In August 2016 my husband Brian died from Cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive and difficult to treat cancer of the bile duct. He was 51 years of age. Brian was a determined problem solver in his work and his personal life. In his memory, I am taking part in the Larapinta Gutsy Challenge – where I will be walking 85km over five days to raise money for cancer research in the hope that one day better treatments will be available for people like Brian.

Gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer is the most common cancer in our country and 33 Australians die because of it each day. GI cancer affects the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and bowel. The 5-year survival rate for all GI Cancers is currently only 49% ... and when you look at specific areas it is far less – for example it is only 7.7% for pancreatic cancer. It is very likely that you know and love someone who has suffered because of these cancers.

I know that each day someone different puts their hand out for your hard-earned money. But, if we all do something little then together we can make a big difference.

Your donation will support the GI Cancer Institute’s Innovation Fund – enabling new research to be undertaken here in Australia.