Lisa Wilkinson tears up following The Project expert's cancer diagnosis

Lisa Wilkinson has choked up on The Project as she thanked Professor Mary-Louise McLaws for everything she’s done, following the epidemiologist’s brain tumour diagnosis.

On Saturday, Mary-Louise took to her Twitter to reveal the shocking news, writing: “After a severe headache Thursday, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I will now be on a month's sick leave from UNSW and WHO. Thank you media for helping me spread knowledge. Now it is time with my family. Best wishes to you all.”

Last night on The Project, Lisa and the rest of her co-hosts paid tribute to Mary-Louise, who was a fountain of information as an expert on the show, especially during Australia’s lockdowns.

“This evening we wanted to take a moment to send our love to a very dear friend of the show, epidemiologist Professor Mary-Louise McLaws,” Lisa said.

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“Yesterday, Mary-Louise revealed that after suffering a severe headache on Thursday, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Understandably, she's taking a month's leave from her roles with the University of New South Wales and WHO to be with her family.

Lisa started to tear up, saying: “Mary-Louise I think it’s fair to say that all of us here at The Project were heartbroken to hear the news.

“In these troubled times, your calm, considered information and advice has been invaluable to millions of Australians across the country.

“We want to thank you so much for being so generous with your knowledge, your time and we wish you and your beautiful family all the strength in the world at this difficult time.'

“Just make sure you put that wonderful husband of yours, a.k.a. The pool boy to good work.”

Susie Youssef was also emotional during the segment, adding to Lisa’s sentiment: “That’s beautifully said Lisa and we all send our love to Mary-Louise McLaws.

“This show is lucky to have extraordinary guests and experts. We’re so grateful and during a time when we needed a voice of reason, and such a beautiful sense of humour, we will forever be indebted to you Mary-Louise McLaws, we love you so much.”

Mary-Louise’s Twitter page was inundated with messages from people wishing her well.

“Mary-Louise, your calm, wise and informed voice has helped all of us understand and navigate this pandemic. Lots of love to you for a swift recovery,” former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wrote.

“Our nation is indebted to you Mary-Louise. May all the care & expertise of our health teams now bring you to a full recovery. Kindest wishes to you and your family,” MP Helen Haimes wrote.

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