Climbing for a Cure: In October 2026, Peter and a team of 10 climb Mera Peak in Nepal.
The goal: $100,000 for Australian Parkinson's research.
The Expedition
Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal, at 6,476 metres. In October 2026, Peter and a team of 10 will climb to the summit and back. They are climbing as a team, training as a team, fundraising as a team. The goal is to raise $100,000 for the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, which directs 100% of public donations to Australian Parkinson's research.
Why Climb?
The goal is simple: do something concrete about a disease that's diagnosed in 38 Australians every day. Peter is funding his own trip - every dollar donated goes to the Shake It Up Foundation, and the Foundation directs 100% of it to Australian Parkinson's research.
In support of John "Pez" Perrin and all who are affected by Parkinson's.
Why This Matters
38 a day
Around 38 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson's every day. Over 150,000 people are living with it across the country, alongside their families and the people who care for them.
100% to research
Your donation moves through the Shake It Up Australia Foundation directly into Australian research. The Foundation's founders cover overhead themselves so every dollar reaches the science.
$36.4 million
Since 2011, the Foundation has invested $36.4 million across 85 research projects at 24 Australian institutions. Sustained, audited support for the country's best Parkinson's science.
Real progress
A new test detects Parkinson's biology before diagnosis. Australian trials are testing repurposed drugs to slow the disease. University of Wollongong researchers are studying how environment shapes risk.
The research into how environment shapes Parkinson's risk particularly matters to Peter. More than 35 years in pest management has put him close to the big questions about environment and health. Funding the research that answers them properly is one of the most useful things any of us can do.
Supporter Packs
Every donation is tax‑deductible - including Supporter Packs.
Silver Supporter Pack: $50
Receive a Peak for Parkinson's Stubby Holder, Poster & Stickers
Support Pack Sponsor: Pest IT Pty Ltd
Gold Supporter Pack: $150
Receive a Peak for Parkinson's T‑Shirt, Stubby Holder, Water Bottle, Poster & Stickers.
Corporate sponsorship available.
Ultimate Supporter Pack: $250
Receive a Peak for Parkinson's Hoody, T‑Shirt, Training Shirt, Stubby Holder, Water Bottle, Poster & Stickers.
Corporate sponsorship available.
Donation Only
Not after the merch? You can still be part of it. Give any amount and 100% of your tax‑deductible donation funds Australian Parkinson's research through the Shake It Up Australia Foundation.
Summit Date: 8 October 2026
Wear your Peak for Parkinson's gear on summit day and send us a selfie of support as we climb.
#PeakForParkinsons #ShakeItUpAustralia #ClimbForACure #DreamBigAsATeam
"I don't really care about bucket lists; I just care about being authentic, pushing myself."
— Peter McCarthy
FAQ
What is Peak for Parkinson's
What is Peak for Parkinson's
Peak for Parkinson's is a fundraising expedition to climb Mera Peak in Nepal, the country's highest trekking peak at 6,476 metres. Our goal: raise awareness and funds for the Shake It Up Australia Foundation to support Parkinson's research, while sharing an unforgettable adventure with our pest control industry colleagues and friends.
Where does my donation go?
Where does my donation go?
Every dollar donated goes to the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, which directs 100% of public donations to Australian Parkinson's research. The Foundation's founders cover overhead themselves. Your donation is tax deductible.
How do I get my Supporter Pack?
How do I get my Supporter Pack?
Pick your pack on this page (Silver, Gold, or Platinum), fill the short form with your name, address, and garment size, then donate the matching amount on the Shake It Up donation page. We post your pack to an Australian address as soon as your donation comes through.
Can I help even if I'm not buying a pack?
Can I help even if I'm not buying a pack?
Absolutely. Donate any amount through the Just Donate button, share the campaign on social, or sponsor a climber directly. Every contribution counts.
Can I join the climb?
Can I join the climb?
Yes. We have a few remaining spots on the October 2026 expedition. The trip runs 21 days, costs approximately $10,000 AUD per climber (separate to your supporter donation), and is booked through Yak Spirit Adventures. Contact Peter directly at peter@pestit.com or 0438 665 657.
Thank you for your support.
Peter McCarthy
Founder, Pest IT Pty Ltd
