News and Updates

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

11 walkers, two days, 30km, $8400 … Great Walk takes giant strides for Parkinson’s

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 QLD they were beneficiaries of the fundraiser.

The Barn on Flaxton and Montville Mist Spring Water 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 Andrew Powell MP and Robert Skelton MP for Nicklin 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/

Speech Therapy Giving Hope

Established to help people living with Parkinson’s disease in Australia and specifically on the Sunshine Coast, the team behind the locally based Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy (RHPT) is assisting locals to access the therapy they need.

Pay it Forward

Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy (RHPT) is excited to launch the Pay It Forward model for the LOUD Crowd (R) group therapy program here, which will support people with Parkinson’s and their family and friends.

A ‘beary’ good idea

Bear-maker of 19 years Lorraine Dippelsmann, who made five bears for the auction, said she wanted to use her ability for good. “I just thought it was a good opportunity to support this new charity and to help the people who suffer with Parkinson’s, because we never know what is around the corner for each one of us,” she said.

International and Local Support for Sunshine Coast Charity: Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy

Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy (RHPT) has been successful in receiving a grant from the Parkinson Voice Project, Texas, US. The grant will assist RHPT in providing the Parkinson Voice Project’s highly effective speech therapy program.

Local support has also come from Montville Mist Springwater owners, Peter and Alli. RHPT client, Pauline had just completed the SPEAK OUT!® program when she approached Alli and for a donation of bottled water for people with Parkinson’s when they attend therapy at Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy (RHPT).