Family, friends rally in support of footy legend Jezza
Football stars are rallying in support of Alex Jesaulenko after the Carlton great was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
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Former and current football stars are set to rally in support of Alex Jesaulenko as he fights Parkinson’s disease.
The footy great was diagnosed last month and a new event, A Walk in the Park, has since been created to help raise awareness and funds for Fight Parkinson’s.
Jesaulenko’s former Carlton teammates Wayne Harmes, Jimmy Buckley, Alex Marcou and Vinnie Catoggio and good friend Sam Newman have confirmed they will participate.
It’s expected current Blues players will also take part in the March 27 walk starting at Federation Square.
Jesaulenko’s daughter Kate, an ambassador for the event, said she had been overwhelmed by messages and offers of help.
“The 79 (premiership) team are rallying around Dad because he doesn’t want to be front and centre but they all adore him,’’ Kate said.
“Now that this directly affects my family I want to do all I can to help raise awareness and funds that goes into research.
“Fight Parkinson’s is a wonderful organisation and we’d love for everyone to come and walk with us or make a donation. We really appreciate all the support.”
Kate said her Dad, former Carlton high-flying legend, is in good spirits.
A footy icon nicknamed “Jezza”, he was immortalised after commentator Mike Williamson’s famous “Jesaulenko, you beauty” remark when he soared above Graeme Jenkin in the 1970 grand final between Carlton and Collingwood.
Jesaulenko, 76, played 256 games for Carlton and 23 games for St Kilda. He played in four premierships – 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1979 – and became the 22nd Legend of the AFL Hall of Fame in 2008.
Parkinson’s is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.
Details and registration: awalkinthepark.org.au/
To donate to Team Jesaulenko: awalkinthepark.org.au/fundraisers/teamjesaulenko
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