June 6th 2023

Suki Thompson raises awareness of skin melanoma

Industry leader ask people to take just five minutes to check their skin, as donations to Suki’s Steps tops £70,000.

Serial entrepreneur and industry leader Suki Thompson is calling on the industry to take five minutes out of their day to check for skin melanoma.

Over 20,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year. In August 2014 Suki became one of these people.

Thompson explained: “What started as a melanoma on my left foot has spread and become a brain tumour. And it’s this tumour which means my own journey is now coming to an end. So, in the time I have left, I want to help as many people as I can. So, please, if you remember one thing it’s that 90% of melanomas are caused by UV light and sunlight. Do your research on how to spot them and how to grade how serious they are.”

She continued: “I’m here in my beloved Cornwall and the sun is shining very brightly. I love the beach more than anyone, but it can be deadly. So, if you notice a new mole or spot one that’s changing, see your doctor immediately. And even if you think you’re safe, please see your doctor anyway to get checked regularly. It’s the only way that we can get under the skin of this cancer that kills”.

If you notice a new mole or spot one that’s changing, see your doctor immediately. And even if you think you’re safe, please see your doctor anyway to get checked regularly.
Suki Thompson, Industry Leader and Entrepreneur

Thompson advises that Macmillan’s ABCDE guide is a great place to start. Full details for skin melanomas can be found on the Macmillan website. She hopes that taking five minutes to check your skin, may make the ultimate difference, even if it's just to one person.

In keeping with her mantra ‘every day is a gift’ Suki has dedicated the time she has left to finding one more thing to give every single day. She has already raised over £70,000 and rising with the launch of Suki’s Steps in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.

Jaz Thompson, Suki’s daughter, explained: “Our amazing and beautiful friend and mum Suki Thompson is coming to the end of her extraordinary journey. Extraordinary because it’s a life that has touched people in so many ways."

She continued: “To honour this, on July 16^th, we are walking in the Chilterns and swimming in Cornwall to celebrate her and to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Suki was a trustee of this fantastic charity for nine years and it is now supporting Suki and her family.”

Support Suki’s Steps and Swim: How you can get involved

Suki’s Steps: 16^th July

Meet at 9:30am at Chalfont & Latimer Station (on the Metropolitan Line) for a 10:00 start. It's easily accessible from London and the walk is approximately 6 miles and takes you along the River Chess.The walk will finish at Chesham where there is a pub round the corner that Suki would love everyone to consider coming to.

To register for the walk click here.

Suki’s Swim: 16^th July

Meet at 9:00am on Perranporth Beach in Cornwall. Arrive at The Watering Hole, TR6 0BH and join the throng. Wetsuits are optional.

To register for the swim click here.

To find out more and donate to Suki’s Steps please click here.