Alan's May Challenge for Melananoma

Hi everyone,

I will be doing the “100 Miles in May” Challenge for  Melanoma Focus/Skcin.

Unfortunately in early December the wee spot under my knee that I had noticed in the summer and was subsequently removed  turned out to be Stage 3 melanoma. This is a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer and had spread to my groin lymph nodes and pelvis . Therefore, for most of the early part of 2026
I have been undergoing significant treatment in the form of intensive rounds of of immunotherapy together with significant complex surgery in March .

However at the latest update with the oncologist I have had the fantastic (and frankly unexpected) news that I have had a complete response to both the immunotherapy and the surgery and  I am completely clear of the melanoma at this time. I’ll still be subject to 3-monthly scans for the next year and beyond but as it stands this is a very favourable outcome.

The care and attention that I have received from the oncology,  surgical and nursing teams at Ninewells Hospital has been absolutely brilliant and I am so thankful to them. I'm also indebted to my dermatologist who was so quick  at getting the original tumour at the primary site  out and getting a speedy diagnosis.  Melanoma is such an aggressive and invasive disease that the sooner you get to it the better.

Whilst it’s been quite an emotional roller coaster for me I have been  lucky from early on to have had the fantastic support and love from my family , close friends and colleagues to see me through this and this has helped me be as positive and determined as I can be to make a good recovery. They’ve been unbelievable in  their support especially when I was in Ninewells for the 3 weeks with all the visits and constant messages.

During my diagnosis I found the information and support from the Melanoma Focus website particularly helpful in understanding my condition and to see the work they do in terms of research and awareness into this awful but preventable disease.  As a result I am supporting their awareness month in conjunction with SCKIN and doing the 100 mile challenge to help raise funds for these charities involved.

Given  that I am  only just  recovering from laparoscopic pelvic and groin dissection lymphadenectomy plus a skin graft  on my knee , I won’t be:

1. running a marathon or
2. doing the "time warp" anytime soon.

However I will be endeavouring to walk the 100mile challenge walking the 100 with a spring in my step & renewed hope for the future. I feel so fortunate to have got to this stage and if anyone  would like to support me in any small way please click  the link for more information.

And remember… keep a look out for these changing moles/spots on your skin and wear factor 50!!!
Onward and upwards…

Alan