Meet the Parry to Pinnacle team

Question: What does it take to push someone up Mount Wellington?

Answer: An incredible support team!

Meet the family and friends who will be helping Bryn complete this year’s Point to Pinnacle.

“Because, while running up a mountain is hard, living with MND is harder!”

 
 

Name: Lucas Parry

Parry connection:

Lucas is Bryn’s eldest son and a GP with Northern Midlands Medical Services. After conquering the Point to Pinnacle last year - pushing son Robbie in support of Angelman Syndrome - this year Lucas has upped the ante. Inspired by his father’s goal to fundraise for a Tasmanian charity, Lucas is the Parry to Pinnacle team leader!

 
 

Name: Dave Parry

Parry connection:

Dave is Bryn’s second-born son. He’s running this race to be part of the team, to raise awareness and funds for a good cause and because he loves running!

 
 

Name: Vanessa Read

Parry connection:

A childhood friend of the Parry’s, Vanessa went to Primary School with Lucas and Dave and they have been friends ever since. Joining the Parry to Pinnacle team offered Vanessa a new challenge, and the opportunity to reunite with some of her oldest friends for a worthwhile cause. A fun fact about Vanessa is she can do a handstand, and play the violin - but not at the same time!

 
 

Name: Tim Read

Parry Connection:

Tim joins sister Vanessa as part of the Parry to Pinnacle team, having grown up with Lucas and Dave in the state’s North West.

Name: Dylan Hesp

Parry connection:

Also hailing from the state’s North-West, the Parry family were some of the first people Dylan ever met. He and Lucas have been friends since “day dot”, and Dylan considers himself fortunate to have grown up knowing this amazing family.

“You would be hard pressed to find a more kind hearted and generous family than the Parry’s,” Dylan said. “These guys have a huge heart for people and their community, and I thought why on earth wouldn’t I be involved in supporting them?

“The Parry’s are the real deal, brave and resilient. So if this is a chance to help them, spread the word about MND and raise funds for a cure. How could I miss out?”

Dylan says Parry to Pinnacle is a simply opportunity for people in the community to make a real difference, so they should just go for it! “Plus if you give lots of money and tell people, they’ll definitely think you’re amazing and good looking,” he joked.

Name: Ben Jessup

Parry connection:

Ben is Lucas’ brother-in-law. He was asked to join the team, and quickly recognised it as a great fitness goal. Although he’s worried about “dying on the finish line”, Ben said he is very excited for what happens to be his first running event.

“For people donating, this cause is not only important to us in this group but also people across the world,” he said. “A donation can help make a real difference and we're all running to do just that. " 

Name: Oliver Walters

Parry Connection:

Oliver has been close friends with Lucas Parry for many years, with their young children growing up together. Oliver supported Lucas in last year’s Point to Pinnacle, pushing son Robbie up the mountain!

“I swore I would never do it again. But, it is for a very worthy cause, and Lucas needs all the help he can get,” Oliver said.

A fun fact about Oliver is that he much prefers mountain biking, but has “forced” into running on occasion, often without proper preparation.

“One time I arrived for a group ride on the West Coast without a key to inlock my bike from the rack. Not to be left behind, I ran up and down a mountain in bike cleats. Last year Lucas twisted my arm to run the P2P with two weeks notice. This year, at least I know what I am getting myself into though.”

On why people should support this cause - Oliver’s message is simple:

“Running up a mountain is hard work, but living with MND is much harder. For those who don't have to do either, please consider donating to support this wonderful family.” 

Name: Josh Brooks

Parry Connection:

Josh is a family connection of the Parry’s through marriage (his wife is the sister of Lucas’ wife). When asked to take part in Parry to Pinnacle, he thought - why not?

“There are always more reasons not to do something, but eventually we all need to step up and make the world a better place, or at least do what we can to help those who are trying to,” he said.

A fun fact about Josh is he has always loved “a random challenge”, admitting he once walked from Deloraine to Launceston, then Launceston to Scottsdale and later, the entire 100 kilometre LUFT track around Launceston (that’s a lot of walking)!

Josh’s message for people considering supporting this cause: “Why not make a difference and help those who are trying to make the world a better place.” 

Name: David Atkinson

Parry Connection:

David has known Lucas and the Parry family for as long as he can remember, with their lives intertwines as far back as school in Launceston, University in Hobart, starting careers in Devonport and having kids in Launceston.

So why is David running? He said he wanted to show support for the family in this great cause.

“Joining their team to help push Bryn up Mt Wellington in the Point to Pinnacle is a great way to support them directly and help them reach their fundraising goal of $75,000,” David said.

“A donation to this appeal is bigger than the Parry to Pinnacle. It's supporting everyone who is, and will be affected by MND.”

A fun fact about David is the last time he ran 20 kilometres, it took him 5 hours!

Name: Jason Jeffery

Parry Connection:

Jason has known the Parry family since 2018, having gone through training with Lucas. They were one of the first families Jason met on moving to Tasmania and they have since become very close.

Having joined Lucas for last year’s Point to Pinnacle, Jason said he was looking forward to once again sweating his way up the mountain for a good cause.

“They are a constant source of inspiration in the face of adversity and I admire their resilience,” he said.

“My joining the team and taking part in the race is only a small way for me to express this admiration and to support a great cause! I was part of the team that sweated our way up with Lucas and his son Robbie last year, and am looking forward to the added challenge this year!”

Name: Jessica Willard

Parry connection:

Jess is the Communications & Fundraising Coordinator for the Clifford Craig Foundation.

When the Parry family told the Foundation they wanted to fundraise for Tasmanian MND Research, Jess was inspired to join the team and do her bit for this inspiring cause.

 
 
Clifford Craig