Rhiannon's Giving Page

Walk 60 miles in April

My Story

Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page. I’m walking my dog 60 miles throughout April to help Stand Up To Cancer. This is my story... I recently had a mole removed which was stage 1 malignant melonoma. Even as I sat in front of the dermatologist I didn't think she would say cancer. I have been pretty sensible throughout my life as I'm fair skinned with red hair and the mole was so small and the symptoms so mild I thought it was highly unlikely. Stage 1 malignant melonoma is incredibly treatable I have had it all removed. I am also having preventative surgery to take away healthy skin from around where the infected mole was, this will include a skin graft. Other adjustments are to my daily life where I now need to wear suncream daily even in colder months if I'm outside a lot, wear wide brimmed hats and sunglasses and stay out of the sun as much as possible. So be kind if you see me in a ridiculous hat or long sleeved, long legged UPF50+ swimsuit! I have had emotional ups and downs, it is very scary to know I had the most dangerous form of skin cancer and that I am now at a higher risk of getting it again. I know I am very lucky to have caught it early and millions of other people in the world are not as lucky. Which is why I am doing this challenge. Things I have learned that could help you protect yourself are:- - Wear a high factor sunscreen at least 30 + which gives UVA and UVB protection and has a 5 star rating. This will be on the bottle. Also, put lots on do not use it sparingly. - Wear a hat and stay in shade in the hottest part of the day - Clothing is the first form of defence there are lots of UPF50+ protection swimsuits and clothing out there. -Never use tanning oil or go on a sunbed - If your skin starts to go red when out in the sun seek shade straight away as that is the UV damaging your skin -Wear uv protective sunglasses - Don't look at the degree heat of the sun for guidance on whether to wear sunscreen look at the UV rating for the day anything medium and above take precautions even if its cloudy as UV penetrates clouds. -20 mins of sun exposure a day gets you your vitamin D if like me you are high risk you may need to take a supplement I am not a doctor, this is just advice I have learned from my experience a lot of which I knew and you probably do too but it's always good to have a reminder.❤️ Thank you very much for taking the time to read my story and please show your support and help fund life-saving research by donating to my page. Stay safe. Love Rhiannon Xxx