When Brian White was struck by a car while commuting on his bicycle to work in 2009, little did he know the path he was about to go down.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015, Brian is using his personal journey to raise awareness of the condition by signing up a team to take part in the Great Wheelbarrow Race in five weeks’ time!
“I was actually inspired by the ABC’s Back Roads program which featured the event last week and I thought that would be a great thing to enter a team of ‘Parky’s’ in and raise awareness and of course raise some funds for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation,” Mr White said.
Recovering in hospital with 17 fractures, a passing nurse noticed his “panda eyes”, apparently an indicator of a significant brain injury and so it was discovered he had suffered a LeFort III fracture in the accident.
This rare type of fracture occurs at the skull base, resulting in complete craniofacial separation of the midface from the base of the skull.
About four surgeries later he was released from hospital, was back on his bike, returned to work and continued participating in the QSuper Cardiac Challenge until a couple of years ago.
Thirteen years ago, he started noticing a problem with balance and his handwriting and was subsequently diagnosed with the degenerative condition.
While there is some family history, Brian strongly believes for him it was due to his brain injury.
“I’m just excited about what we’re doing with Hospital Foundation’s support. It’s giving me a purpose at the moment and I’m thrilled to be able to make a difference and help others,” Mr White said.
He also is a passionate member of the Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise and has travelled to India four times in recent years, to assist the International Rotary Foundation with water conservation projects in Rajasthan.
He is keen for fellow ‘Parky’s’ or supporters to join the team in the Great Wheelbarrow Race, a fundraising institution of Mareeba.
Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe said she took her hat off to Mr White and was inspired by his motivation.
“Brian’s not sitting around waiting for his condition to deteriorate. He’s making a difference to others, he’s got a purpose and I think it should be applauded. We need more people like Brian,” Ms Duncombe said.
