December 2025 update

Well 2025 was always going g to be an eventful year. Having climbed Kilimanjaro twice in 2023 and 2024 it was time to change track and do something different – so off I toddled, full of good intent, to “bag” Toubkal in the High Atlas.

Details of all these trips can be found on other parts of the website.

2025 was going to be eventful for other reasons – my melanoma always adds a new venue to its tour of my body every 4 years! 2013 (back), 2017 (right armpit), 2021 (metastasis in pancreas) – 2025 was indeed no exception – new metastasis were detected in my small intestine!!

As a result of the new experiences I have chosen to contact some media resources that are familiar with my story and determination to educate people of the risks associated with UV and also to inspire others with a similar diagnosis.

Blackpool Gazette

The editorial guys at The Gazette were kind enough to carry a story on the online edition which highlights my pledge to the local community

Here’s a link to the article

BBC Radio Lancashire

Nishma Hindocha has always been a supporter of my challenges. This was no exception! As soon as she became aware of my update regarding my new “challenge” she immediately invited me to the studios.

Here is a video montage of my experiences and challenges backed by the recording of the chat.

Pre 2025 Media Events

Well that was Melanoma May, the month when historically Skin Cancer Charities get inundated with requests and also ramp up their activity to spread the important messages about the risks of UV Radiation.

My question is why? Why should we limit out maximum effort to this one month because Melanoma May sounds good. Our efforts to raise awareness need to be spread more evenly all year round. It’s too easy to forget our messages in June and just continue to do what was always done – not enough!!

As you know I’m a stage 4 “survivor” and I’m trying to add value for others that will unfortunately follow in my footsteps. Burning when young and not understanding the problems that could unfold in later life.

This month has however given me incredible opportunities to try to discuss skin cancer and the effects on a whole range of media types.

Radio Coverage

Firstly, the announcement of more advanced (stage III) clinical trials in the UK and other parts of the world looking to develop the personalised mRNA vaccines for skin cancer. It’s a massive breakthrough but it’s still early days. I was lucky enough to be involved in a BBC Radio 2 show with Jeremy Vine which discussed the announcement.

Here’s the interview.

BBC Radio 5 Live hosted a discussion regarding the benefits to us all of sunlight. I agree sunlight is good – it’s provides a valuable source of vitamin D, helps with our mental health and a whole host of other things. It’s the UV that destroys our cells (whether it be from the sun or Sunbeds!) the show was hosted by Stephen Nolan and included both myself and Professor Richard Weller, Dermatology Lead (NHS Scotland).

Television Coverage

Then Cancer Research UK released statistics which discussed the increased incidence rates of skin cancer in the UK which could reach nearly 21,000 this year. I again was lucky enough to be asked onto the sofa on BBC TV Breakfast Show with Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Faisal Ali to discuss my story and what we need to be aware of.

To view to interview click the link:-

Live “Arena” Appearances

The third part of my efforts was to present at Jewson Live 2024 at venues across the UK including NEC Birmingham, SECC Glasgow and Kent Event Centre. Primarily my main focus at these events was to engage with the delegates as they toured around the vast array of exhibition stands to discuss the risks to outdoor workers of increased exposure to Occupational UV radiation.

I also had an opportunity to present to the delegates on the Wellbeing Stand at each if the sessions.

At Glasgow I was honoured to meet and chat a little with my absolute childhood hero – the legend that is Sir (King) Kenny Dalglish.

I also met the ex footballer, now TV personality Dion Dublin at the Kent event.

Here’s a short reel of the Glasgow event.

All in all, I have absolutely loved the whole experience of trying to make a difference in this crazy world. If I hadn’t insisted on my scans in 2017 I simply would not be here doing this and having a chance to meet incredible people along the way.

Thank you to all of you for listening.