Thanks for visiting my page!

You either arrived here as you’ve clicked one of the fundraising links I’ve unashamedly and unapologetically spammed you with, you know Michael, Penny or Ian Aitchison, or you’ve just stumbled across my page wanting to support the fight against Parkinson’s.

In any event, my name is James and I’m trekking Kokoda in March this year to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that can affect people from all walks of life. The underlying cause of Parkinson’s symptoms relates to a decline in the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is an important chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, that allows messages to be passed between cells in the brain. This lack of dopamine means people can have difficulty controlling their movements or moving freely. It can also impact other body systems and functions as well as your sense of smell, thinking and mood. Parkinson's is the second most common neurological disease in Australia after dementia and is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.

I expect most of you will know a family member or friend who is, or has been, diagnosed with Parkinson's. For me, my "Pop", my mum‘s father, Ken, (see a photo of Pop and I, as well as my Nan and Mum below) suffered severely from Parkinson's and Michael Aitchison, who I’m trekking Kokoda with – and who's story you can hear more about in the video below - was diagnosed a couple of years ago.

Last year, Michael, my uncle in law, and his children Penny and Ian trekked and completed Kokoda. This is a massive achievement generally; irrespective of the challenges that come with undertaking it with Parkinson's like Michael did, and I’m sure they all felt an immense sense of achievement when they completed it together. Not willing to settle there, Michael (and Penny & Ian) decided to organise a second trek, a year later – this year, to raise funds primarily for Parkinson’s. Hear more about Michael, Penny & Ian's story here: https://fightingparkinsons.org.au/news/latest-news/trek-of-a-lifetime-for-parkinsons-awareness/ or via our Skipper's Trek team page here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/skippers-a-team

Through the family connection I heard of both treks and in the lead up to Christmas was mulling over joining - I kept thinking: why shouldn’t I do it? What else am I doing? When else might I get the opportunity to do it, particularly with people I know for a cause that means a lot to my family and I? In the end, I sat down with Michael for his 70th birthday in the days before Christmas, and despite having all of 10 weeks to get organised and get some training under my belt – noting that I've done nothing but walk the dog around the block a couple of times since last year's cricket semi-final - I said I think I’m going to come along to Kokoda. Since then, I’ve been stimulating the local economy by buying some of the trendiest clothes and kits you’ve ever seen, as well as getting up bright and early hiking to work (say hi if you see me down St Georges Road or along Nicholson Street) and up and down the wonderful scenery of Werribee Gorge.

I'm looking to raise $5,000 to support the Hospital Research Foundation Group – Parkinson's. You can read more about the great work they do and the support they provide here at their website: https://fightingparkinsons.org.au/

The $5,000 is roughly the amount that I'm paying to complete the trek - between the tour fees, the porter fees, the flights to Brisbane, Port Moresby, Kokoda and back, as well as accommodation.

I'd be delighted if you could support me and donate as much as you are able to do so, as every little bit assists. Please note there is no obligation to leave a 'tip' as this is not tax deductible and does not go to the foundation.

In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting some updates about my training, although I’ve left the run a little late!

Thank you for visiting my page and if you’re willing to join me on a trek on acSunday morning at Werribee Gorge or up in Kinglake, please reach out as I’d love to have any extra walking partners :)

Typo's guaranteed – yours,

James, Egg, Little Egg, Junior, Jimmy or JD