L-R Harry Hynes, Archie Hynes, Wiliam Humble, and Associate Professor Serena Duchi at the ACMD
David Hynes was ‘larger than life’ in every sense of the phrase. When he passed away from sarcoma in 2022, his family resolved to honour his life in the most meaningful way they knew – by helping change the future for others facing the same disease.
That commitment became Larger Than Life – a community fundraising initiative established by David’s children, Harry, Chloe and Archie Hynes in partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, where David received his care. What began as a deeply personal tribute has grown into a passionate community, supporting pioneering research into sarcoma – a rare and complex group of cancers that can develop in bone and soft tissue.
From Ironman challenges and merchandise sales to community fundraising events, supporters continue to rally behind the family’s vision. When we caught up with the Hynes family, they were finalising plans for another special event in August 2026 – Larger Than Life - Wear Your Colours Night. The event aims to raise $40,000 towards the Regenerative Engineering Modelling of Osteochondral Diseases (REMOD) program at the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD). Previous fundraising has already helped support a dedicated sarcoma research nurse, strengthening national and international research collaborations, while supporting laboratory research into osteosarcoma.
Building on St Vincent’s long-standing leadership in sarcoma care, researchers at the newly opened ACMD are advancing new approaches to understanding and treating the disease. Led by Associate Professor Serena Duchi in collaboration with Associate Professor Claudia Di Bella and PhD researcher William Humble, the team is developing patient-specific tumour “avatars” in the laboratory that closely mimic osteosarcoma – the most common type of bone sarcoma. By recreating a patient’s tumour, researchers can test potential treatments before they reach the patient – a significant step forward for a disease with around 70 recognised subtypes.
L-R Lily McCurdy, A/Prof Serena Duchi, William Humble, Archie Hynes, and Harry Hynes filming a video for their community of donors in the ACMD's bio-fabrication lab.
The value of developing patient-specific tumour models may extend far beyond osteosarcoma itself.
“The impact spreads so much wider than osteosarcoma. The research we do has so many implications for other types of research.” William Humble added.
For the Hynes family, every dollar raised honours their father’s memory while helping to shape the future of sarcoma care. It is a legacy measured not only by the life David lived, but by the continuing impact he inspired, and the lives that may one daybe changed – a legacy that is truly larger than life.
If you are interested in hearing more about the Larger Than Life initiative or community fundraising more broadly, please get in contact with us at foundation@svha.org.au.
