Friends team up for A Walk in the Park

A BAYSWATER businessman encourages people diagnosed with Parkinson’s to keep a positive mindset.

Daniel McGrath, who is the managing director and owner of Woodcourt Constructions in Bayswater, was diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition about three years ago.

The 61-year-old’s health has continued to deteriorate and caused him to pass on work responsibilities to his son.

His previous work colleague and friend Gemma Banks has arranged a team to support him at this year’s A Walk in the Park, which will be held on September 15 at Perry Lakes in Floreat.

The walk aims to raise awareness and support Parkinson’s WA‘s specialist nurse service.

Mr McGrath, of Henley Brook, said it was nice and welcoming for Ms Banks to put together a team for the walk.

He said he took his condition in its stride.

“For the first three years, I thought it was bad but not as bad as the last 12 months,” he said.

“The last 12 months has been very noticeable.

“People notice more now when I turn up with a cane or poor speech, as they haven’t seen me in a while.”

While he could not do as much gardening as he would like, he said walking in the sunshine and looking at fruit trees kept him happy.

He urged people who have been diagnosed to keep thinking about the positives rather than the negatives.

Ms Banks, of Noranda, said the idea to form a team stemmed from a friend who worked for Parkinson’s WA.

She expected about 20 walkers to take part on the day.

For information, visit awalkinthepark-perth2019.everydayhero.com/au/gemma

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