The team behind #trekforparkinsons2025 is inviting the Sunshine Coast community to lace up their walking shoes for a special sunset trek up Mt Ngungun on Sunday, 10 December, to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s Disease.
Participants will meet at the Mt Ngungun carpark at 4:45 pm for a walk that promises stunning views, plenty of chats, and a festive atmosphere.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and perhaps a Santa hat or Christmas shirt to get into the holiday spirit.
“Do one or a dozen laps, it’s up to you,” said organiser Gary McKitterick.
“It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s all about what you can do.
“All abilities are welcome, and we’re here to walk, talk, and help raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease.”
The event is part of a broader effort supporting Shake It Up Australia, a charity dedicated to funding research to slow, and ultimately stop, Parkinson’s Disease.
On the Sunshine Coast alone, more than 2,000 people are living with the condition, with families and carers adding up to an affected community of around 14,000 individuals.
Next April, Mr McKitterick and 20 trekkers would take on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, climbing to 5,416 meters above sea level.
The group, ranging in age from 21 to 73 and featuring 65 per cent women, is self-funding the trek while raising money for Shake It Up Australia.
“This isn’t just a walk in the mountains—it’s about actively doing something to tackle Parkinson’s Disease,” Mr McKitterick said.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Trek Ready Himalayas and The Silver Fox Initiative, a local group addressing mental health challenges through safe spaces and community support.
“Mental health and Parkinson’s have many crossovers, and our objective is to not just talk about it but to take action,” Mr McKitterick said.
This year’s efforts have already raised $4,200 towards a goal of $10,000, with a stretch target of $15,000.
Every dollar raised goes directly to Shake It Up Australia.
Mr McKitterick said Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological disease in Australia, affecting an estimated 150,000 Australians, with 38 new diagnoses each day, with 20 per cent of sufferers under 50 and 10 per cent are diagnosed before the age of 40.
He said the impact of the disease was not only personal but also financial, with the costs to the community increasing by 48 per cent in the last six years.
Recent breakthrough research, such as a biomarker discovered in partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, offered hope for early diagnosis and treatment, but these advancements still required significant funding and collaboration.
“Life is short, health is everything, and regret is forever,” said Mr McKitterick.
“We do this for fun, but please be responsible, respectful of others, and kind to the environment.”
For more information or to support the cause, visit the event’s social media pages by searching ”trek ready himalayas” on facebook or instagram.
