100 Miles in May for Melanoma Focus and Skcin

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and I'm aiming to run, jog and walk 100 miles between 1st and 31st May to raise awareness of skin cancer and support two fantastic charities - Melanoma Focus and Skcin.

I was diagnosed with early stage melanoma (skin cancer) in September 2023 having had a suspicious mole on my back removed. Multiple sun burns as a child, prolonged UV exposure when travelling and living abroad in my 20s, and a misguided desire to get a tan have left me with very sun-damaged skin and hundreds of moles all over my body. All of these things, as well as a family history of skin cancer and a brief flirtation with sunbeds, mean that my chances of developing melanoma are hugely increased.

As an acupuncturist I see a lot of my patients' skins and recently did an excellent training programme in early detection of skin cancer for health professionals offered by the charity Skcin. The other charity I'm supporting, Melanoma Focus, offers expert information and guidance on melanoma to patients, carers and health professionals.

So I'm on a mission to get everyone to check their skin and protect their skin! 86% of skin cancers are preventable by using simple, sun-safe strategies, and early detection of melanoma saves lives. Find out more at melanomafocus.org/about-melanoma/sun-safety/ and skcin.org/

If you're able to spare a few quid to encourage me to hit 100 miles in May and support these brilliant charities I'd be so grateful.

Thank you! X