Canuck, many thanks for the donation, I will post update email re my project
to raise money for Parkinsons Victoria
MEDIIA RELEASE
Issued by the peak state body representing the needs of the Parkinson’s community
As the saying goes, the greatest journey begins with a single step. And on 8
August, 64-year old Victorian father of four, grandfather, and business man
Peter Curtin will set out to prove the point as he begins what will undoubtedly be
the most challenging, but rewarding journey of his life – with just one small step.
Not only will it be the first step of thousands, as he begins the 840km Pilgrimage along the
renowned
Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain (otherwise known as The Way of St
James), but along the way, Peter hopes to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those
living with Parkinson’s and, most importantly, he hopes to raise $20,000 to support the work of
Parkinson’s Victoria.
With apologies to Neil Armstrong, Peter says he hopes “one small step for a man, is one giant
leap for those living with Parkinson’s disease”.
The irony of Peter’s decision to use the simple activity of walking as the means to achieve his
goals is not lost on those familiar with Parkinson’s: Parkinson’s is a progressive, neurological
condition for which there is currently no cure and which affects an individual’s ability to move
freely and with control.
This means that everyday tasks such as eating, dressing and walking can become difficult.
For those experiencing extreme symptoms or advanced stages of the condition, such simple
tasks are impossible.
Inspired by a long-time friend who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, Peter has
committed to undertaking the formidable walking track that has inspired and challenged
thousands before him, all in pursuit of something greater than themselves.
“For me, this is a way to assist Parkinson’s Victoria in providing important support services and
help to people living with this disease. I’m hoping the walk will also improve my own health,
help me to lose weight and perhaps even lose my Type 2 in the process – so I can look
forward to a better quality of life in my retiring years” said Peter.
The
Camino de Santiago de Compostela is actually a collection of old pilgrimage routes that
take one the breadth of Northern Spain. The Pilgrimage usually ends at the Cathedral of
Santiago de Compostela where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are
buried.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: 18 MARCH 2011
STEPPING UP FOR PARKINSON’S
Peter will extend his route, as others have, to conclude in Finisterre, considered in medieval times as the end
of the world - making a total of 840kms, and which Peter hopes to complete in approximately four weeks and
four days.
In the lead up to his departure, and along the route, Peter will be keeping supporters updated with regular
emails and photographs. He hopes his first-hand accounts of the experience will further inspire people to
support the cause by making a donation to Parkinson’s Victoria.
He’s encouraging people to ‘get involved’ by making a simple pledge per kilometre: “A small donation of just
10 cents per kilometre that I walk means $84 donated to Parkinson’s Victoria” says Peter. “I’m more than
happy to do the hard yards [walking], if everyone else is prepared to put their money where my feet are!”
The per/km sponsorship will be just the sort of support and encouragement Peter will need to face the
physical demands of the Walk and the challenge of completing each day’s schedule.
Peter, an advertising executive for Golf Australia and Inside Sport magazine and no stranger to hard work
and deadlines, admits this a whole different kind of challenge as he prepares for the anticipated 36-40 day
Pilgrimage.
But, as Peter explains, “knowing people have literally supported me every step of the way, and knowing that
each step I take means another dollar to support the work of Parkinson’s Victoria will be a constant reminder
that this is not just about me,” said Peter. “And, it’s the closest I can get to sharing the journey with my
supporters, friends, family and even strangers who simply believe in the cause.”
Donations are fully tax deductible and 100 percent of donations will go to support the everyday work of
Parkinson’s Victoria, assisting all those living with and affected by Parkinson’s. (All associated travel costs
will be covered personally by Peter).
Peter is also welcoming anyone who would like to join him for all or part of the Pilgrimage, which will depart
Melbourne on 8 August and arrive at Finisterre on 10 September 2011.
Supporters can make a donation to Parkinson’s Victoria at Peter’s online fundraising page:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/peter_curtin
Anyone interested in joining Peter on his Walk for Parkinson’s along the
Camino de Santiago can contact
the Fundraising Coordinator at Parkinson’s Victoria: (03) 9551 1122 or
judith@parkinsons-vic.org.au
Media enquiries:
Judith Mooney: 0447 376 374 or (03) 9551 1122 or
judith@parkinsons-vic.org.au
Peter Curtin: 0409 33 7736 or
peter.curtin1947@hotmail.com
