Maddison Dunster

10 peaks in 10 hours for 10 years

Ten years ago today, I lost my friend Ash to Ewing’s Sarcoma. She was young, full of life, and deserved so much more time. Rare cancers like hers don’t always get the attention—or the funding—they desperately need. That’s why I’m taking on the Kosi Challenge this year, but I’m pushing it even further.

Instead of just summiting Mount Kosciuszko, I’m challenging myself to summit Australia’s 10 highest peaks—completely on foot, solo, and within 10 hours.

That means:
🏔 Over 35km of rugged terrain
📈 More than 1,600m of elevation gain
🌲 Off-track navigation and unpredictable conditions

It won’t be easy. But it’s nothing compared to what Australians battling rare cancers go through every day.

Why It Matters

The Kosi Challenge is an annual event hosted by Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) to raise funds for patients diagnosed with rare, less common, and complex cancers. Every dollar donated goes directly to RCA’s Patient Support Team, which helps people access treatments, specialists, support groups, and financial aid during some of the toughest times in their lives.

Cancer shouldn’t be fought alone. RCA ensures that it isn’t.

How You Can Help

I’m doing this in honour of Ash, but I also hope to make a difference for those still facing cancer. If you’d like to support me, please consider donating to RCA—100% of funds go directly to patient support, and donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

Every step I take up those mountains will be fuelled by your generosity and by the memory of those we’ve lost. Let’s climb together—because every Australian facing cancer deserves hope, support, and a fighting chance.

Thank you for being part of this journey.