Fencing contractor Steven Griffiths didn’t hesitate when he had a chance to shake the hand of joint Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer in Campbell Town last week. And you couldn’t blame him for hanging onto that hand just a little longer than a man normally would.
Just six months ago Mr Griffiths found a small, pea-sized lump on his neck, and shortly after, was diagnosed with terminal melanoma cancer. The cancer had spread widely, and was deemed inoperable. But thanks to the amazing research and treatment developed by Professor Scolyer and his team, Mr Griffiths is now miraculously cancer-free.
Professor Scolyer and his friend, award co-recipient and co-director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, Georgina Long, have been at the forefront of groundbreaking advances in melanoma treatment and have saved thousands of lives with their immunotherapy approach.
With nothing to lose, the radical treatment was offered to Mr Griffiths, who lost his dad aged 47 to the same type of cancer. It was because of the impact of the big ‘C’ on the family, that Mr Griffiths’ brother-in-law and Launceston fireman Heath Bracey decided to ride in the Tasmanian Tour de Cure team.
The team consisted of Mr Bracey, fellow riding buddy and cycling legend Ritchie Porte, Steven Brown, Jim Finlay and Professor Scolyer, who has ironically just completed the same cancer treatment on himself and appears to have beaten a brain tumor.
With the goal of helping to raise $2 million for cancer research, the pack rode 150km each day for three days, from Hobart to Swansea, Swansea to Campbell Town, then to Launceston and Devonport, before travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania and continuing their ride to Adelaide where riders from around the country met at the finish line.
Mr Griffiths and his wife Carol were more than happy to tip in $1000 and friends and family boosted that total to more than $4000. Meeting their hero at Campbell Town was a bonus they didn’t expect.
“It was a really emotional meeting for both of us,” Mr Griffiths admitted.
“We are in awe of the work Professor Scolyer had done, the fact that his research has saved my life and the lives of many others.
“We’ve got two boys, one is studying marine and Antarctic science with UTAS and the other works with me in the fencing business – I can’t express what it means to have more time with my family and life has certainly taken on new meaning to me.”
Mr Griffiths is Hunt Master of the Midlands Heritage Riding Club, dabbles in horse training and racing and runs a few sheep on the 100-acre property Millford at Epping Forest he jokingly calls the “holding paddock”, due to the massive farms that surround it.
He’s also on the Campbell Town Anzac committee, and at one point didn’t think he’d make it to another Anzac Day ceremony.
“It doesn’t matter how much, but anyone who can manage it should donate to the Tour de Cure – the money it raises is vital for better cancer treatments like the one that saved my life,” Mr Griffiths said.