Mark Peterson at temple number one, 'Ryozenji', on the Shikoku 88 Henro in Japan.
Mark Peterson is no stranger to walking long distances or putting his body on the line for a charitable mission.
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But the Deniliquin North Public School principal has upped the ante in both pursuits.
Mr Peterson has taken leave from the school in term two to tackle the 1200km Pilgrimage for Parkinson’s on the ancient Shikoku 88 Henro in Japan.
He started the 50 day journey last week, and will hike through cities, small farming villages and over mountain ranges.
He will follow in the footsteps of Buddhist monk Kukai, who undertook the same journey more than 1000 years ago.
Mr Peterson’s efforts planned to start his trip in April to coincide with Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
A family connection to the disease is his inspiration.
“I decided to support Parkinson’s New South Wales after watching my grandfather deteriorate with the disease, and the difficulty for those who cared for him,” he said.
“I have since seen more family friends suffer through the ordeal, from initial diagnosis to a family friend passing away (two weeks ago).
“Parkinson’s is more common than breast, lung and prostate cancer.
“It is not just an old person’s disease, with five people under 40 diagnosed everyday.
“I am fundraising to support Parkinson’s New South Wales as I have seen the value of the support groups and care nurses who support the carers of patients.”
The last hike Mr Peterson completed for charity was from Hay to Moama, along the Long Paddock Touring Route, in 2020.
It was part of the Deni 5 in 5 challenge, bringing awareness for the five ways to wellbeing and mental health initiatives supported by Deniliquin’s Mental Health Awareness Group.
That hike was only 42km a day and lasted only a few days - a mere portion of the hike he’s undertaking now.
“Each year approximately 150,000 people complete the pilgrimage by bus or car with only about one per cent walking,” he said.
“I intend to also visit 20 associated temples, so will be required to walk about 28km a day on average.
"The consistency needed to complete more than a half marathon each day will require a strong commitment, which is made easier by the support I have already received.
“Knowing that I am encouraging others to exercise and build both resilience and keep dopamine levels high is in itself fighting Parkinson’s.”
Mark Peterson at temple number five on the trail, 'Jizoji', which features the statue of Kobo Daish who completed the same journey more than 1000 years ago..
Mr Peterson said he also used his preparation for the hike as a teachable moment for the students at North School.
“I had students doing laps at lunchtime to encourage training, and this led to students talking about family members with Parkinson’s.
“That was inspiring.”
Mr Peterson said pilgrims taking part in the trek often seek personal healing or hold the thoughts of others as they walk.
They wear traditional clothing that identifies them across Shikoku.
“The pilgrim attire consists of a white robe, straw hat and walking stick.
“Many pilgrims died when walking the path in its early days so the staff was used as a grave marker and the white robe as burial clothing to reduce the burden on locals.
“Although it is not necessary to be Buddhist to complete the pilgrimage, all participants are asked to follow the pilgrim oaths that include not complaining when things go wrong, not harming life, not telling a lie and not being greedy.”
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