When it comes to raising funds and awareness for rare cancers, there ain’t no mountain high enough for 27-year-old Anna!
Not content with climbing Australia’s highest peak last year as part of the Kosi Challenge, Anna and her friends also conquered the country’s second highest peak – on the very same day.
Anna’s partner Jack was diagnosed with bowel cancer in his early 20s; the couple recently celebrating his fifth year of being cancer free. It was Jack’s friend and fellow cancer survivor, Maddie, who initially recruited the pair for the fundraising challenge.
“We did the Kosi Challenge last year as part of the ‘Spirit of the Dragons’ team, and it was just so much fun. I was interested in the Polish history associated with the mountain, and its links to my hometown of Krakow. We also loved the idea of climbing Mount Townsend on the same day, as it had the same name as our Kosi team leader, Maddie Townsend. It was a real challenge and was just amazing,” remembers Anna.
Anna and Jack (far left) and Maddie (front) preparing to conquer Mount Townsend
“This year we can’t all make it on the same day, so eight of us have signed up for the Virtual Kosi Challenge instead. We’re always looking for more people to join us.”
With the flexibility to pick individual goals, Anna has chosen to trek 100km over three continents throughout the month of March.
“Everyone has chosen their own goal to work towards in their own time. We are also organising some walks together, so we can chip away at our goals together wherever possible.
The great thing about the Virtual Kosi Challenge is its flexibility – you have a whole month to complete the challenge however works best for you. I love having the option to do it virtually – it means we can still support rare cancers even if we can’t be there for the event.”
Anna plans to complete her 100km across Victoria, Hong Kong and Hawaii.
“I will be travelling in March, so a virtual challenge is perfect. I plan to do some trekking in each country; I’ve looked up some amazing hiking spots in each so I’m really excited.”
Anna recommends the virtual option for anyone looking to raise funds and awareness for rare cancers – while improving their fitness at the same time.
Smiles at the summit of Mount Townsend
“You can set your own goal, walk or run if you choose, and help contribute to the amazing work of RCA. I know a lot of people benefit from their services – I feel it’s the least we can do to help support people impacted by rare cancer,” she said.
The Spirit of the Dragons take on Mount Kosciuszko
