PORT ADELAIDE was one of ten teams to take part in Mark Mickan’s 24-hour ride for Parkinson’s last week at Adelaide Oval to raise awareness and funds to help find a cure for the disease.
Mickan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in late 2015 and has recently undergone surgery to help with hand and feet tremors.
The 58-year-old was blown away by the support shown to him by friends and colleagues, and also everyone who very generously donated to the cause so close to his heart.
“The support has been unbelievable,” Mickan told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“The response from people who have supported the cause by riding, and for the people to donate - it just shows how the football community get behind a good cause.
“It was to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s - a condition that 80,000 people in Australia and 8,000 in South Australia live with.
“Everyone rode for about half-an-hour to an hour, except for Michael Wilson who rode for four hours for Port - what a remarkable effort.”
Wilson - who played 192 games and kicked 51 goals for the Power - rode for four hours and travelled more than 160km in his shift on the bike from 1am-5am.
The 1997 AFL Rising Star says he was proud to be involved and support a fundraiser for not only a great cause but a great bloke.
“He is a genuine, honest, hard-working and very likeable bloke who deserves all the support he receives,” Wilson said.
“I hope Mark and his whole family feel supported by the football community.
“I was lucky enough to have some pretty good people around me for the night slugging it out.
“The physical tiredness was nothing when compared to the buzz I got from supporting a mate and being part of the Port team.
“We had some quality, caring past players and staff involved which was a real thrill.”
Wilson along with Port’s coaching staff including Ken Hinkley and Michael Voss, and a number of past players such as Gavin Wanganeen and the legendary Russell Ebert, covered the most distance in the day-long period, and were awarded the Mark Mickan cup.
The event was organised by Mickan’s great mate Darren Chandler who says the ride was a fantastic result for everyone involved.
“It was an outstanding success,” Chandler said.
“It provided much-needed exposure for Parkinson’s SA and the diseases that so may Australians live with every day.
“Over 200 riders road a collective 7,600 kilometres and have so far raised over $50,000 so far.
“I would like to thank the committee who helped put this event together, every rider for giving up their time and every person who has made a donation.”
It is still possible to help raise awareness and generate some much-needed funding to help Parkinson’s SA support sufferers of Parkinson’s Disease at by donating at: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/mickanagainstparkinsons
