Wimmera Parkinson's walk supports research

The group will host its second A Walk in the Park at Horsham’s Weir Park on August 27.

Group publicity officer Rene Vivian said the event was a chance for the community to support people living with the condition, and their carers, while raising money for research.

“The walk went well last year, considering it was our first one, and we were lucky enough to raise a little bit of money,” she said.

”We are inviting anyone and everyone to walk this year. You can walk for as long as you can manage.”

​In Victoria, about 27,000 are living with Parkinson’s.

Mrs Vivian, who lives in Horsham, was officially diagnosed with the condition about two years ago.

“I decided right from the word go that I was going to tell people what my problem was,” she said.

“People know I don’t drink, so I thought they would be wondering why I was staggering about.

“I’ve spoken to people who kept it a secret for three, four, five years."

Mrs Vivian said despite Parkinson’s changing the way she went about her day to day activities, she considered herself lucky.

“My neurologist is a terrific guy, as is my local doctor,” she said.

“I am also blessed with a fabulous family who are all so supportive. Anything they see me struggling with, they step in to help.

“It takes me four times as long to do a quarter as much – not that it’s going to beat me.

“The cup is always half-full with me. If someone says you can’t do something, or it can’t be done, they’re often surpassed by someone busier who is already doing that thing.

“You give everything a try, regardless of whether you get there or not.”

Mrs Vivian said she took each day as it came, and appreciated each one.

“Some days are diamonds, some days are stones,” she said.

“When you get up and it’s a diamond day, you make the most of it.

“When it’s a stone, you realise you have to go a little quieter and slower and pace yourself.”

The support group will be at Horsham Plaza on Thursday from 10am to 2pm raising money for Parkinson’s Victoria and promoting the walk.

​Mrs Vivian said entry to the Walk in the Park event was $5, which included a barbecue lunch at the end of the event.

The support group meets bi-monthly at the Horsham Uniting Church hall.

Mrs Vivian said the guest speaker for the next meeting on October 6 was Parkinson's clinical nurse consultant Victor McConvey.

“He is a brilliant man who knows everything there is to know about Parkinson’s,” she said.

“Our meetings are open to anyone who is interested. We have people from Rupanyup, Brim, Natimuk, Nhill, Dimboola and other places.

“The support group gives people an outlet to meet with like-minded people, and it’s an uplifting thing.

“Some people are further along their journey than others, but all people are equal.

“Everyone is terrific and supportive.”