Sam’s 100 Mile for May story

Melanoma Focus - 100 Miles in May - Sam's story

I have decided to do the 100 Miles in May challenge to support Melanoma Focus and Skcin and raise skin cancer awareness and vital funds for these charities.

I was diagnosed with Melanoma insitu and Basal Cell Carcinoma last Summer. I had noticed a mole was looking a bit odd and I also had a separate sore itchy patch of skin some time before the diagnosis. I went to my GP and was referred to a dermatologist and quite quickly had a local excision, biopsy and treatment.

Receiving the diagnosis was quite overwhelming and a rollercoaster of emotions and panic. I had sun anxiety, and whilst waiting for biopsy results the not knowing, fear and uncertainty was crippling.  Living with Melanoma and life after melanoma is a constant worry but Melanoma Focus has helped me navigate it so it didn’t become too all consuming.

Melanoma is the UKs most rapidly increasing type of cancer and 86% of cases are preventable.

Melanoma Focus is a UK charity that provides guidelines, resources and support for patients, carers and researchers.

Throughout my Melanoma journey family, friends and work have been very supportive but telling people, not having any certainty and simply the word cancer was terrifying.

Melanoma Focus for me was a reassurance and a resource - hope.

My relationship with the sun has now changed since my diagnosis. Having had melanoma puts me at higher risk that a melanoma will come back. If you know me, you will know | love to travel but Melanoma has made me more fearful of the sun, and I am trying my hardest to not let it change or control the things I love and I am not going to let it stop me exploring! This year we are off to Thailand in the rainy season! Its doing things in a different way - regular skin checks, precaution, sun protection etc.  Melanoma Focus has helped me see I can still do the things love doing and still feel safe.

More than anything I want to take on this challenge to help Melanoma Focus spread their message. Melanoma is a misunderstood cancer and often seen as just skin cancer - not a serious cancer. Despite the skin wrapping the entire body! It's a hidden illness.  Being told you have it
- the physical diagnosis is only 20% of it, the rest is the emotional side of dealing with and processing the diagnosis and telling those around you, all whilst not fully knowing your outcome. It is incredibly difficult and the help Melanoma Focus provide around support and information is invaluable.

For me Melanoma Focus gave me a grounding - a calm in the chaos simply through information, hearing others stories on podcasts and being readily available - separate to my inner circle of friends and family.
Melanoma Focus guides patients through possibly the worst news of their lives and is vital for hope, understanding and education but it needs fundraising to continue with its awareness campaigning.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month.

So, 100 Miles in May is my opportunity to give something back and to do this I am asking for your support, awareness and for you to check your skin.

I hope to cycle the 100 miles either on the roads around my hometown of Cuddington, Northwich, Cheshire or on a static bike in Best Western hotel gyms whilst visiting my accounts through work or even by borrowing bikes when I work away (bike in Isle of Man already secured!).

If you are able to, please support me on my challenge this May. A small donation helps so much and every pound counts and will bring me closer to my fundraising goal.  Your support will help Melanoma Focus reach even more people and provide support to those who face a similar journey.

Thank you.

Sam