The Adventure Is, up to Us
Tony Watt
Born in 1964, Tony is the eldest of six siblings and a shining example of resilience, adaptability, and unshakable determination.
As a child, Tony didn’t love school for its lessons but for the friendships he formed. His charisma and zest for life lit up every room, earning him a memorable compliment from a primary school teacher: “You don’t have to be the sharpest tool in the shed to be successful in life.” Little did Tony know how true those words would become.
Leaving school at just 15, Tony embarked on an extraordinary journey. He worked alongside his father for 11 years, gaining the skills and wisdom that would later fuel his entrepreneurial spirit. For the next 30 years, he poured his heart and soul into building a successful civil contracting business—balancing long hours with the demands of raising three children.
But behind the scenes, cracks began to show. Unexplained hand tremors, aching legs, fatigue, and dizziness crept into his life. Tony brushed them off as the inevitable toll of hard work and aging—until September 2020, when his world shifted forever with a diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
The diagnosis brought heartbreak and uncertainty. Tony’s business, the legacy he built over decades, faced liquidation—a painful loss that left him grappling with guilt. But Tony is not one to back down. Determined to adapt, he began a new chapter, learning to manage his symptoms with regular exercise, Yoga, meditation, and stress reduction. A man who once joked, “Sleep is a waste of time,” now recognizes the value of rest and recovery.
Through it all, Tony’s ever-present smile, cheerful attitude, and refusal to see anything as a problem have remained his trademarks. His ability to radiate positivity, even in the face of adversity, inspires everyone around him.
Tony’s greatest pride and joy remains his family. Watching his three children grow into kind, caring adults fills him with gratitude. And the thought of seeing his seven grandchildren chase their dreams inspires him to keep fighting.
Around 2011, Tony met and fell in love with Wendy, and that’s when the adventure truly began. Together, they’ve built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences that make every challenge more bearable.
Parkinson’s has changed Tony’s life, but it will never define him. With his trademark humor, resilience, and love for life, he refuses to let the disease take away his adventure. Tony’s journey is a testament to strength in adversity—a reminder to us all that even in the face of challenges, life is meant to be lived to the fullest.
Tony’s story inspires us to rally together, raise support, and fund vital Parkinson’s research. Together, we can make a difference.
Wendy Kretschmer
Wendy is the heart and soul of every adventure, turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. Affectionately known as Tony’s “non-carer,” she’s a whirlwind of energy and creativity, seamlessly balancing her love for fashion and design with the joys of being a mother to two daughters, a grandmother to her first grandchild, and a supportive presence for Tony’s three children and seven grandchildren.
As the second oldest of four siblings, Wendy’s passion for the outdoors and camping began during countless family holidays at Stanage Bay. It was there she learned to drive in a pink-painted army jeep, a vehicle as unique and bold as she is. Her adventurous spirit was forged in those early days, and it’s never wavered.
Although Wendy adores the ocean, her fear of sharks keeps her safely in waist-deep waters. “I love the sea, just not everything that lives in it,” she jokes, basking in the sun on the shoreline.
Wendy’s sense of style reflects her vibrant personality. She has an uncanny knack for finding treasures in op shops, combining timeless classics with her own chic, effortless flair. Her fashion philosophy proves that great style doesn’t need a hefty price tag.
Her design talents are equally remarkable. Wendy can transform any room into a warm, inviting space with her signature touch, always adhering to her 3 or 5 decor placement rule. A throw rug, perfectly curated cushions, and her keen eye for colors and patterns are all hallmarks of her designs.
Despite her ongoing battle with Conn’s Syndrome , Wendy approaches life with determination and grace. She doesn’t let anything hold her back—whether it’s planning a camping trip, diving into a new creative project, or offering unwavering support to those she loves.
Wendy lives life with flair, humor, and an unstoppable spirit. Stylish, adventurous, and endlessly inspiring, she brings joy, color, and excitement to everything she touches. Life with Wendy is anything but ordinary—always an adventure, always unforgettable.
Life of Ava
Introducing Ava, our beloved 13-year-old Border Collie! Ava’s passions in life include devouring every meal, embarking on long walks, and displaying her fondness (albeit mischievous) for little white dogs. Despite her anxious nature, Ava captivates everyone with her beautiful face and scary eyes. As a survivor of a puppyhood accident, she bears pins in her hind legs, a testament to her resilience. Known for her unwavering loyalty and impeccable obedience, Ava’s joy truly comes alive in the water, where she gleefully indulges in the art of swimming. Get ready to fall head over paws for Ava’s endearing spirit and unwavering devotion!