Walter Gretzky is known as being ‘the Great One' Wayne Gretzky's father, but what you may not know is that Walter is one of over 100,000 people living with Parkinson's Disease in Canada.

Parkinson Society Canada will be holding their annual SuperWalk in cities across the country to raise money for research, education, advocacy and support services for people living with Parkinson's Disease. London's SuperWalk takes place in Springbank Gardens on September 8, and this year, Walter Gretzky will make a stop in London to start the walk at 11:30 a.m.

After Gretzky announced in April that he had Parkinson's, Shelley Ralf, manager of special events at the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, said she thought this could be a great opportunity to raise more awareness about the disease. She said she also wanted to make those in the community realize how much Gretzky cares about his community. “We also know the great work that Walter does within our communities, not only for us, but for a lot of great charities. Walter gives back in so many ways.” This year marks the first time Gretzky has been involved with the Parkinson's Society, and Ralf is hopeful that Gretzky will be bringing his family and friends to the Walk.

Ralf is realistically looking to raise about $455,000 through SuperWalks across Southwestern Ontario, but she is confident that even more money will be raised. “I always have my stretch goal. If I had my way, we'd fly past half a million dollars; I think we have the ability,” she said. Last year's Southwestern Ontario SuperWalk raised $451,000.

Check out parkinsonsuperwalk.ca for more information about the SuperWalk, to make a pledge or to sign up to participate.