Everest challenge scales great heights for Parkinsons

organiser Gary McKitterick Gillett works at Nambour General Hospital’s Acute Restorative Care (ARC) ward with Parkinson’s and Dementia patients.

Everest on Mount Coolum is a 42-climb challenge over five days, accumulating 8848 metres — the height of Mt Everest.

The challenge raises money for Shake It Up Australia and Parkinson’s Disease research.

The Everest on Mt Coolum challenge is all about raising awareness and funds to help find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

“You can do it locally by trekking your favourite hill, or stairs, it’s up to you, form a team and share the load,” said organiser Gary McKitterick Gillett from Trek Ready Himalayas. Gary, 60, works at Nambour General Hospital’s Acute Restorative Care (ARC) ward with Parkinson’s and Dementia patients.

He said Everest on Mount Coolum was also excellent fitness training in preparation for plans to trek to Mt Everest Base Camp in mid October.

“Every two or three years I go to Nepal and do a trek and I raise money for the Shake It Up foundation,” Gary said. “Every dollar we raise goes straight to Australian research by the Australian foundation, which is linked to the Michael J Fox Foundation.”

This year’s Everest on Mount Coolum takes place July 26 to 30 and people are welcome to join the team or set their own schedule and location.

“Anyone can get a team together or incorporate the activity into their current fitness regime. The concept is simple, you just have to accumulate 8848 metres over a week, a month, or three months. It’s up to you and your trainer. Use the stairmaster, the local hill, the stairs in your building, or join us on Mt Coolum or Mt Gnun Gnun, its your choice as to where you participate.

Shake It Up Australia fund Australian research into finding better treatments for Parkinson’s Disease.

• Register via this link www.our-fundraisers.raisely.com, follow the instructions and search for “Everest”. Or contact Gary on trekreadyhimalayas@gmail.com. Parkinson’s Disease effects over 100,000 Australians and the numbers are growing at 38 people per day.

The prevalence of Parkinson’s is greater than prostate, bowel and many other forms of cancer.

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