The 11 fundraisers completed a 30km journey over two days, through sections of The Great Walk. 

On Monday April 4 a group of 11 dedicated walkers set off from Mapleton to raise funds and awareness for local Parkinson’s community groups. 

Their 30km journey over two days, took them through sections of The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, with an overnight camp at Flaxton Walkers Camp. Then it was off heading through to Lake Baroon Pocket Dam recreation area to finish with a Picnic For Parkys on the afternoon of Tuesday  April 5.

The weary walkers arrived to cheers and applause from family, friends and members of the local Parkinson’s community, together with members of the Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy Choir of Sound Intent. Along with Parkinson’s Queensland they were beneficiaries of the fundraiser. 

The Barn on Flaxton and Montville Mist Springwater provided food and water for the journey. Home Instead, an Aged Care and Disability Service Provider, catered for the Picnic and presented Miguel Diaz (Parkinson’s Queensland), and Louise Williams (RHPT) with a “cheque” of over $6700 for the funds raised to that time.  The total has now passed $8400 towards the target of $10000. 

Members of the group, led by Sunny the Ambassabear, included local MPs Andrew Powell and Rob Skelton with his partner, Agnes, Ryan and Rachael, Nurse Navigators who support those with Parkinson’s, Elana from The Allied Health Team, James from Home Instead, Louise and Chantel, from Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy, and Kevin from the local Nambour and District Parkinson’s Support Group. 

The star of the group was Sandi who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease around three years ago. Sandi completed the 30kms walk unassisted and led the group into the Picnic area. An outstanding effort. 

• Donations can still be made at https://the-great-walk.raisely.com/