Monday, August 18, 2008

McIver completes Parkinson's run in Tignish Sunday

McIver completes Parkinson's run in Tignish Sunday

Luke McIver, with his parents Debbie and Paul, enjoyed a break in Summerside Saturday afternoon, before
hitting the road to finish his Parkinson's fundraising run in Tignish Sunday. Jim Brown/Journal Pioneer


SUMMERSIDE
JIM BROWN
The Journal Pioneer

Luke McIver's grandmother greeted him with a cheque and a hug at a brief stopover Saturday in Summerside during a tip-to-tip run to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease.

The run, which started at East Point Thursday, ended in Tignish late Sunday afternoon.

Luke was delighted to receive a $500 cheque for the Parkinson Society from his grandmother, Martha Perry, but seemed happier with the hug. "I'm very proud of him," said Perry, 71.

His grandma is the reason Luke decided to lace up his sneakers for what he described as a grueling but exciting journey. She has Parkinson's, as did Luke's grandfather, Marshall Thomas, who passed away in 1991.

The Kinkora Regional High School graduate was mobbed by family, friends and well-wishers when he turned into the Vogue Optical parking lot in Summerside, accompanied by running mates, shortly after 12 noon.

"The support's been excellent.

"Thanks to everyone who sponsored, pledged or even ran with me. It's been great," said McIver.

His parents Debbie and Paul accompanied him by car. Two brothers, Chad and Adam, have also been among his biggest boosters. Adam lives in Calgary, Alta., but has been calling Luke's parents several times a day on their cell to keep track of his progress.

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