres over the month of April, to also coincide with World Parkinson’s Day on the 11^th April. Each team is tasked with raising a conversation in their respective community and a few dollars as well. Each team will receive some goodies from sponsors and much appreciation from the Parkinson’s community.

Can others get involved in your challenge?

Yes! Everyone is invited to join in and help, registration is easy and a lot of fun and fitness to be had. Teams can be 1, 2, 3 4 or more people.

Enter your personal details
Select ‘Join a team’ and search for Virtual Everest Trek 2022
Set up your fundraising page as part of the team.

If you have any issues signing up for this challenge or more questions, you can contact Gary at trekreadyhimalayas@gmail.com or Isobel from Shake It Up at isobel@shakeitup.org.au