Meet Barry

Barry Whiting, 68, from Tumut, has been a dedicated supporter, participating every year since Step Up for Parkison’s began. Barry is one of the 70,000 individuals in NSW living with Parkinson’s.

Born and raised in a rural area east of Tumut, Barry completed his schooling remotely before beginning his career with the Forestry Commission of NSW, where he worked for 28 years. He later transitioned to retail, owning a fishing and camping store in Tumut for 17 years before retiring in 2016.

Barry is a passionate advocate for Parkinson’s awareness in his community. He leads the Tumut Parkinson’s Support Group and regularly hosts information stalls to provide resources and support. For Barry, Step Up for Parkinson’s is not only about raising funds but also setting personal exercise goals and encouraging others to stay active. Since the campaign began, Barry has raised over $6,4000 for Parkinson’s NSW, helping to provide services and support to those in the community.

Meet Wendy

Wendy is a wife, mother, former primary school teach and in 2014, as she was entering her 60’s, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Since receiving her diagnosis, Wendy has embraced the challenges of her condition with curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to staying active. She credits her supportive family—including her husband, Sid, and their three adult children—for keeping her grounded with just the right balance of encouragement and humour.

Wendy has long been a champion for exercise as a key to managing Parkinson’s, participating in programs like PD Warrior and setting personal fitness goals each year for Step Up for Parkinson’s. In 2024, following Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, she has shifted her focus to rebuilding strength with a push-up challenge.

For Wendy, Step Up for Parkinson’s is more than just an event—it’s a personal motivator, a way to raise awareness, and a reminder of the incredible support surrounding her. Since 2022, she has laced up her shoes, set ambitious goals, and raised an over $3,800 for Parkinson’s NSW.

Meet Gary

Gary is a member of the Parkinson’s NSW team and has been a loyal participant for Step Up for Parkinson’s since it began in 2022.

Each year, Gary has committed to a 6:00am yoga class every single day in May. He is passionate about raising awareness and funds for people living with Parkinson’s as the condition ‘does not discriminate and turns up unannounced and uninvited.’

With each year, Gary sets his goal higher, striving to raise even more to support the Parkinson’s community. So far, he has raised over $10,000 to help provide the services and support to the 70,000 individuals in NSW living with Parkinson’s.

Meet Kerry

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago, Kerry has embraced exercise as her personal tool against the condition.

Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, walking, or cycling the scenic rail trails of northern NSW, Kerry keeps pushing forward. By her side is her loyal companion, Gypsy—her furry co-pilot who’s been part of the journey since her diagnosis. 

Her mantra is simple: take your medication on time and exercise regularly—a piece of advice from her neurologist that has helped her keep Parkinson’s at bay.

"When I wake up in the morning and everything is aching, I go and exercise. When I sit for too long and begin to ache, I go and exercise. Whatever happens, I exercise—and I mix it up. Give it a try; it feels good to keep Parkinson’s at bay for a little longer."

Since joining Step Up for Parkinson’s in 2022, Kerry has become a dedicated participant, raising an over $8,400 across three years. In 2024 alone, she raised $2,063 towards the cause—every dollar a testament to her unwavering commitment.

Meet Robyn

Over the past three years, Robyn has stepped up in honour of her late husband, Jeff, a kind and strong man who fought a fierce battle with Parkinson’s. Described as a “quiet achiever” and always ready to help others, Jeff’s legacy inspires Robyn to help others access support and raise awareness for those living with the condition.

Robyn is an avid cyclist and loves to explore the Snowy Valleys in NSW as she rides with purpose. She rides not just in memory of Jeff but for everyone facing Parkinson’s today.

As a dedicated participant in Step Up for Parkinson’s since 2022, Robyn has now raised over $3,200, an incredible result that will make an impact for so many.