Our 2026 Cherish Challenge: Ten Peaks. Ten Reasons

Posted in cherish, fundraising; Posted 2 hours ago by Andreas Obermair

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share an update with you about something that continues to be important to me and to the research community working to improve outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer.

Each year I take on a trekking challenge to help raise awareness and support research that leads to earlier diagnosis, improved treatments and better quality of life for women. Previous treks have taken me to Everest Base Camp, Larapinta, Kilimanjaro and Bhutan.

This May, my wife Monika and I will be tackling ten of Australia’s highest peaks in the Kosciuszko National Park as part of the Cherish Epic Ten Peaks Challenge (Epic Ten Peaks Cherish Challenge 2026). Every peak stands above 2000 metres and we will cover 66 kilometres over four days.

Trekking side by side

This year is particularly special. Not only are Monika and I completing this challenge together, but we will also be joined by 16 other gynaecological cancer researchers, health professionals, and women with lived experience. There is a stronger sense of “togetherness” than ever before. We are climbing these peaks side by side because real progress happens when we support each other and work towards better outcomes for women everywhere.

Turning peaks into progress

To honour the spirit of this challenge, we have paired each of the ten peaks to a reason that keeps us climbing (outlined in the image below). These reasons represent what we strive for every day: earlier answers, fairer treatment, greater understanding, and a future in which women’s choices are respected, and their lives protected.

You can help lift the Cherish team even higher by choosing to:

• Sponsor a peak at $1 per metre ($2,000)
• Gather friends or colleagues to collectively fund a peak
• Make a donation of any size to support the challenge 
• Spread the word and help share the Cherish team’s story.

Thank you for your support

Many people in our community like to follow these journeys, so we are sharing the link here (Andreas & Monika in Epic Ten Peaks Cherish Challenge 2026) if you would like to read more or keep track of the challenge as it unfolds.