A fundraiser created to support a NSW police officer diagnosed with cancer has raised more than $300,000 in donations within a single day.
NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who was hailed a national hero after fatally shooting Bondi Junction attacker Joel Cauchi in April 2024, was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
On Monday, NSW Police announced the “tough news” of Scott’s diagnosis.
A fundraiser created by friends and police colleagues to assist with medical expenses has since attracted widespread attention across Australia and internationally.
Within 24 hours, the appeal raised $336,590, surpassing its initial target of $25,000.
More than 6,045 people from around the world contributed to the fundraiser, sharing hundreds of messages of support.
“Amy, you’re a hero,” one message read.
“Thanks for your courage and fearlessness protecting others. Now is the time to take a moment for yourself to heal and recover, I wish you all the best with your health journey.”
Another message said, “I’ll never forget seeing your bravery on TV. It proves how strong you are. Australians are beside you while you get better.”
A fourth message read, “Thank you so much Amy for your bravery and service. Wish you all the best with your new fight.”
One anonymous person donated $7500.
Scott, a mother of two, was the first police officer to arrive at Bondi Junction Westfield, where Cauchi had fatally stabbed six people and injured several others.
When Cauchi ran towards her armed with a knife, Scott opened fire, stopping the attack less than 90 seconds after entering the shopping centre.
She was later awarded a Commissioner’s Valour Award in recognition of her bravery.
In a statement on Monday, NSW Police said Scott was “more than her diagnosis” and “so much more than the hero of Bondi Junction”.
“She is a loving wife, mother of two young boys, devoted to serving the community through her work as a NSW Police Officer, and widely known as selfless, compassionate, and kind,” the statement said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said Scott and her family have been “dealing with this diagnosis for some months now”.
“We want her to know that she is surrounded by the unwavering love and support of the entire NSW Police Force,” he said.
“I also know that the broader community is holding Amy and her family in their thoughts and extend their heartfelt support during this time.
“Amy is a valued member of the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, and her colleagues have rallied around her.”
Lanyon said that despite the challenges Scott is facing, she “continues to show the remarkable person that she is by going out of her way to support her work mates”.
He said Scott regularly attends her police station to offer comfort and assistance to colleagues affected by the recent Bondi Beach terror attack, which claimed the lives of 15 people.
Images: news.com.au / NSW Police
