The hero of the Bondi Junction massacre, NSW Inspector Amy Scott, has been diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of breast cancer.

Close colleagues have expressed shock at the news, hoping Insp’s Scott break from duty recently was for a well-earned break and to de-stress.

On Monday they were left reeling after learning on the NSW Police Legacy page Insp Scott had been diagnosed with cancer.

“Our beautiful friend and colleague, Inspector Amy Scott, has recently been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer,” the Amy Scott Appeal read, created by a third party.

“Beyond her dedicated service to the community, Amy is a devoted wife, a loving mother of two young boys, and has a family who depend on her and walk this journey beside her every day.

“Amy is widely known as selfless, compassionate, and one of the kindest people you could ever meet. She is every bit the remarkable human you would think. She is fiercely independent and the first to champion others.”

While Insp Scott is being “well supported by her family, friends and colleagues”, she has a long uphill battle ahead “to beat this insidious disease”.

“Amy now needs the strength, compassion, and support of her community. This is a powerful reminder that even our strongest people are human, and this fundraiser has been created to ease the financial burden for Amy and her family during this incredibly challenging time.”

The news comes less than two years after Insp Scott was thrust into the national spotlight for her extraordinary bravery during the Bondi Junction mass stabbing on April 13, 2024.

Working alone, Insp. Scott confronted knife-wielding attacker Joel Cauchi inside the crowded shopping centre after he had already killed six people and injured 12 others, including a nine-month old infant.

She fired three shots, fatally wounding Cauchi and stopping the rampage.

Her actions are credited with saving multiple lives.

At the coronial inquest into the attack, Insp Scott gave harrowing evidence about the moments she came face-to-face with Cauchi, revealing she believed she was about to die.

“I actually felt nauseous as I ran in because in my head I resigned myself to the fact that I was probably going to die,” she told the court.

When asked what was going through her mind as she fired the first shot, her answer was chillingly simple.

“That he was going to kill me,” she said.

Despite hitting Cauchi with her first bullet, Inspector Scott told the court he continued advancing toward her, forcing her to fire again as she backed away.

“He just turned and started running at me,” she said, describing how she fell to the ground as Cauchi collapsed, having advanced beyond the point where she was originally standing.

After shooting him, Inspector Scott secured the knife from beneath his body and attempted to render aid, before directing attention to whether a missed round may have struck a bystander.

Like all general duties officers, the inspector had completed her annual daylong firearm training at shooting ranges every 12 months and in her 19 years in the force has faced her share of violent, tense, situations.

But nothing compared to the stand-off with a man she knew had already killed innocent civilians. And she had every reason to believe he would strike again.

“What she did was pretty impressive,” a special operations officer told news.com.au in the aftermath.

“We train for this kind of thing every shift, but general duty cops don’t,” said the officer whose name can’t be revealed.

“She’s someone who clearly had the nous, the calm under pressure, the control and the guts to tackle him head-on and make sure civilians were out of harm’s way. Other general duties officers might wait for back-up or fight feelings of wanting to run the other way.

“We can do the training, but you never know how you are going to react until you are put in that situation. Yep she did good.”

Another special ops officer said Inspector Scott’s ability to “hit the target’s centre of body mass” was proof of her proficiency and character under the most immense pressure.

“She shot three times and hit him twice, right where he needed to be shot. It’s pretty impressive.”

Insp Scott said she’s no more of a hero than any of the other officers, paramedics, security staff, hospital emergency crews and regular shoppers faced with such unimaginable terror in Westfield Bondi Junction that day.

She said any of the police officers would have, and did, rush into the building just like she had – she just got there first.

Now, the officer who ran toward danger when others were fleeing is facing a very different kind of fight.

Commentators took to Facebook to wish Inspector Scott the best.

“Poor darling, she is everyone’s hero,” one wrote.

”God bless her! Such a stressful career as a police officer she certainly is deserving of every opportunity to get well,” said another.

“She honestly deserves to be a detective chief superintendent and be awarded the APM before she retires,” another said.

Both Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley wished Insp. Scott the best after her diagnosis was revealed.

“She is so important for NSW Police and our community,” Mr Minns said.

“I’m devastated to hear this news. If anyone deserves a break it’s Amy, and we just wish her the very best, she is an absolute champion.”

Ms Catley said Insp. Scott is “the epitome of the brilliance of the NSW Police Force”.

“The whole police force is suffering at the moment with the knowledge of the diagnosis,” she said.

“On the night of the Bondi attack … the commander over there, the first thing she said to me was the first call she got was from Amy Scott, (asking) do you need me there now?

“That is just the measure of that police officer. She is the example of excellence in NSW policing.”

In the hours since the appeal was launched it has already smashed it’s goal, raising over $92,000.

The appeal, run through Police Legacy NSW, aims to support Inspector Scott and her family as they navigate the physical, emotional and financial toll of cancer treatment.

Those wishing to help can donate via the Inspector Amy Scott Appeal through Police Legacy NSW.

As one colleague put it: “She has always shown up for others. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon issued a statement about Inspector Scott.

“Today, I can confirm that Detective Inspector Amy Scott is battling a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer,” the Commissioner said.

“Amy and her family have been dealing with this diagnosis for some months now and we want her to know that she is surrounded by the unwavering love and support of the entire NSW Police Force.

“I also know that the broader community is holding Amy and her family in their thoughts and extend their heartfelt support during this time.”

Mr Lanyon said Inspector Scott is a valued member of the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, and her colleagues have rallied around her.

“Despite everything Amy is facing, she continues to show the remarkable person that she is by going out of her way to support her work mates, regularly coming into the station to offer comfort and assistance to those impacted by the recent Bondi terror attack,” he said.

“Amy has requested privacy at this time. I urge anyone who wants to support her and her family to visit www.policelegacynsw.org.au”