Mark Beretta has paid tribute to close friend Professor Richard Scolyer, describing his Tour de Cure colleague as Australia’s “greatest advocate for brain cancer”.
Speaking on Sunrise on Monday following Scolyer’s death at the age of 59, the former sports presenter remembered the acclaimed researcher as “probably the most incredible man I ever met”.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer dies at 59
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He reflected on the years they spent together raising money for cancer research through Tour de Cure, saying Scolyer’s impact extended far beyond the laboratory, touching the lives of countless cancer patients and their families.
“What he did for melanoma research was incredible,” Beretta said.
“He started riding with us, which was incredible to have a researcher of his calibre riding next to our people who are out there raising the funds for cancer research.”
Beretta said one of the things that stood out most about Scolyer was the way he treated the countless people whose lives had been touched by cancer.
“The thing I always noticed about Richard was his generosity to people, because everywhere he went was someone who’d been affected by melanoma. And they would stop him, and they’d tell him their story. And he would listen, and he’d give him a big hug,” he said.
After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2023, Scolyer used his own illness to help drive research into the disease, becoming a powerful advocate for patients and their families.
Beretta said the impact of those efforts would be felt for decades.
“He was probably the greatest advocate for brain cancer that this country’s ever had,” he said.
“He turned people and resources to brain cancer, he turned researchers to brain cancer, he turned fundraisers to brain cancer. What he has done and the long term effects of that will be incredible.”
The pair shared one final Tour de Cure ride earlier this year through Tasmania, where Scolyer revisited places that shaped his childhood, including his family home, local swimming pool and football club near Launceston.
Beretta said his friend had already thought about how he hoped to be remembered.
Just hours after the announcement of his death, Scolyer’s final message to the nation was sent by a representative titled an “open letter to all Australians”.
“I am extremely proud of my impact… I sincerely hope the scientific data and awareness I have generated will provide a platform for others to build upon to ultimately make a difference for future cancer patients,” he said in the letter.
“Perhaps the greatest lesson to come from these last three years is that cancer does not define us. It may be the current road we are travelling, but it is not our entire journey.
“I hope I have in some small way made the road ahead easier and smoother for others.
“If my legacy was to continue beyond these words, I would be delighted and humbled to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who “gave it a crack”, and, in doing so, inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions with humility, love and compassion,” he concluded.
Tour de Cure has recently established the Richard Scolyer Award, an annual grant recognising Australia’s leading brain cancer researcher, ensuring his work continues to inspire future breakthroughs.
