Many people know about the perils of cancer, whether that awareness is through personal experience, shared experience of family or friends, or having seen storylines or fundraising efforts on TV or online.

Fewer people know more specifically about skin cancer, despite it being the 5th most common cancer in the UK. Around 16,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the UK each year. Of those 16,000 people, 86% of the diagnoses (i.e. 13,760) are preventable.

Melanoma UK is a charity that works to increase awareness of melanoma (skin cancer) and how to maximise the chance of prevention. Melanoma UK also supports patients, care providers and the medical profession, whilst also raising funds for vital research and equipment in this area.

If publicising this charity and running a few miles on their behalf results in people checking their moles regularly and there being greater awareness in this area, then that is great – we could prevent future diagnoses. If I can raise a few quid for the charity in addition, then that is a massive bonus!

Andrew Coyne