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Health

Bondi Rescue lifeguard Terry McDermott remembered as 'great man' after dying from cancer

Bondi Rescue lifeguard Terry McDermott, who died on Thursday, has been remembered as a "selfless man" who saved countless lives.

Mr McDermott's death was announced on the Bondi Rescue Lifeguards Facebook page late on Friday night.

He was a lifeguard for more than 30 years and starred on the reality TV show Bondi Rescue between 2009 and 2013. 

Mr McDermott was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020. 

"The lifeguard world is mourning the loss of one of [the] nicest watermen to don a jersey," the post read. 

"This selfless man saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches.

"Terry, Tezzy, T-Mac, Moondoggy McDermott … Thank you for your service to the community.

"Rest easy great man."

Weeks before, in his final Instagram post, Mr McDermott shared a video of him singing with another cancer patient. 

In the video at the Prince of Wales Cancer ward, Mr McDermott is seen singing Daryl Braithwaite's hit The Horses with a man named Dave and laughing with him. 

He said: "Cancer can't get us, we're too happy." 

Bondi Rescue co-star Trent Maxwell shared a tribute to Mr McDermott on Facebook following his death. 

"Rest In Peace 'Ricky' Terry McDermott thanks for teaching me the ropes of life guarding," Mr Maxwell wrote. 

"I will miss you mate, never a dull moment you were a great waterman and always had some great Wisdom to share to the young blokes.

"We had some great times together you will be missed." 

Mr McDermott is survived by his wife Joanna and son Matt.

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