In Australia, Royce Simmons walks more than 300 km for dementia research
In Australia, former Penrith Panthers captain Royce Simmons walked more than 300 kilometres in 12 days from Gilgandra to Cowra in the Central West region of New South Wales. Simmons, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease five years ago, is raising money for dementia research and the search for a treatment, ABC News Australia reports.
More than $170,000 in donations
This year’s Royce’s Big Walk has already raised more than $170,000. Donations will be accepted until the end of September. Over five years, the walk has raised more than $2.2 million for dementia research and support services.
Simmons was diagnosed at the age of 61 and is now 67. He stressed that dementia is not a problem affecting only older people: the disease is also diagnosed in people aged between 30 and 50.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Meeting in his hometown
On Wednesday, Simmons visited Gulgong, the town where he was born. He was welcomed there by relatives, friends and pupils from the local school. The athlete’s sister, Maria Niven, said she was proud of her brother and believes the walk helps him cope with the disease.
Former rugby league players joined Simmons along the route, including Brad Fittler, James Maloney and Darren Britt. During his career, Simmons played 238 matches for the Penrith Panthers, won the 1991 championship with the club, and represented New South Wales and Australia 10 times.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia. About 446,000 residents of the country live with one form of dementia, while around 1.7 million people care for loved ones with the condition.
