My close friend Neil, aged 48, lost his battle to Melanoma on June 27th, 2021. Along with Neil's wonderful partner Sonia and his amazing family, we would like to raise money in his memory to fund a Horus mole mapping machine for Norfolk and Norwich Trust. This will be such a major step forward in the fight against skin cancer (Melanoma) for this excellent Trust.

In 2004, some 13 years after we met, Neil emigrated to Sydney Australia. He had achieved a successful career and happy life that allowed him to travel the world to many places that people can only dream of. He was terrific at keeping in touch and whenever he returned to the UK, we would invariably meet to watch (and suffer!) our beloved Ipswich Town.

In 2017, Neil was diagnosed with Melanoma following an operation to remove a mole from his stomach. Sadly the cancer spread to his groin, lung, brain and finally spinal cord and the many treatments that Neil received were never successful.

Melanoma UK has supported Neil and his family throughout the 4 years and we would like to show our appreciation and support by fundraising for this amazing charity. Melanoma in the UK is predicted to rise considerably and help is needed to fight this battle. Any amount you can donate to this great cause will mean so much.

The family have been so resourceful in raising funds for their £50,000 target and I am setting myself a challenge to do what I can to raise funds towards this target. Franca and I will be completing a 28km walk along the Thames Path on September 10th - every penny we raise will go directly towards this appeal.

Paul Smith