Professor Richard Scolyer AO, a distinguished melanoma researcher and former Australian of the Year, celebrated a significant milestone today by completing his 250th parkrun, which coincidentally occurred beneath a rainbow in the sky. This achievement comes against the backdrop of a critical health battle; in March, Scolyer revealed that his doctors had given him a prognosis of just three months to live due to a recurrence of aggressive brain cancer.
Since receiving this daunting news, Scolyer has been resolute in making the most of his time. He was joyfully supported by family, friends, and community members as he crossed the finish line in Haberfield, Sydney, a goal he had set for himself following his diagnosis. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed surprise at reaching this milestone, stating, “It has been a big goal; I never thought I’d get there.”
Scolyer shared that confronting his illness has shifted his perspective on life. “One of the challenges of having cancer is the worry for the future,” he noted, adding that life encompasses so much more than just such worries. He embraced the importance of celebrating time with loved ones, feeling deeply touched by the turnout of supporters at the event.
Having joined the parkrun community in the early 2000s, Scolyer found himself stepping away as life’s demands increased, particularly with his children growing up. However, his determination renewed after his health complications, prompting him to strive for the goal of 250 parkruns. “It’s part of my personality,” he remarked, acknowledging the motivation behind wanting to reach this particular number.
The spirit of camaraderie at parkruns has provided a vital source of encouragement for him, with friendly participants cheering on runners and cultivating a sense of community. With this significant target achieved, Scolyer is looking ahead to simpler pursuits, with a newfound desire to spend more time cycling.
His journey illustrates resilience in the face of adversity and a commitment to enjoying every moment in the pursuit of personal goals, even when faced with life-threatening challenges.