029:Eur-Up-Ian: One Man, 28 Mountains, One Powerful Message

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly inspiring Ian O’Brien—husband, father, adventurer, and advocate—who was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease at just 38 years old.

Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, Ian chose to take action—literally. In June 2023, he embarked on the Eur-Up-Ian Challenge: climbing the highest peak in all 27 EU countries and the UK in just 28 days. That’s right—28 mountains, 28 days, one massive journey of resilience, awareness, and purpose.

Ian shares what drove him to take on this physical and emotional feat, how he manages Parkinson’s through movement, and why changing the perception of the disease—especially for younger people—is more important than ever.

We talk challenges, triumphs, humour on the trail, and what it really means to live boldly with Parkinson’s.

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Website strapyerboots.com
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