Parry to Pinnacle is being held in support of the Clifford Craig Foundation, which is currently facilitating Tasmania’s first international multi-centre therapeutic MND trial at the Launceston General Hospital, led by neurologist Dr Lauren Giles.
On November 20, the Parry family will complete the Point to Pinnacle - pushing father Bryn up kunanyi/Mount Wellington to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease research in Tasmania.
In completing what’s known as the ‘world’s toughest half marathon’, the Parry team will run 21.1 kilometres to an elevation of 1271 metres, all while pushing Bryn in a specialised wheelchair (a combined weight of 120 kilograms).
A retired GP from Devonport, Bryn was diagnosed with MND in 2020. A disease with no cure, completing the Point to Pinnacle seemed out of reach for Bryn … until now!
All funds raised through this appeal will be allocated to future MND research at the Launceston General Hospital - the acute referral hospital for the state’s North and North-West.
Led by sons Lucas, David and a team of friends and supporters, the Parry family are asking the Tasmanian community to get behind their efforts as they tackle the world’s toughest half marathon for their father and everyone who has been impacted by this insidious disease.
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Bryn’s story
Bryn with grandson Robbie.
Dr Bryn Parry spent three decades working as a general practitioner in Devonport, forging strong community connections and earning the reputation as a family doctor who went “above and beyond”.
With a strong belief that all people are owed good medical care, even when they become too frail to come to a practice, he was known to make house calls at night (sometime as late as 11.30pm) and often took on cases others deemed too difficult.
But in 2020 Bryn suddenly found himself on the other side of the healthcare system. Suddenly, he was the patient.
While playing B-grade cricket with the Mersey Colts, Bryn noticed he was struggling to run between wickets. This soon turned into a foot drop, and knowing something wasn’t right, he began consulting specialists.
In September, at the age of 57, Bryn was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The degenerative and ultimately deadly disease affects the nerves known as motor neurones. These nerves are found in the brain and spinal cord and help tell your muscles what to do.
MND has no cure, and the life expectancy for about half of those with the condition is three years from the start of symptoms. However, some people may live for up to 10 years, and in rarer circumstances even longer.
While Bryn is still learning to be the patient, he and his family are determined to make the most of their time together.
Inspired by the MND research being conducted at the Launceston General Hospital, Parry to Pinnacle aims to raise $75,000 for the Clifford Craig Foundation.