A cancer charity launched a new campaign in Alderley Edge last week to raise awareness of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in the beauty, health and fitness industries.
Claire Dale from Melanoma UK launched The Irene Parker Skin Safety Message on Thursday, 1st October, in memory of her mother who died at the age of 63, two years after being diagnosed with advanced melanoma.
Claire, an Alderley Edge mum of three, has been well supported by local businesses including Toni and Guy, Beauty Boutique, The Goal Post, Harris and Ross and Little Big Heads - who all signed up for the campaign before the launch.
She said "I was inspired to set up this campaign after losing my mum, Irene Parker to melanoma on New year's Eve 2014. She was passionate about beauty, health and fitness. These industries deal with peoples skin every day and by raising skin awareness with clients they could save lives."
Councillor Ellie Brooks, of Wilmslow West and Chorley Ward, was amongst the guests at The Yard and kicked off the event with a speech. She said "I am delighted to be involved in Claire's campaign for melanoma awareness. Claire came to me for help and advice as she wanted to launch this idea in Wilmslow and Alderley Edge to create a solid foundation upon which to build.
"We hope the beauty, health and fitness industries in our local area will get right behind this brilliant idea which could potentially save lives. I know other countries have done so much more to raise melanoma awareness and it would be so good to see more being done in the UK."
Other speakers included the founder of Melanoma UK Gillian Nuttall and Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Vishal Madan from 52 Alderley Road who gave an informative talk about the different skin cancers, how to check your skin and prevent a late diagnosis of melanoma.
Gillian Nuttall said "We are delighted to welcome Claire to our organisation and very proud that she has chosen Melanoma UK as a starting point for the campaign.
"The Irene Parker skin safety campaign has been welcomed by many people in the health, fitness and beauty industry.
"Claire decided she wanted to turn a very sad situation into something positive and her passion for this project is very infectious. I'm sure she will make this a huge success."
Music was provided by Sadie Pickering and local band The Experience and one of the evening's highlights was an entertaining speech from Mike McCartney, ex-Scaffold and brother of Paul. He spoke of his own skin cancer experience and after much persuading he led the crowd in loud sing a long of his 1968 no.1 Lily the Pink.
More than a quarter of a million people are employed by hair salons, nail bars and gyms and see clients up-close on a regular basis. The charity believes that these professionals are placed perfectly to advise clients on how to check the health of their skin.
The campaign is calling for organisations to get in touch to become part of the programme and be a 'skin safe partner'. They will receive information and training from Melanoma UK on how to encourage their clients to be skin aware, good skin safety practices, what changes to look for in their client's skin and referral advice.
If you are in the beauty, health and fitness industry and would like more information email Claire Dale.
Photos By Tony Ioannides - From left: Jeannie Pickering, Claire Dale, Sadie Pickering and Ellie Brooks. Mike McCartney
