Major Matthew Carr is a professional soldier who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. When faced with a cancerous invasion of his body, Matthew used the expert training he learnt in the Australian Army as a strategy to wage his own fierce and relentless battle with an enemy force.

In BATTLE SCARS we learn that the four main principles employed by militaries in the conduct of Counter Insurgency operations can be applied to modern life as much as fighting
know your enemy, know where they hide and know how they are going to attack you.
separate the enemy from the main population in order to minimise collateral damage. Give your enemy no ground, and prepare yourself to commit to your personal battle.
attack this enemy of yours with conventional forces (chemo and radio therapies) and Special Forces (surgery). Don’t be a victim in this fight, but rather the aggressor.
maintain morale, spirit and a sense of humour to provide strength to your forces. Listen to your body and keep peace within its borders.

Inspiring and motivating in the style of Lance Armstrong’s ‘It’s Not About the Bike’, this book will change your view of how to deal with life’s battles and live a life worth fighting for.

At the age of 26, while posted in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Matthew was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. He began a chemotherapy cycle in Darwin and subsequently underwent significant operations in Sydney. His treatment lasted almost two years, at the end of which he made a full recovery and recommenced his duties in the Army. He married his wife Michelle in 2008 and was promoted to Major in the same year.

In November of 2008, Matthew developed a blood clot in his leg. Investigative scans confirmed his cancer had returned. He underwent a life-threatening, 15-hour operation that resulted in the successful removal of a malignant secondary tumour from his abdomen.

Despite significant complications Matthew has been able to continue working within the Army, remains physically active and surfs weekly.