Twelve years ago David Uttley started his Melanoma journey.
David was diagnosed with Stage 1b Melanoma in 2013 due to a rogue mole on his back, then his cancer went onto stage 3 and 4 and associated treatments (including major surgery and immunotherapy). After a period of stability and ‘No Evidence of Disease’, David’s cancer has unfortunately returned recently, but says he has “renewed determination” as he moves forward into further treatment.
“Melanoma Diagnosis is not the end, its the start of a new chapter, one that we can shape. We can choose the words and the pictures” (David Uttley)
With highlights from some of his amazing challenges, here are some of his words and pictures, so far…
“It’s difficult to believe that a single word ‘Melanoma’ has shaped more than a decade of my life. Not just shaped it, but turned it inside out, upside down, and into something I could never have imagined. When I first heard the diagnosis all those years ago, I had no idea that the road ahead would include surgeons, immunotherapy, hospital wards, and scan rooms… but also airplanes, mountains, friendships, miracles, and a community that has carried me, even in the darkest moments
July 2023 - Taking to the Skies
Here is David getting strapped in for his fundraising wing walk… safety first!
“We climbed to 4,000 feet above Cirencester, gave the thumbs up and went bananas!! Cuban 8, stall dive and 2 barrel rolls! – I can’t believe I still had my breakfast inside me ! recalls David.
“Airspeed was about 180 and at times I was pulling 4G when coming out of steep dives. The experience was second to absolutely nothing”.
You can see a clip that David captured from his perspective on top of the wing, here
August 2023 - Mount Kilimanjaro
Following the loss of his mother in 2022, David made the decision to take some of her ashes to Africa’s highest peak, raising awareness and funds for Melanoma UK. Making the journey with a small group of young adventurers, this would have been a ‘bucket list’ challenge for anyone, let alone someone who had been through the treatments David had.
December 2024 - Return to Kilimanjaro
On the anniversary of Tanzanian independence, David braved the altitude and artic conditions to once again scale Uhuru Peak. The return was especially meaningful for David as he returned with his late father’s ashes so he could reunite his parents on the roof of Africa.
“Its name, “Uhuru,” means “freedom” in Swahili. This makes every step toward the summit feel like an homage to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. As someone who has faced my own set of challenges, including an ongoing battle with melanoma, standing on Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak feels like a personal victory and a celebration of resilience”.
David went on to share more of his thoughts on the final stages of the climb…
“I thought about the years of surgeries, the treatments, the uncertainty of living with cancer. I thought about the moments when I doubted I’d ever see this day. But here I was, proving to myself that life, no matter how fragile, is full of moments worth fighting for”.
September 2025 - High Atlas Mountains (Morocco)
“I chose to listen to that quiet voice inside, the one that whispered not today”.
David made his way back down the tracks, spending final night in the mountains and reflecting on the amazing experience.
“I realised something. The summit isn’t always a place marked by a metal tripod or a breath-taking view. Sometimes it’s in the choices we make to stay grounded, to savour the journey, to respect the warning signs. Today, my summit was humility. And it was enough”.
This has been just a taste of what David has been up to over the last 12 years. From radio and TV appearances to volunteering at events and spreading awareness, you can read more of his story (and more) on his own website Muttley Melanoma. There you can also make a donation to his personal mission to raise funds for diagnostic equipment.
Here is one of his recent posts..
Recently, after a period of stability and No Evidence of Disease, I received news no patient ever wants to hear: The melanoma has returned. This time in the small intestine and bowel meaning I need more immunotherapy. The immunotherapy is scheduled to last over the next 2 years and will include round after round of bloods, scans, side effect – uncertainty. This time however I don’t face this new challenge as someone who is frightened and isolated, I face it as someone who has:-
- Climbed Mountains
- Walked on wings and done acrobatics in the sky
- Raised nearly £40,000 for Melanoma UK
- Inspired others to have skin checks
- Turned pain into purpose
My cancer may have returned — but so has my determination.
If you’re reading this, here’s what I want you to know:-
- Protect your skin
- Check your skin
- Get suspicious moles checked early
- Support skin cancer charities – they make a difference to our understanding of this disease, and
- If life knocks you down… climb back up. Even if it’s a mountain.
David, we thankyou so much for all you have done and the difference you have made and will continue to make in the fight against Melanoma. Please know that we are all thinking of you and wish you well as you embark on the climb ahead.
Keep Fighting ! Keep Climbing !
