Mark embarks on a 1,200 kilometer stomp, battling Parkinson's disease
Mark Peterson, a resident of regional New South Wales, embarks on an exceptional challenge in April – a six-week solo trek along Japan's Shikoku 88 Temple O-Henro pilgrimage route to raise funds for Parkinson's NSW. While most fundraisers opt for activities like increasing daily steps or practicing yoga weekly, Mark pushes boundaries, undertaking a 1,200-kilometer journey that visits 88 Buddhist temples over the course of six weeks.
"My partner and I taught English in Japan during our 20s. I first heard of the pilgrimage then, but I didn't realize how long it was," shared Mark. His initial plans to take on this journey with his family for his fiftieth birthday were thwarted by a lack of interest from his family and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Having completed multiple endurance challenges previously, Mark decided to dedicate his pilgrimage to supporting those affected by Parkinson's disease. As a young man, he witnessed his grandfather battles the condition, and he now observes more and more older individuals struggling with it.
"I am fundraising for both support groups and research. With two boys of my own, I hope there will be something discovered that prevents them from developing it," stated Mark.
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, which journeys through the entire island of Shikoku in Japan, is deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition. Mark anticipates encountering many individuals of various nationalities along the way, despite completing the arduous journey independently.
"Although I'm not Buddhist or religious, the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage seemed fitting," said Mark. "Many modern paths are along roads, but I plan to take as many off-road paths as possible and rely on traditional hospitality from locals along the way."
Despite being conversant in Japanese, COVID-related precautions may present challenges when navigating paths and finding accommodations. Mark's family will join him at the end of his pilgrimage for some sightseeing.
Support Mark's charitable endeavor by visiting his Pitch in for Parkinson's page at:
https://www.pitchinforparkinsons.org.au/ fundraisers/markpeterson
In undertaking this immense personal challenge for a worthwhile cause, Mark Peterson exemplifies the power of individual initiative in promoting broader social change.
- Mark Peterson, upon completing his Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage focused on health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, plans to allocate funds towards both support groups and science, particularly research related to Parkinson's disease.
- As Mark Peterson's pilgrimage encompasses a lifestyle filled with travel and exploration, he seeks to immerse himself in the diverse health-and-wellness practices and cultures he encounters along the lengthy path.
- Along the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Mark Peterson intends to explore off-road paths, embracing the spiritual journey while simultaneously fostering connections with travelers from various countries, reinforcing the notion that health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise play crucial roles in our ever-evolving global lifestyle.
