Thousands are gathering for the state memorial service of Richard Scolyer, a pioneer of cancer research who was a world authority on skin cancer and melanoma diagnosis.
The former Australian of the Year and leading melanoma pathologist died aged 59 on June 7 after a three-year battle with a Grade 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
He will be commemorated at today’s service at the Sydney Opera House, with notable Australian figures, colleagues, members of the public and his loved ones in attendance.
Live updates, reactions and contributions from ABC readers.
Public tickets for the service were exhausted within hours of being released on June 29.
Member of the public Gai Alderson arrived early for the service and had been following Scolyer’s cancer journey and wished to pay her respects.
“I had a melanoma taken off my ear years ago … and have been involved in the melanoma community,” she said, noting Scolyer’s role as a world authority on skin cancer and melanoma diagnosis.
“I just wanted to come and say goodbye. I only met him briefly to say hello [at a book signing], but I just feel so sorry for him and it’s so terrible.
“He was wonderful.”
