Sammy Scully, the terminally ill young boy who dreamt of becoming a police officer, has lost his battle with brain cancer
The young schoolboy who captivated a state with his dream of becoming a police officer has lost his brave battle with brain cancer.
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The young schoolboy who captivated a state with his dream of becoming a police officer has lost his brave battle with brain cancer.
Samuel “Sammy” Scully, 9, died peacefully on Tuesday morning with his family, including mother Alison, by his side.
In January 2023, Sammy was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), or an inoperable brain tumour the size of a peach.
He was given 12 months to live but continued to defy the odds with a big smile, never letting his terminal illness dim his incredible spirit.
A post on the family’s GoFundMe page, launched to support mum Alison with funeral arrangements and ongoing living expenses, revealed the sad news.
“It is with a broken heart that I share that our beautiful Sammy passed away peacefully this morning. He was safe and warm in the place he loved the most – his mum’s bed,” said the post by organiser Rebekah Arnold.
“Sammy brought light to everyone who knew him, and his courage throughout everything has been nothing short of extraordinary. He was such a special little boy.”
The Angle Vale Primary schoolboy always wanted to become a police officer and his dream would come true in May last year, when radio station Mix 102.3 put on a two-hour star-studded event in his honour so he could live his dream.
The breakfast radio show, then co-hosted by Ali Clarke and Max Burford, joined forces with South Australian Police, Premier Peter Malinauskas, singer Guy Sebastian, cricketer Alex Carey and Crow Reilly O’Brien, so Sammy could experience life as a police officer.
Sammy said at the time that it was “the best day ever” and jokingly mentioned that he was “very tired” after the extravaganza.
“It’s just a great job. and helping people,” he said, when asked why he wanted to be a police officer.
Ms Clarke said getting to know Sammy and his family was “one of the biggest privileges of her life”.
“Thank you to everyone who picked up the phone when I called and asked them for help, and to all of those who came out and cheered him on. You made a little boy’s dream come true,” she said on social media.
In January this year, Sammy unwavering dedication to his craft earned him higher honours. SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens promoted Sammy to Senior Officer and awarded him the SAPOL Service Medal to acknowledge his ongoing contribution and commitment to the state’s police force.
“I am very proud of Sammy and his achievements, congratulations and keep up the good work,” Commissioner Stevens said.
The family’s GoFundMe fundraiser, which has a goal of $25,000, was reopened today and Ms Clarke urged people to donate if they can.
“The family has asked me to post and pass on that they have opened up his GoFundMe page again, in lieu of flowers, as they try to find a way forward without him by their side,” she said.
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Originally published as Sammy Scully, the terminally ill young boy who dreamt of becoming a police officer, has lost his battle with brain cancer
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