Liz embarked on the five-day trek to raise funds for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer research this month, after losing a grandfather, friends, an uncle and a cousin to GI strains of the disease. 

Starting at 2:30 am on the final day of trekking, her group conquered a four hour hike up a steep and rocky Mount Sonder to see the sunrise.

“It was spectacular moment which makes you grateful to be alive, and to not be suffering from a disease such as cancer,” she said. 

“There was a freezing wind and I was sweaty and exhausted, but it was an incredible view, shared with an inspiring group of new friends who were all there for the same purpose, to raise funds for gastrointestinal cancer research in order to improve outcomes for patients.” 

GI cancers, including bowel, stomach, oesophageal, gall, liver and pancreatic, claim 33 Australian lives every day. 

It’s the second time Liz has trekked for the GI Cancer Institute, with her last effort raising $150,000 and single-handedly funding a new trial looking at bowel cancer mutations. 

Liz will host a fundraiser at Borambola Wines on Sunday, August 27 for the cause.  

Proceeds from the ‘Pre-Spring Picnic’ with go towards future research efforts.