Latest news with #RichardScolyer
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Heartbreaking moment former Australian of the Year 'struggles' with speech due to brain tumour as he accepts major honour
Globally-renowned pathologist Professor Richard Scolyer struggled to accept an award due to his ongoing battle with an aggressive brain tumour. Prof Scolyer shared a series of photos on Tuesday after receiving the 2025 Inner West Citizen of the Year award in Sydney in late May. In his post, Prof Scolyer said he was honoured to receive the award from the Inner West Council but was unable to properly thank the community at the time. 'Due to my challenges around this time related to my brain tumour, at times I struggled during my speech,' Prof Scolyer wrote. 'Nevertheless, from the kindness and support of many amazing people, I felt very overwhelmed and grateful. 'The special community of the Inner West has been Katie and I's home for over 25 years and we have made many wonderful connections with people in and around our community!' The 2024 Australian of the year was diagnosed with 'incurable' grade four brain cancer in June 2023. He underwent treatments based on melanoma research he developed alongside his joint Australian of the Year recipient, Professor Georgia Long. The father-of-three had no sign of cancer recurrence for almost two years before a scan in March revealed a glioblastoma on the left side of his brain. 'Unfortunately, there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer in my left brain. The prognosis is poor,' he said at the time. In May, Prof Scolyer revealed his glioblastoma was becoming 'tougher to treat'. 'A recent MRI scan showed, in the left side of my brain, further progress of my glioblastoma (IDH wild-type, etc.) and related adjacent reactive change,' he wrote. 'Whilst this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly to me, I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun, whenever possible. 'I feel like there are quite a few people on my team, including my family and friends, and they make me happy and proud!' Prof Scolyer and his colleague Professor Long were named Australians of the Year in 2024 for the thousands of lives they saved in pioneering new treatments for melanoma using immunotherapy. He is a prolific author, having penned more than 700 publications and book chapters on melanoma pathology, which garnered him a reputation as one of the world's leading experts in the field. The melanoma expert has been praised for his openness and bravery in documenting his cancer journey. However, Prof Scolyer remains philosophical about his journey, stating that he 'just wants to make a difference'. In an emotional interview with Ally Langdon on A Current Affair in March, Prof Scolyer said he was 'not ready to go yet'. 'It's not fair, but there's a lesson for everyone… make the most of every day because you don't know what's around the corner,' he said.
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Former Australian of the Year shares update on his cancer battle
Former Australian of the Year Dr Richard Scolyer has revealed he has recently experienced some 'tough times' in this battle with stage four brain cancer. The globally-renowned pathologist was diagnosed with 'incurable' brain cancer in June 2023 and has been sharing his journey with Australians ever since. Dr Scolyer shared a photo of him undergoing an MRI to Facebook on Friday, writing he had recently experienced some 'tough times' but was recuperating. 'It sure is amazing to be back out there participating and enjoying life,' he said. 'A month or so ago, I had some tough times with recurrent brain tumour and additional challenged. These were associated with swelling of my brain which can cause changes in how I am functioning. 'However, now I am feeling much better and loving spending time with my wonderful family and friends.' The post was quickly flooded with well-wishes from supporters. 'You are such an inspiration to us all and enjoy the time with your beautiful family,' on person commented. 'You're a true fighter and so incredibly honest with your journey. We're all cheering you on Dr, you're an inspiration,' a second wrote. 'Love your outlook on life, whatever it may be, keep family and friends close to your heart,' a third said.
Sky News AU
15-06-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
‘Never give up': Pathologist studying cancer highlighted for own battle with disease
Sky News host Paul Murray discusses cancer treatments in Australia and the life of Professor Richard Scolyer who studies and battles the disease himself. 'One of the best Australians amongst us is Professor Richard Scolyer … is a man who has been absolutely at the front of trying to come up with that dream of not just cancer treatment but maybe, just maybe finding a way for us to be able to get over very significant cancers,' Mr Murray said. 'One of the greatest minds fighting cancer ended up with cancer, then as a result of his own insight and his own special treatments we learnt the cancer was in remission, which is unbelievable, right? And then towards the start of this year, we heard again Richard Scolyer was dealing with another bout.'
Perth Now
15-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Richard was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. He just completed his 250th Parkrun
Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer has completed his 250th Parkrun, marking a milestone for the respected melanoma researcher which he set prior to being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2023. Scolyer, 58, crossed the finish line at Greenway Parkrun at Haberfield on Saturday, to heartwarming applause from the crowd. He wrote he wasn't sure he would reach the goal in a post to his 20,000 followers on X earlier this week, but nonetheless was glad he was able to take part in the run. 'I guess it's a long way ... 250 5km runs, it's a lot of fun,' Scolyer told 7NEWS, appearing upbeat. Scolyer said he had enjoyed running with his friend, Kate. Professor Richard Scolyer completed his 250th Parkrun on Saturday, in a goal set after his cancer diagnosis two years ago. Credit: Seven 'When I got sick, Kate kindly came down, and yeah, we've done it together every weekend for the last 20 or 30 races. It's great to have her down here today and to jog along with her.' He went on to call it a big goal, which has now been fulfilled. 'To be honest, I never thought I'd get there,' he said. 'I did a lot of Parkruns in the early 2000s but then as the kids go through various parts of their life you stop doing it. 'And then when I got sick again, I wanted to try and get to 250. 'Wanting to get to 250 is something that pushed me along.' Scolyer was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma in 2023 and was given just months to live. However, he has managed to starve off the cancer with a pioneering immunotherapy treatment, which is largely experimental. In March, Scolyer announced the glioblastoma had grown back in critical parts of his brain. Scolyer explained he has had a hard time recently. 'I had a period of, I don't know, three weeks that were tough,' he said. 'You probably notice on social media, I wasn't posting as much because of some of those challenges. '(But now) I'm coming out of the bottom of that cloud, back to enjoying life and doing things that are fun and special, catching up with good friends, spending time with them, at fun events and creating more memories.' Scolyer remarked on the near 500 people who were at the park, watching him finish. 'It's amazing seeing this many people come to an event, it's crazy,' he said. Scolyer said he appreciated the support. 'It's amazing. The course is not set out for that many people ... so we had to squeeze into some corners, so very kind and generous of them to come down and make some sacrifices to celebrate.' '(It's a) beautiful day,' he said. 'I'm glad we were able to do it without heavy rain and storms coming down.' 'Nice to catch up with so many friends and people that I've met over the years. 'It feels like half the people I know very well. My heart's touched that they've come down to say all the best, cheering me on, and making me feel good. 'To be honest one of the challenges of having cancer is the worry for the future but there's more to life. We're all going to end up at some period where we're going to finish our lives and I want to make the most of my time. 'Who knows how long it's going to be.' Scolyer said he wasn't competing in this year's City2Surf, but he had other goals. 'I'd like to think of a new goal, I'm not sure what it's going to be,' he said. 'I'd love to be out on my bike a bit more. I haven't been riding for months because of various issues related to my treatment. 'I'd like to get back out and doing that again as well as swimming and running wherever possible. 'I love doing sporting activities. I've got many friends who are heavily involved in sports. Which means having the chance to catch up with different people. 'My exercise mates are good friends, and I love spending time with them, enjoying the exercise, and getting together with them and enjoying their company.'
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
$30K for breakfast? How Napier Council is justifying the spend as job cuts loom
Napier City Council drew public attention after it disclosed nearly $30,000 spent on a staff Christmas breakfast for 612 employees, plus a $480 depot morning tea, totaling $32,089.50 over three months. The expense was revealed in the Audit & Risk Committee's sensitive expenditure report for December 2024 to March 2025. With more than 100 staff positions under review, critics say the lavish outlay feels out of step with the council's financial climate. Mayor Kirsten Wise defended the cost, stating it aligned with council policy on staff recognition . She called the breakfast 'a small but meaningful opportunity' to thank those who work early shifts and maintain essential services during the holidays. Also Read: Meet Professor Richard Scolyer, the scientist who just completed his 250th Parkrun while battling terminal brain cancer Wise described the NZD 48.22 per-person cost, covering food, coffee, logistics, and set-up, as reasonable and transparently reported. Live Events Councillor and candidate Nigel Simpson said the tradition began under a previous CEO and could be made more cost-efficient, perhaps by switching to filter coffee. Local caterers are surprised at the per-head cost. A cooked breakfast for 600 typically costs around NZD 22, with continental options under NZD 20. In contrast, Napier's breakfast cost NZD 48.22, presumably including logistics, equipment hire, staff, and coffee expenses. Chief Executive Louise Miller explained that the annual breakfast at McLean Park has been the only council-funded staff recognition event since 2019. She said the event brings together colleagues who rarely meet and rewards their hard work. The Napier council is undergoing a structural review, with proposals considering cuts to more than 100 roles. In a climate of fiscal restraint, some argue that big spending on staff events could erode public trust. Others say investing in staff morale supports service delivery, especially during periods of change. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
