“He never gave up”
Eugene was 52 years old when he passed away from melanoma in June 2025. He was a loving father, grandad and partner who adored spending time with his family. Known for his humour and quick one-liners, Eugene remained positive throughout his diagnosis and treatment, never complaining and continuing to make jokes right until the end.
His niece Hollie wanted to share his story to help spread awareness of melanoma and encourage others to check their skin and never ignore changes.
The first signs
In 2021, Eugene noticed a mole on his back had started bleeding after he rubbed it with a towel getting out of the shower. He asked his partner Karen to look at it and they noticed it looked blistered, larger than his other moles and had dark patches across it.
Eugene booked an appointment with his local GP for a health check. He was told they were “99% sure” it was melanoma and he was referred to Kidderminster Hospital before later attending Worcester Hospital for a biopsy.
Doctors removed 5cm around the mole and the biopsy confirmed melanoma. A further 10cm was then removed to check the cancer had fully gone. At this stage, Eugene’s melanoma was classed as Stage 2.
Following routine MRI and CT scans, doctors discovered the melanoma had spread to his lymph nodes and the diagnosis progressed to Stage 3. Eugene underwent major surgery to remove 52 lymph nodes. Despite this, not all of the cancer could be removed and it later spread to his rib cage and lungs, progressing to Stage 4 melanoma.
Treatment and determination
After the mole was removed, Eugene began immunotherapy alongside radiotherapy treatment. When he started immunotherapy, he was given a prognosis of 12 months.
He attended Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital for immunotherapy infusions and initially the treatment showed mixed results. Some tumours had reduced, particularly in his lungs, but the melanoma had spread into his bones and joints. The damage to his leg became so severe that he needed surgery to have a rod inserted after the bone was crushed.
Tumours later developed under his arms and Eugene was started on chemotherapy tablets. Thankfully, this treatment worked for around two years and successfully shrank the tumours.
Despite everything he was facing, Eugene continued to live life with determination and humour.
Even after losing the ability to drive due to the melanoma spreading to his brain, he refused to let it stop him.
“Despite having to get rid of his car, which he was gutted about, he bought himself an electric bike to get around,” Hollie shared.
“He was determined not to let anything stop him.”
He continued going on days out with his brother, spending time with family and making jokes throughout his treatment journey.
Melanoma spreading to the brain
After experiencing headaches, Eugene underwent another MRI scan. Doctors discovered a tumour on the frontal lobe of his brain.
He underwent CyberKnife treatment and initially things appeared stable. However, routine MRI scans later showed further cancer activity in his brain.
In May 2025, Eugene underwent intensive radiotherapy for a week. By this stage he had lost the use of his left arm and left leg and had started experiencing seizures before treatment began.
After radiotherapy, Eugene returned home where nurses helped move him downstairs into a bed in the living room so he could remain surrounded by the people and things he loved most.
Eugene passed away on 25th June 2025 with his partner Karen, his son and daughters, and his dogs Max and Bentley by his side.
Running in Eugene’s memory
In April 2025, Hollie took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon in memory of her uncle to help raise awareness of melanoma and fundraise for melanoma research and treatment advancements.
Although she regularly trained at the gym, Hollie had never been a runner before taking on the challenge.
“I wanted to raise awareness of his diagnosis and contribute towards research into melanoma treatments,” she explained.
“Every time I ran I thought of him. When the runs felt hard I just kept thinking about how positive he was throughout his diagnosis and treatment and it kept me going.”
“I knew on the day of the half marathon that he was looking down on me and probably thinking I’m mad for taking this challenge on!”
A message from Hollie
“To be vigilant of any changes and get yourself checked, especially your moles.”
“If any new moles appear, change colour, become raised, bleed or look unusual, get them checked.”
“Early diagnosis is crucial.”
At Melanoma UK, we are incredibly grateful to Hollie and her family for sharing Eugene’s story in support of raising awareness of melanoma and the importance of checking your skin regularly.
Stories like Eugene’s are a reminder that melanoma can affect anyone, and that recognising changes early can save lives.
