Health worker tackles 9000m marathon climb for cure

Gary McKitterick-Gillett is based at Nambour Hospital’s Acute Restorative Care ward working with Parkinson’s and dementia patients. 

But it’s his work outside the ward that is having just as much impact on the futures of Parkinson’s patients.

Last week he and offsider Tina Beard completed 42 laps ... up and down local mountains ... over 5 days, accumulating 8848 metres — the height of Mt Everest.

The “Virtual Everest Trek 2021” is all about raising money for Shake It Up Australia and Parkinson’s Disease research. 

Gary, 60, said while it had been challenging and tiring, the goal – to help find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease — made it all worthwhile.

“Making a difference to people’s lives matters,” he said. “Knowing that every day 38 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and that over 100,000 Australians are presently diagnosed and sadly most have had Parkinson’s Disease for up to 10 years by the time they are diagnosed.”

Tina  Beard and Gary, set out last Monday morning at 5am and completed 9 repetitions of Mt Coolum, finishing at midday. Over the next four days they went home, washed, stretched, iced sore knees and feet, and prepared for the next gruelling session.  

Tuesday morning was Mount Ngungun for another eight repetitions.

Wednesday was nine laps of Mt Coolum. 

Thursday, back at Mt Mount Ngungun for another day of climbing.

“By Friday we were, footsore, leg sore, everything sore and tired. We have given out hundreds of how to donate brochures in the hope that some would convert to donations.

“What was interesting was the number of times people mentioned their connection with Parkinsons Disease, a grandparent, father, uncle, mother, every day we had the same conversations,” said Gary.

“What we achieved was a growth in recognition for Parkinson’s Disease, brand recognition for Shake It Up Australia, brand association for Trek Ready Himalayas. We gained some donations which was awesome, but we did fall short of our goal of $10,000.” 

• Contact Gary McKitterick Gillett on 0409 573 951. Donations can still be made up to October via  www.our-fundraisers.raisely.com/gary-mckitterick-gillet 

Tina Beard and Gary McKitterick Gillett were certainly glad to be finished.