As he launches his third Royce’s Big Walk supporting dementia research, Penrith Panthers legend Royce Simmons has provided an update on his own battle with the insidious disease.
The 65-year-old premiership winner was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, and immediately set about not only exploring what he needed to do to slow the dreaded condition’s progress, but how he could assist others who were affected by the disease – not just sufferers but their supporting families too.
Not long after, Royce’s Big Walk became a reality and next month, Simmons will be embarking on his third walk so far.
Speaking with the media on Tuesday, the former player turned coach said living with dementia has been a rollercoaster ride.
“I’m going pretty good, but I can feel a few little dips here and there, but I’m going OK,” Simmons said.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll get the 300km out!”
Simmons will begin his latest journey at The Royce in Penrith on Tuesday, August 6 before trekking his way around Sydney, visiting eight NRL clubs as well as some iconic locations including Manly Beach, Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Sydney Olympic Park and Oran Park.
Royce’s Big Walk will conclude on the evening of Thursday, August 15 when the Panthers take on Melbourne at BlueBet Stadium.
“I’m looking forward to doing another 300km walk. This one I’ve been training for, for quite a while to get ready for it,” Simmons said.
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“The support I’m receiving is good because I get more awareness out there. I get people to understand how bad this disease is and that’s the main thing.
“Every day we’ll visit a new NRL club, there will be reporters there to cover it, and out goes my story again. We’re a long way from a cure, that’s why we need more awareness.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said Simmons has been an inspiration to the proud club, with the way he’s turned his diagnosis into something positive.
“Royce is a club legend here,” Cleary said.
“Apart from what he’s doing for dementia and helping provide awareness, it actually inspires us that he’s using something that’s quite damaging and fearful for him, but he’s turning it into a positive.
“It just shows what sort of bloke Royce is.”
“The great thing about rugby league is it’s a great vehicle to be able to provide information and be able to help people in the community who are struggling.”
The Royce Simmons Foundation is actively seeking sponsorships and donations to support Royce’s Big Walk and its broader mission to advance dementia research.
Visit http://www.roycesimmonsfoundation.com.au for more information about the event.
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Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.