When Will’s mum, Angela, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago, it came as a shock to the family.
A bubbly, energetic, caring woman it’s been hard for the Hooper family to watch as the condition has progressed.
But not one to sit still and watch, Will decided he wanted to do something positive to help raise awareness for others living with Parkinson’s.
Running home
Will was already an avid runner but an ultra-marathon was a whole new feat. He trained for months in the lead up but admitted prior to the event he was in for a tough challenge.
Following the beautiful 80km route from his home in Adelaide to his parent’s house in Victor Harbour, Will was supported by friends and family, with runners joining him for 20- and 40-kilometre sections.
Finishing the journey on Mother’s Day weekend made the effort even more special.
It took a lot of band aids and a few pep talks, but after 7 hours and 42 minutes, Will was met by friends and family, including Mum, at his finish line in Soldiers Memoria Garden, Victor Harbour.
“My partner asked me the other day what is the most special moment in my life and I said the day of this run just seeing all my friends faces and how emotional and proud my mum and dad were and too see all the people who donated there I couldn’t thank them enough,” Will said.
“All the people that joined the last segment of the run to be a part of it was very special and was the only way I got to the end as it gave me a second wind knowing that most of them were not runners and still came out and pushed their comfort zone for my mum as well.”
Exceeding expectations
When Will first set out to raise funds in his mum’s honour, he thought $2,000 would be a mark of success.
Fast forward to post-run and he’s raised an astounding $17,290 thanks to support from family, friends, and local businesses.
Will couldn’t have imagined he would receive the support he did and said the community’s generosity reflects the profoundly positive impact his mum has had on the people in her life.
“In the back of my mind I was thinking $2,000 would be great but the donation page grew wings once I went public with it, all the people that know our family and how lovely my mum is and knowing that it could lead closer to a cure caused everyone’s generosity to grow,” Will said.
“When I saw some of the donations, I was amazed at the support mum has.”
Will was touched by not only the financial support he received but the many messages he had from others in the Parkinson’s community.
He has hope that there is a brighter future for the Parkinson’s community, with funding towards the Fight Parkinson’s helpline and research essential in ensuring they can continue to live positively.
