Formby Hall launches skin cancer drive

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Formby Hall Golf Club has announced that Melanoma UK, the UK’s leading skin cancer support group, is its charity partner for 2017/18.

Skin cancer is a particular issue for people who spend time in the sun, such as golfers and greenkeepers.

Incoming club captain Alan Wix and lady captain Hannah Sykes made the decision to work with the charity after Hannah was diagnosed with melanoma in 1999 and given a 50/50 chance of surviving five years.

Hannah underwent intense surgery and treatment for five years and since then has had a number of basal cell carcinomas removed.

The new lady captain commented: “As a keen golfer I’m anxious to spread awareness of the dangers of the sun especially to people playing sport when it may be forgotten in their endeavour to win.

“Melanoma UK is a relatively new charity to the club and we are excited to hear that they are opening a local branch in Liverpool.

“What was more exciting to hear when we met with Melanoma UK’s CEO, Gillian Nuttall and the corporate partnership director, Diane Cannon, was their plan to use any money we raise towards funding a melanoma research post in the city.

“It is wonderful to be able to show people where their money has gone – this makes a real difference. We are very much looking forward to teaching Diane how to drive a golf buggy and distribute sunscreen to all our golfers, heightening awareness of sun damage during the numerous events we have this year and next.”

Gillian Nuttall added: “Golfers spend a significant amount of time outdoors so they are definitely at a higher risk than the average person and can be exposed to the sun for many hours.

“We’re delighted to see that Formby Hall Golf Club are highlighting the need for sunscreen, sensible clothing and head gear whilst playing golf.”

Recent statistics show that the number of people diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is five times higher than it was 40 years ago.

Malignant melanoma is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK and more than 2,000 people die from the disease each year.