Gary scales great heights to raise money for Parkinson’s

Gary McKitterick Gillett on top of Mount Ngungun which, at 253 metres, is like a warm-up lap for the Everest on Mount Coolum.

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.

“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, who works at Nambour General Hospital’s Acute Restorative Care (ARC) ward with Parkinsons and Dementia patients.

Gary, 60, said Everest on Mount Coolum was also excellent fitness training in preparation for plans to trek to Mt Everest Base Camp in 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.”

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

• Register via www.our-fundraisers.raisely.com then: 1. enter personal details; 2. Select “Join a team”; and 3. search for “Everest”. Or contact Gary on trekreadyhimalayas@gmail.com.