Dr Matthew Burge fundraising efforts.

The Gutsy Challenge supports the Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Cancer Innovation Fund by raising money to support research into GI cancer. This year the challenge was in the hands of participants, allowing them to choose their own activity and goal. Dr Burge chose to climb Argentina’s Mt Aconcagua in 2017, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Taking on my first Gutsy Challenge in 2017 was life changing and one of the best things I’ve ever done,” says Dr Burge.

“I’m very humbled and very thankful to my patients and their families that have supported me. It is because of them that my achievements are recognised by this award.

“I will keep pushing forward and fundraising into the future as much as I can, and I’m looking forward to the next Gutsy Challenge when COVID-19 finally settles down.”

More than 28,900 Australians are diagnosed with GI cancers each year, which include oesophageal, stomach, liver, gallbladder and biliary tract, pancreatic, colorectal, small bowel and anal cancer. With an overall survival rate of just over 50% – and as low as 9% for pancreatic cancer – GI cancers kill more Australians everyday than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

For his monumental fundraising and research efforts, Dr Burge was awarded the Fundraiser of the Year Award by the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group.

Congratulations and thank you Dr Burge!