Most people would probably be a little nervous at the prospect of hosting hundreds of guests, but Niels Christian Mortensen from the Parkinson's Association of North Jutland is completely calm, because, as he calmly states: We've done it once before.

Niels Christian Mortensen refers to the "Vendelbo Walk," which was held for the first time in 2018 in Slotved Forest near Sindal and was a huge success. On June 15, the event will be held for the second time, this time in Tolne Forest.

"We want to raise awareness of the disease, which was previously known as shaking sickness and which can cause problems with balance, speech difficulties, and stiffness in the body, among other things. Our hope is to create an understanding that even though it is a chronic and incurable disease, you should not think that you cannot do anything, says Niels Christian Mortensen, adding that the event is aimed at anyone with a disability.

The Parkinson's Association of North Jutland has put together a packed program of entertainment, musical performances, and exercise. In addition, the board has teamed up with Jacob Haugaard, who will be the master of ceremonies.

"We hope to see many people who want to be part of a community of Parkinson's sufferers and their relatives. We also hope that the day will inspire Parkinson's sufferers to exercise, because we know that exercise is medicine," says Niels Christian Mortensen, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012.

"Of course, everyday life is different than it used to be, and I can't do what I used to be able to do. But I've decided that I'll do what I can," says Niels Christian Mortensen, who volunteers for a wide range of associations.

The Parkinson's Association of North Jutland has succeeded in reaching an agreement with Nordjyllands Trafikselskab (North Jutland Transport Company) for free train transport to Tolne Station. Similarly, Jørns Busser in Brønderslev will transport participants free of charge from Tolne Station to Tolne Skovpavillon.

The Margit and Sol og Strand Foundation has donated 10,000 kroner to support the day, which pleases Niels Christian Mortensen.

"Our association has limited financial resources, so we have been seeking funding, and fortunately we have received positive responses from 20 foundations and charitable associations – most recently, we received a large donation from an anonymous donor. For us as initiators, it is incredibly positive to experience this great goodwill, says Niels Christian Mortensen, who has high expectations for Vendelbo Walk.

– My hope is that participants will leave the event with a smile on their faces and feel that they have had a good day. In my experience, people with chronic illnesses gain energy from being with others. I have an aunt who lived to be 95, and even though she was plagued by illness, her mantra was "there are many who are much worse off than me," and in the same way, I believe that you can achieve more with a positive outlook on life.