Former Cats defender Tim ‘Bluey’ McGrath will help kick off an inaugural walk raising money for Parkinson’s disease next month.
Hamlyn Heights’ Kirsten George, whose dad, Graeme Hemley, has had the disease for 16 years, organised A Walk in the Park Geelong to raise money for Parkinson’s Victoria.
“I wanted my dad to know he’s not alone in his fight,” she said.
The walk will feature the famous Cat after Kirsten’s mother, Kaye, knocked on his door.
“We knew Tim was just up the road and that he was a nice fella,” Graeme said.
“We thought he’d be the man.”
Graeme will join the 2km walk at Eastern Park from 10am on 9 September after attending a similar event in Melbourne for several years.
“I’m all right but sometimes the Parkies kicks in and I start staggering around like a drunk,” the Waurn Ponds pensioner said.
“Then I use wheelchair. I’m thankful this is happening because a lot of people are worse off than me.”
Tim was happy to promote the walk.
“You can’t do it for everyone,” he said.
“But seeing as I had a connection to someone who was affected I thought it would be good to help out.”
During his playing days Tim knew a recruiter who had the disease.
“I reckon it would be bloody difficult,” he said.
“When you’re in a position where you can’t do things you’d normally take for granted that would be very frustrating.
“The health and care to get then through every day is crucial, so that’s why I wanted to get involved.”
Walk registrations are open at parkinsonswalkgeelong.com.au.
