I want to share a powerful story with you about a remarkable 12-year-old boy, who has not only made it his mission to raise awareness of Parkinson’s, but started his town’s only cricket team while he was at it.
Henry lives in the Outback Queensland town of Cunnamulla, nine hours west of Brisbane, population just 1200. He enjoys school, playing with his mates and, most of all, cricket.
Earlier this year he spotted Australian cricketer Allan Border and I speaking on Sunrise about Allan’s life with Parkinson’s.
‘He was my favourite past player, I even dressed up as him for book week. I didn’t know what Parkinson’s was but I was worried for him when I saw him on TV, so I ran outside to mum and said we have to help him,’ Henry later told me.
His mum, Marsha, brought up the Parkinson’s Australia website to help educate him about the symptoms and available supports for those living with the condition.
‘I also explained to Henry that my great grandfather had Parkinson’s, as well as my cousin who was diagnosed at only 47. We knew we had to do something,’ Marsha said.
What Henry did next would surprise everyone in town, and soon the rest of Australia.
Henry was on course to get Cunnamulla its first cricket team in 30 years, and ultimately a spectacular platform to raise money for Parkinson’s Australia.
‘Mum told me about her cousin who has Parkinson’s and that she has three daughters. I felt really sad for her and their kids. She wouldn’t be able to do stuff with them like my mum does with us. So, I asked mum if we could fundraise for Parkinson’s Australia through the cricket club,’ Henry said.
And this was no ordinary cricket club. Like scenes out of a Hollywood movie, Henry wrangled a bunch of mates and hit the practice nets, sometimes for 10 hours a week. He taught them what he knew, while mum Marsha hauled in the equipment and laid out the snacks.
Word of this little team of champions, now known as the Cunnamulla Emus Junior Cricket Club, spread across the state as monthly ABC radio interviews promoted their progress. Queenslanders everywhere chipped in and lent support to get Henry’s Emus up and running.
Last month, Henry and Marsha wrote to tell us that the Emus were about to play their first ever match. Not only was it a big moment for Henry, the team and the town, it became a rousing fundraiser for Parkinson’s Australia in support of our vital awareness, advocacy and education work.
‘I want to help people be themselves again, like they were before Parkinson’s changed their lives,’ Henry said.
‘If anyone has ever been kind to you or helped you achieve your goals, or made your dreams come true like mine did, then you should pay it forward,’ he said.
I think you will agree these are thoughtful words from a boy who achieved a remarkable feat with the support of the community.
How much more can we do if we all pulled together?
This Christmas, your generosity met the goal of raising over $50,000 to support the 150,000 Australians affected by Parkinson's disease, not to mention the families and communities that surround them. It means we can continue advocating for them and providing up-to-date information on how to live well with Parkinson's.
Doubled donations this festive season were thanks to BMD* and made a difference to those living with Parkinson's disease.
Thank you for the support and interest you have shown in our cause. If you can join Henry and his community in giving this Christmas, we can make a real difference.
Olivia Nassaris
CEO, Parkinson’s Australia
*We are so excited to let you know that the BMD Group has joined Henry's Christmas Campaign and has DOUBLED any donation made to us this festive season to the value of $25,000.
BMD is Australia’s leading integrated engineering, construction and urban development business. With foundations built on family values, BMD supports positive community impacts beyond its infrastructure projects through a deep commitment to enriching communities. By investing in local projects and supporting charitable causes, BMD strives to create a positive and lasting impact that reflects its values and dedication to social responsibility. For more on BMD, head to www.bmd.com.au.
While this Christmas Appeal is now closed, there are a number of ways to donate to Parkinson's Australia:
For cheque or money order donations send to Parkinson's Australia, PO Box 256, Unley 5061.
If you wish to donate by bank transfer Account Name: Parkinson’s Australia Limited BSB: 065-126 Acct No: 0090-2897 Reference: mobile number
