Renowned Australian pathologist Richard Anthony Scolyer AO, died yesterday after living for three years with a grade 4 glioblastoma IDH wild-type brain tumour.
Across the country, tributes are pouring in for a much-loved and appreciated man. Organisers from a cause close to his heart have also expressed their love and sadness.
The Tour de Cure
The nationwide Tour de Cure family say they are devastated by news of the passing of their beloved friend, researcher, and fellow rider Professor Richard Scolyer AO. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Katie and their family.’
‘Richard was a world-leader in melanoma, and later a ground-breaker in brain cancer research. He was an extraordinary man who never failed to put others before himself even as he battled the debilitating impact of his own brain cancer.
‘Richard first received grants from Tour de Cure almost a decade ago, and we are extremely proud of the 10 significant breakthroughs in melanoma research stemming from his work at the Melanoma Institute, that we were fortunate to be able to fund.’
More than just a researcher
‘But Richard was far more than just a researcher. In 2023, he decided to ride with us in order to help raise funds to support all cancer research. He didn’t just want to accept funding, he wanted to help raise it.
‘As with everything he did, Richard threw himself totally into Tour de Cure, riding with us numerous times. He spoke at our major events, and did all he could to help raise funds and share his accumulated knowledge of cancer with all Australians.’
In March this year, incredibly, Richard got back on the bike for one last Tour, joining the ride through his home state of Tasmania, even bringing his son Matt and brother Mark to ride with him, while Katie joined the volunteer support crew.
It was a physically challenging and extremely emotional ride for Richard, visiting his childhood home and the places he grew up, even a special stop for a presentation from the family’s beloved footy club, the Bridgenorth Parrots.
The Prof Richard Scolyer Award
This year Tour de Cure initiated The Prof Richard Scolyer Award, to recognise the most outstanding brain cancer project funded each year, in honour of Richard’s game-changing work.
‘We will remember Richard as an inspiring game-changer in cancer research, an amazingly generous person who knew no limits in his giving to others, and a great and loyal friend to many. We will all miss his unique and wonderful energy and spirit.’
To find out more about Tour de Cure, visit their website.
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