On Saturday 24 February, a team of 19 Gutsy fundraisers trekked their way through 18km of bushland in the Blue Mountains to raise funds for gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer research.
Thankfully, it was a warm, sunny day. The trek passed through some beautiful, leafy foliage, steep stairs and muddy paths to meet with incredible mountain vistas and dramatic waterfalls. The distant sound of waterfalls and birdsong was a wonderful soundtrack on the six-hour walk.
The team of trekkers was a wonderfully diverse crew, all united in their goal to raise funds to improve treatment options for GI cancer patients: there were oncologists, GI Cancer Institute staff, community members and families who have lost loved ones to GI cancer.
For community member Ambreen Khan, the Blue Mountains was her second Gutsy Challenge, after she summited Mt Kosciuszko in 2021. “Getting the chance to trek the mountains this year for the Gutsy Challenge was so wonderful. The experience is wholesome, enjoyable, accessible and noble in its cause. I loved it from start to end,” says Ambreen.
For Nisha Berthon-Jones, GI Cancer Institute’s Head of Research Operations, the Blue Mountains was her first Gutsy Challenge trek. She was joined by her team of research staff, who together raised $12,000.
“Doing this trek and raising funds is important to improve outcomes for GI cancer patients. It was a fantastic experience and I thoroughly enjoyed doing this activity with members of my team,” Nisha says.
In total, our team raised a total of $37,000! An incredible achievement which will help to provide better treatments for the 34,291 Australians diagnosed with GI cancer each year.
Our next Blue Mountains Gutsy Challenge trek will be held Saturday 16th September 2023. Find out how you can join our team.