Gavan Hennigan is currently tackling the Iditarod Trail Invitational once again, but this time with a newfound purpose.
The Irishman is an extreme environment athlete and has taken on the Alaskan Iditarod Trail for a second time to raise funds for the Galway branch of Parkinson’s Ireland. With €9,285 of the €10,000 target raised, Gavan is raising vital funds and awareness for the branch.
Inspired by his mum Julie, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2024, Gavan is braving the wilderness and cold weather of Alaska to help those who are in similar conditions. Walking and sleeping in snow for over 30 days, Gavan is hoping to bring Parkinson’s Disease to the forefront of Galway’s mind.
On her son’s journey, Julie said: “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few months ago and it came as a big shock and took me a while to talk about it. I have now accepted the diagnosis and am living my life “one day at a time”. I joined Parkinson’s Galway Branch and have received wonderful help and understanding from everyone involved.
“The branch depends on the good will of people to raise funds to help provide essential services for people living with Parkinson’s. The funding received from the HSE only amounts to 10 per cent of the overall income. My son, Gavan, has decided to fundraise for Parkinson’s Ireland Galway by competing in the Iditarod Trail Invitational 1,000-mile race across Alaska. This race is easily one of the toughest events on the planet and he will battle the wild and cold of Alaska for up to 30 days.
“I am very proud of Gavan and so grateful for his bravery in doing this race for me and Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s Ireland Galway Branch are a support group for those with Parkinson’s Disease in Galway city and county. A nurse’s helpline, online classes and local in-person exercise classes and support groups are just some of the ways in which Parkinson’s Ireland provide services to the local community.
To donate, please visit https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Iditarod1000.
