Adventurer takes on Bolivia for children's cancer

A former Bunbury woman is taking her generosity to an international stage this week when she travels to Bolivia to raise money for children with cancer.

Jessica Hayes, 22, is a Telethon Adventurer and starts her Summits to Bolivia trek on Monday.

Miss Hayes lives in Perth but went to Bunbury Senior High School and has been an Adventurer since 2010.

As a team leader for the trek, she has a lot more responsibility on her shoulders, but she takes it in her stride for the children she is raising money for.

On the 20-day expedition, Miss Hayes and the rest of the team — including her partner Gavin Zimmer — will climb four peaks of the Andes, from 5379m to 6462m high.

Miss Hayes said people only had to meet a child with cancer to understand why she decided to become an Adventurer.

“The children are amazing, instead of being outside playing, going to school and reaching milestones we all take for granted, those kids are being injected with toxic chemotherapy,” she said.

“The families will always tell you they’re not amazing, they’re just doing what they have and need to, to make their children better.

“The children are my heroes, they are the strongest, most resilient and courageous people I know.

“Research costs money and we need to find a cure.”

Miss Hayes’ family held a series of sausage sizzles earlier this year in Bunbury to raise money for Telethon Adventurers.

To learn more about the trip or to donate money, visit http://www.theadventurers.com.au/content/our_adventurers/jessica_hayes/117