By ALESHA CAPONE
AFTER working in the shoe business ever since he left school, Kel Rann is something of an expert on the subject of putting his best foot forward.
The East Keilor resident retired from his business, Footpath Shoes in Deer Park, two years ago.
Mr Rann, his wife Lyn and their family will all be well-heeled when they participate in A Walk in the Park on Sunday 25 August to raise funds for Parkinson’s Victoria.
Mrs Rann said Parkinson’s Victoria have been “fantastic” since her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which is why they take part in the walk every year.
“All the money goes to research for Parkinson’s and the more people we get to march – or walk – the more money we get for Parkinson’s research,” Mr Rann said.
One in every 350 Australians lives with Parkinson’s disease, the nation’s second most common neurological condition.
Mrs Rann said every person has a different experience of Parkinson’s, which has no cure – but medication can be used to slow down its onset.
“Unfortunately, Parkinson’s disables people and makes their life hard, but it doesn’t kill you,” Mrs Rann said.
“Kel’s been very lucky, he hasn’t deteriorated very much.”
Mrs Rann said their fundraising team for A Walk in the Park was named The Movers and Shakers.
Her husband said this was because, “some of us move and some of us shake”.
Mr and Mrs Rann both said maintaining a sense of humour was important for those living with Parkinson’s.
“There is always someone worse off than yourself,” Mr Rann said.
“You should still do what you want to do, or try to do what you want to do.”
A Walk in the Park will start at Federation Square on 25 August at 11am.
Registration is $30 (adult early bird). Children under five free. Dogs $7, includes doggie bandana.
See www.parkinsonswalk.com.au for more details.
