Passionate community members, including a state politician, are set to lace up their boots for a charity hike through the Sunshine Coast hinterland in April.
The inaugural 1,000,000 Steps Ahead of Parkinson’s hike aims to raise $50,000 by traversing some of the Coast’s steepest terrain, symbolising the journey of someone newly diagnosed with the disease, which affects more than 100,000 Australians.
Among the hikers will be State Member for Glass House Andrew Powell, who will be joined by nurses, police officers, support workers and other community leaders, as well as representatives from Prestige Inhome Care, which is partnering with Parkinson’s Queensland and Wellways Carer Gateway to deliver the event.
“My team and I see it as a privilege to support so many people living with Parkinson’s disease around the country,” Prestige CEO and founder Nick McDonald said.
“We are proud to be a part of the collective voice driving real change in the lives of the more than 100,000 Aussies living with Parkinson’s.”
Mr Powell said he was a proud supporter of the cause.
“Like most Queenslanders I have a personal and close relationship with someone living with Parkinson’s. To say it has turned their world upside down is an understatement,” he said.
“I know that it is only through the amazing services of our nurse navigators and organisations like Prestige Inhome Care and Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy that our loved ones gain hope and help and strength to continue the journey … and that’s why I’m taking part in 1,000,000 Steps Ahead of Parkinson’s 2023.”
The hikers will set off from Gheerulla on Friday, April 21, and sleep overnight at Ubajee walkers’ camp in the Gheerulla Valley.
Community members can then join the hikers at the finish line from noon on Saturday, April 22, at the Mapleton Hall, which will host a community health event featuring local service providers in the aged care and disability sector as well as food, music and stalls.
Prestige has put a call out for sponsors and donations from the wider community to help the fundraising group reach the $50,000 goal.
The money raised will go towards funding a dedicated specialist Parkinson’s nurse, contribute to early diagnosis support and enable greater access to educational resources, local clinics and therapies. All donations above $2 are tax deductible.
To donate click here.
SUBSCRIBE here now for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily.
