Latest news with #Scolyer
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I'm not giving up now': Richard Scolyer defies cancer to run City2Surf
Scolyer wants to raise $100,000 for Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, one of the centres where he has received treatment since being diagnosed with a glioblastoma in mid 2023. In a cruel coincidence, he was not only a friend and colleague of O'Brien, the late head and neck surgeon who became nationally known from the TV series RPA, but he was diagnosed with the same lethal brain tumour. O'Brien died in 2009; despite 75 per cent of patients dying within 12 months, Scolyer has lasted 26 months so far. But he is not sure whether this is because of the world-first treatment he has tried in the hope of revolutionising brain cancer treatment – a combination of three immunotherapy drugs before surgery to 'debulk' the tumour and a personalised cancer vaccine – or whether it's down to genetics or other factors. 'I guess I have some hope [the treatment has worked] based on the fact I'm still here and what our scientific data has shown, but ultimately you need a clinical trial,' he says. When he learnt the tumour had returned and that he might only have weeks to live, Scolyer set some goals. He decided he would live as full a life as possible, relish the time he had left with his family and friends, and reach his 250th Parkrun. Such is his popularity for his honesty and humility since starting cancer treatment, it was national news when Scolyer made it, crossing the finish line in Sydney's inner west to applause from more than 500 runners and well-wishers. When he has felt well enough, Scolyer has kept running and occasionally cycling since then. After his 258th Parkrun on Saturday, he plans to back up 24 hours later for the City2Surf. While he struggled for a long time with the knowledge his tumour is incurable, Scolyer now seems more accepting – bar that miracle – that it will inevitably kill him. Loading How long does he think he can keep going? 'I don't know,' he says. 'Forever I wish. I hope I'm here 'til the end of the school holidays over summer. That would be great.' A long-time triathlete outside his former roles as co-medical director of Melanoma Institute Australia and senior staff specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Scolyer has run the City2Surf 'four or five' times.
The Age
3 days ago
- Health
- The Age
‘I'm not giving up now': Richard Scolyer defies cancer to run City2Surf
Scolyer wants to raise $100,000 for Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, one of the centres where he has received treatment since being diagnosed with a glioblastoma in mid 2023. In a cruel coincidence, he was not only a friend and colleague of O'Brien, the late head and neck surgeon who became nationally known from the TV series RPA, but he was diagnosed with the same lethal brain tumour. O'Brien died in 2009; despite 75 per cent of patients dying within 12 months, Scolyer has lasted 26 months so far. But he is not sure whether this is because of the world-first treatment he has tried in the hope of revolutionising brain cancer treatment – a combination of three immunotherapy drugs before surgery to 'debulk' the tumour and a personalised cancer vaccine – or whether it's down to genetics or other factors. 'I guess I have some hope [the treatment has worked] based on the fact I'm still here and what our scientific data has shown, but ultimately you need a clinical trial,' he says. When he learnt the tumour had returned and that he might only have weeks to live, Scolyer set some goals. He decided he would live as full a life as possible, relish the time he had left with his family and friends, and reach his 250th Parkrun. Such is his popularity for his honesty and humility since starting cancer treatment, it was national news when Scolyer made it, crossing the finish line in Sydney's inner west to applause from more than 500 runners and well-wishers. When he has felt well enough, Scolyer has kept running and occasionally cycling since then. After his 258th Parkrun on Saturday, he plans to back up 24 hours later for the City2Surf. While he struggled for a long time with the knowledge his tumour is incurable, Scolyer now seems more accepting – bar that miracle – that it will inevitably kill him. Loading How long does he think he can keep going? 'I don't know,' he says. 'Forever I wish. I hope I'm here 'til the end of the school holidays over summer. That would be great.' A long-time triathlete outside his former roles as co-medical director of Melanoma Institute Australia and senior staff specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Scolyer has run the City2Surf 'four or five' times.
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
- Health
- Time of India
Meet Professor Richard Scolyer, the scientist who just completed his 250th Parkrun while battling terminal brain cancer
Australian pathologist and 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer , completed his 250th Parkrun on June 14 at Haberfield's Greenway Reserve in Sydney's inner west. A crowd of almost 600 family, friends, and locals cheered as Scolyer finished alongside his wife, Katie Nicoll. Moments later, rain cleared to reveal a rainbow arching over the park—a symbol of hope for many. Just two years ago, in 2023, Professor Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with Glioblastoma , one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer . The kind of diagnosis that comes with limited options and even fewer hopes. Also Read: Tattle Life founder unmasked: Who is Sebastian Bond, the man behind the toxic gossip forum? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in Kalinga-apayso - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now He underwent experimental immunotherapy , the same used in melanoma treatment, which delayed progression for nearly two years. In March 2025, doctors confirmed a recurrence and gave him just months to live. But Scolyer, never one to back down, didn't just submit to the odds. He turned his life and illness into a global scientific experiment. Live Events Completing the Parkrun milestone, Scolyer said he doubted he would make it. He praised the turnout and the supportive atmosphere, saying, 'One of the challenges of having cancer is the worry for the future, but there's more to life.'. Also Read: What happened to Yung Filly? Inside the allegations that made the Beta Squad star fall from fame Who is Richard Scolyer? Professor Richard Anthony Scolyer, born December 16, 1966, in Launceston, Tasmania, is a world-leading melanoma researcher. He is a senior specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a Conjoint Professor at the University of Sydney . Scolyer co-leads the melanoma research program at the Melanoma Institute Australia . He has authored over 700 publications and was the world's No. 10 publisher in melanoma research in 2019. He earned an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 and, with Professor Georgina Long, was named Australian of the Year in 2024. In 2025, he won the Social Impact Book of the Year award for Brainstorm, co-written with Garry Maddox. Also Read: Superannuation changes explained: Why 80,000 retired and super-rich Aussies will pay more tax For Richard, the event was deeply emotional. His wife Katie, who began running with him post-diagnosis, recorded her personal best. Their daughter Emily said the run and the rainbow felt guided by a higher force. Hundreds of supporters celebrated with cupcakes and balloons spelling '250'. He hinted at another walking or cycling option, possibly returning to the City2Surf 15 km run.
7NEWS
14-06-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Professor Richard Scolyer completes 250th Parkrun, in a goal set before cancer diagnosis two years ago
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. '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.' Tough few weeks 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.' Community support 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.' Exercise and new goals 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.'
