Provide Trusted Information
guidance and advocacy to anyone affected by melanoma
Raise Awareness
about the dangers of skin cancer, UV protection, sun safety and the importance of regular skin checks
Campaign
for improvements, better treatments, quicker diagnosis and improved healthcare
Signpost to professional healthcare services
for expert advice, diagnosis, and treatment
Fund Research and Innovation
to advance understanding, treatment, and prevention of melanoma
Statistics provided by Cancer Research UK updated May 2026
Our volunteer ambassadors help us to raise awareness of the work we do by attending events to talk about our work, encourage others and get involved in fundraising activities.
Our core Team is made up of full and part time staff and contractors. We also have Trustees and a diverse team of volunteer Melanoma UK Ambassadors who support our objectives, with some also working their own initiatives and projects in the fight against melanoma. Our team was largely renewed in 2024 as part of the ongoing evolution of our charity. We employ 3rd parties to support essential services such as our Financial Accounting, and IT.
Melanoma UK is lucky to have a vast wealth of experienced and highly skilled medical advisors on board.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Melanoma UK, developing the charity’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with legal and regulatory guidelines set out by the Charities Commission.
The relationship we have with our trustees is crucial for the effective governance of Melanoma UK and help us to fulfil our management responsibilities.
They help our charity make a wide range of decisions and help us understand how to fulfil our legal duties when making decisions.
Our trustees are our ‘go to’ people when we have a strategic decision to be made.
Rachel Wallace
Chief Executive Officer. Extensive senior leadership experience across the NHS, charity, BBC, local government and higher education.
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Rachel Wallace
Chief Executive Officer. Extensive senior leadership experience across the NHS, charity, BBC, local government and higher education.
Rachel Wallace is Chief Executive Officer of Melanoma UK, bringing extensive senior leadership experience across the NHS, charity, BBC, local government and higher education.
Throughout her career, Rachel has worked across complex health and public-service systems to deliver positive change and achieve shared goals. Her experience includes working with NHS organisations, clinicians, political, health and community leaders, charities and other partners, giving her a broad understanding of the relationships and perspectives that shape health and public services.
Rachel’s approach is rooted in public service, building trust and creating the conditions for people and organisations to work well together. She believes that bringing different perspectives and expertise together can lead to better outcomes and greater impact.
As Chief Executive of Melanoma UK, Rachel is looking forward to working alongside patients, families, professionals, partners and the wider melanoma community to build on the charity’s strong foundations, strengthen its voice and influence, and make an even greater difference to people affected by melanoma.
Area of expertise
Senior Leadership Experience
- LocationUK
Colin Glover
COO. Leading the Charity's Operations, policy development and deployment.
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Colin Glover
COO. Leading the Charity's Operations, policy development and deployment.
Chief Operations Officer (part-time). Joined in August 2024 after a 40‑year career including RAF service and senior managed services roles at Xerox. Leads day‑to‑day operations, policy and process development, and stakeholder collaboration.
Colin joined Melanoma UK in August 2024 looking for a new challenge and change of direction. Colin built a broad portfolio of working experience over 40 years, ranging from serving in the Royal Air Force, to working briefly at The Christie Hospital and then over 30 years of corporate experience in various management roles at Xerox. Colin is a seasoned and highly successful Service Delivery Leader, known for driving operational excellence and business growth. The last 10 years of his corporate career Colin held senior positions in Managed Services across multiple sectors, geographies and service lines. He contributed to large-scale, complex projects and services including accountability of some of Xerox’s largest clients.
In his role at Melanoma UK Colin has responsibility for the Charity’s Operations and reports to the CEO. His scope is wide ranging from the ‘day to day work’ of the team to developing and implementing policies and procedures and collaborating with stakeholders.
Colin was drawn to the MUK Charity having some personal experience of skin cancer and wanted to help make a contribution in the ongoing mission to improve prevention and raise awareness. Having moved into the NFP Sector for the first time, he relishes the challenge and opportunity to contribute to the evolution of Melanoma UK and lead its operations to help this great Charity to make a difference.
Area of expertise
Operations, service delivery, transformation
- LocationUK
Lindsey Brough
Ops/admin professional supporting the charity and community links.
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Lindsey Brough
Ops/admin professional supporting the charity and community links.
Operations and Administration Officer (full-time). Joined in September 2024; experienced PA and Legal Secretary with 20+ years across property, legal and non‑profit. First‑line enquiries, trustee/admin support, and events coordination.
Lindsey joined Melanoma UK in September 2024 and is an Operations and Administrative Professional with extensive secretarial experience across various industries, including property, legal and non-profit sectors. Lindsey provides exceptional support and commitment to Melanoma UK and is first line for enquiries management. Lindsey is keen to foster strong relationships within the wider Melanoma community.
Lindsey provides support for the Trustees and Senior management assisting with executive tasks, managing charity communications, and coordinating fundraising and awareness events. Lindsey is an experienced PA and Legal Secretary and has over 20 years experience specialising in complex PA and clinical case files, and liaising with medical entities, clients, and legal professionals.
Lindsey has recent personal experience of supporting a friend through Skin Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) , therefore promoting education, prevention and treatment for Melanoma is close to her heart.
In her spare time Lindsey is actively involved in amateur theatre and enjoys involvement both on and off the stage. She loves nothing more than a long walk, spending time with friends, or cozying up with a good book.
Area of expertise
Administration, events, communications
- LocationUK
Deborah Thomassen
Administrator bringing strong organisation and dedication to the cause.
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Deborah Thomassen
Administrator bringing strong organisation and dedication to the cause.
Charity Administrator (part-time). Joined January 2024. Background in HR within oil & gas and cement industries in the UK and abroad. Motivated by personal experience of melanoma in the family.
Deborah joined Melanoma UK in January 2024, working part-time in the administration of the charity. This role marks her first foray into the charity sector. Her professional background includes extensive experience in Human Resources, with roles in the oil & gas and cement industries, both in the UK and abroad.
Deborah’s connection to Melanoma UK is deeply personal, as her mother passed away from the disease. Having witnessed its impact on her family, she is passionate about making a difference through her contributions to the Charity’s work. She brings to her role a strong sense of organisation, a hardworking attitude and dedication to the cause. Deborah is embracing the challenges and opportunities that arise with working for the Charity and is committed in supporting the team with the overarching mission to improve prevention and raise awareness of melanoma.
Outside of work, Deborah enjoys pilates, golf, walking and cycling.
Area of expertise
Administration, HR
- LocationUK
Kim Harvey
Kim Harvey is a leadership trainer and had personal experience of Melanoma which was detected early and successfully treated. Kim is passionate about helping to prevent others from getting Melanoma or other forms of skin cancer
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Kim Harvey
Kim Harvey is a leadership trainer and had personal experience of Melanoma which was detected early and successfully treated. Kim is passionate about helping to prevent others from getting Melanoma or other forms of skin cancer
Hi, My name is Kim Harvey and I first became aware of Melanoma back in 2015 when I contracted the cancer myself. I will admit I had been a big sun worshipper and had used sunbeds when I was younger. It had taken about 20 years for a mole on my chest to turn into melanoma. I was lucky and had early detection so after having the mole taken away and some extra cells later, I had no further treatment.
I work as a leadership trainer so enjoy public speaking and feel very passionate about helping prevent others from getting melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. Largely, it is preventable and I want to spread the message of the importance of sun protection.
My husband has recently been diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells on his back which was an early melanoma. Luckily, it has been removed and he will follow up in 6 months time to check for any changes.
It is so important to check your moles or for anything different on your body as early detection saves lives.
I live in the Cotswolds and look forward to talking to groups in the community to spread the word on how to be sun safe and the great work Melanoma UK are doing.
Dr Amy Whitehouse-Hughes
Amy is a resident doctor with an interest in dermatology and is currently completing Internal Medicine Training in North Wales.
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Dr Amy Whitehouse-Hughes
Amy is a resident doctor with an interest in dermatology and is currently completing Internal Medicine Training in North Wales.
Amy is a resident doctor with an interest in dermatology and is currently completing Internal Medicine Training in North Wales. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester before reading medicine at Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge. She has previously worked in General Practice where she completed additional training in dermatoscopy, learning to differentiate skin cancers from benign skin lesions. Through her professional work, she has seen the devastation that melanoma can cause to patients and families as well as the revolutionary treatments that are offering hope to those who receive this diagnosis. She hopes to raise awareness of the importance of UV protection and empower individuals to recognise suspicious lesions, as well as supporting research to find more effective treatments.
Dr Rebecca Lee
Dr Rebecca Lee is a senior lecturer in medical oncology at The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and a Wellcome early career fellow.
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Dr Rebecca Lee
Dr Rebecca Lee is a senior lecturer in medical oncology at The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and a Wellcome early career fellow.
Dr Rebecca Lee is a senior lecturer in medical oncology at The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and a Wellcome early career fellow.
Her PhD examined precision medicine approaches to melanoma treatment supervised by Professor Richard Marais and Professor Paul Lorigan.
She is now developing clinical trials to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma focussing on clinical decision-making based on circulating tumour DNA. In pre-clinical work, she is examining how local and systemic immune tolerance is induced through interaction between melanoma and cells within the liver microenvironment initially as a post-doc fellow in the laboratories of Prof Erik Sahai and Prof Mala Maini.
Dr Lee has now opened her own laboratory at The University of Manchester.
Professor James Larkin
James Larkin is a Medical Oncologist specialising in the treatment of cancers of the kidney and skin including melanoma.
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Professor James Larkin
James Larkin is a Medical Oncologist specialising in the treatment of cancers of the kidney and skin including melanoma.
James Larkin is a Medical Oncologist specialising in the treatment of cancers of the kidney and skin including melanoma.
Professor Larkin grew up in North Cornwall before taking a first in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University. He undertook clinical training in Oxford, qualifying in 1996. His general medical training was undertaken in London and in 2001 he won a Medical Research Council Research Fellowship for a Clinician, carrying out laboratory research leading to a PhD at the Institute of Cancer Research. His specialist training was completed at The Royal Marsden where he was appointed a Consultant in 2008.
His research is focussed on trying to understand cancer and its consequences better, as well as developing improved treatments, particularly with targeted therapies and immunotherapies. He has been a Clarivate ‘Highly Cited Researcher’ every year since 2021 and is amongst the most most highly cited researchers globally in both melanoma and kidney cancer
In 2018, he was elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and in 2020 as an NIHR Senior Investigator. In 2022, he was appointed to roles as Head of The Royal Marsden Skin Unit, Joint Training Programme Director for Medical Oncology and Lead of the Cancer Immunotherapy Theme at The Royal Marsden / Institute of Cancer Research NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.
Since 2024, he has hosted the educational podcast ‘Melanoma Matters’ with his US colleague Professor Sapna Patel, and in 2026 he will be Scientific Co-Chair of the Annual European Society of Medical Oncology meeting in Madrid. Professor Larkin serves as a medical advisor to the charity Melanoma UK and as a Trustee of Action Kidney Cancer.
Alice Hart-Davis
Founder of The Tweakments Guide and award‑winning beauty journalist; promotes sun protection and skin cancer awareness.
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Alice Hart-Davis
Founder of The Tweakments Guide and award‑winning beauty journalist; promotes sun protection and skin cancer awareness.
Alice Hart-Davis is the founder of The Tweakments Guide, a content platform that provides trusted information about non-surgical cosmetic procedures and effective skincare and lists highly rated practitioners.
After interviewing countless doctors and dermatologists over the past 25 years. This has made Alice evangelical about the need for skin protection. As an award-winning beauty journalist, Alice has written so much about the topic that even her editors are getting the message that we need to raise awareness of skin cancers – so she is delighted to add her voice to Melanoma UK.
Area of expertise
Public education, skincare communications
- LocationUK
Louise Walsh
Registered Nurse Prescriber ‘The Skin Nurse’ with focus on dermatology, aesthetics, and holistic skin health; strong sun protection advocate.
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Louise Walsh
Registered Nurse Prescriber ‘The Skin Nurse’ with focus on dermatology, aesthetics, and holistic skin health; strong sun protection advocate.
Louise Walsh, known as The Skin Nurse, is a highly qualified Registered Nurse Prescriber with expertise in Dermatology, Aesthetics, holistic health, and longevity. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping people achieve healthy, radiant skin while promoting overall well-being.
As a skin specialist, Louise provides quick and accurate assessments of moles and skin lesions, identifying whether they are benign or require further investigation. She is passionate about educating the public on skin cancer prevention, emphasizing the importance of regular self-checks, routine screenings, and early intervention.
Louise is a strong advocate for UV protection, encouraging daily sunscreen use, protective clothing, and mindful sun exposure to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Beyond dermatology, Louise takes a holistic approach to skin health, recognizing the powerful connection between nutrition, hydration, stress management, and overall well-being. She provides expert guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support vibrant skin from the inside out.
Whether through education, awareness, or hands-on care, Louise is committed to helping people feel confident in their skin while safeguarding their long-term health.
Area of expertise
Dermatology, education, prevention
- LocationUK
Natalie Fisher
Dermatology Nurse Specialist working in screening and education; visiting lecturer and expert witness; joined as advisor in 2020.
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Natalie Fisher
Dermatology Nurse Specialist working in screening and education; visiting lecturer and expert witness; joined as advisor in 2020.
Natalie Fisher is an experienced Dermatology Nurse specialist. She has worked in the field for 15 years. She studied dermatology and independent nurse prescribing at Kings College London.
Natalie currently works in skin cancer screening clinics where her job involves identifying potential skin cancers, educating patients on self-checking, sun awareness and she is qualified to perform skin surgery. Natalie is a visiting lecturer at Canterbury University where she teaches advanced nurse practitioners.
Natalie works as an expert witness on cases involving dermatology. She is very keen on health promotion and has a social media presence to help promote sun safety awareness.
Natalie joined Melanoma UK as an advisor in 2020 Dermatology Nurse Specialist working in screening and education; visiting lecturer and expert witness; joined as advisor in 2020.
Area of expertise
Skin cancer screening, education
- LocationUK
Heather Doona
Retired nurse and bereaved family member advocating for skin safety and support for those affected by melanoma.
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Heather Doona
Retired nurse and bereaved family member advocating for skin safety and support for those affected by melanoma.
Hi, I am Heather, I am mum of three grown up children and a retired nurse. My first experience of malignant melanoma was in 1983 as a young student nurse. I looked after a lovely gentleman who had been diagnosed with melanoma and he had a lasting influence on my nursing career. At that time, there wasn’t much information about skin cancers available to read and sadly treatment was very limited. In 2006 my husband John was diagnosed with melanoma aged 39 years, unfortunately at quite a late stage. After receiving wonderful care John died in 2014.
I am passionate about raising awareness of skin safety to ensure every person is able to protect themselves from skin damage andI understand how important it is that support is available for those affected by melanoma and their families. I am grateful to be able to support Melanoma UK with their incredible work.
Area of expertise
Public awareness, patient/family support
- LocationUK
Lisa Costello
Digital creator focused on melanoma awareness reaching millions on TikTok and Instagram.
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Lisa Costello
Digital creator focused on melanoma awareness reaching millions on TikTok and Instagram.
Hi, my name is Lisa Costello. I’m 43 a mum of 4 and wife to Dean from Essex. My journey with melanoma started in 2011 after my dad was diagnosed with melanoma. After 3 years of checks he unfortunately passed due to the disease spreading to his brain. I then started to check my moles and to my shock I too was diagnosed, firstly in 2018 and then again in 2021.
This has pushed me to raise awareness for melanoma over the last 6 years reaching an incredible 10 million people on TikTok and Instagram. My aim is to save as many lives as possible by using my social media platforms to spread awareness.
Together we can make a difference.
Area of expertise
Public awareness, social media
- LocationEssex, UK
David Uttley
Stage IV melanoma survivor (currently NED) raising awareness and funds through challenges and community engagement.
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David Uttley
Stage IV melanoma survivor (currently NED) raising awareness and funds through challenges and community engagement.
community engagement.
David has been fighting melanoma for 11 years, and since 2021, he’s been stage 4 but remains NED (No Evidence of Disease). Throughout his journey he has undergone several surgeries and now lives without a Pancreas or Spleen.
Driven by his personal battle, David is passionately raising awareness and fundraising for Melanoma UK. Some of the challenges David has taken on include completing a wing walk and climbing Kilimanjaro (Twice !).
Area of expertise
Patient advocacy, fundraising
- LocationUK
Sophie Tague
Beauty industry educator; sun‑safe tanning advocate.
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Sophie Tague
Beauty industry educator; sun‑safe tanning advocate.
Beauty professional and tanning educator focused on safe sun‑kissed looks without skin damage.
Sophie has been in the beauty industry for over 25 years and tanning for 20 of them. Over the years Sophie has kept the rich and famous bronzed and beautiful! Whether it’s the Brit Awards, London Fashion Week, or even Strictly Come Dancing, her clients are always red carpet ready.
After training the spray tanners at Harrods and working with one of the UK’s top tanners, James Harknett, Sophie discovered her passion for teaching and now she runs her own training academy. Sophie is keen to share hints & tips with our melanoma and skin cancer community on how to achieve a safe sun-kissed glow without damaging your skin.
Area of expertise
Beauty education, sun safety
- LocationUK
Shane McCormick
Melanoma patient and outdoor worker championing sun safety for people with high UV exposure.
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Shane McCormick
Melanoma patient and outdoor worker championing sun safety for people with high UV exposure.
Shane has had an extensive career working outdoors and as a melanoma patient he knows first-hand that most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV radiation. He has taken up a role as our ambassador as he knows all about the temptation for outdoor workers to peel off the layers when the weather gets hot and the sun appears.
Outdoor workers can have up to 5 to 10 times more sun exposure than indoor workers and are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Area of expertise
Awareness, outdoor workers
- LocationUK
Anelia Mihaylova
Dermatology nurse; skin cancer awareness advocate.
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Anelia Mihaylova
Dermatology nurse; skin cancer awareness advocate.
Anelia Mihaylova started her nursing carrier in A&E, but always had an interest in skin conditions and seized an opportunity to undergo training in dermoscopy, minor surgeries and become a dermatology nurse.
The consultant Anelia worked with fired her passion for skin cancer early diagnosis and prevention and ever since it has been one of the fields in dermatology she has been working and campaigning for. Anelia has been clinical lead for private dermatology services previously and now she is deputy clinical lead for large dermatology in the community service as well as also working for a Doctor in a private clinic.
At present Anelia is finishing her masters in clinical dermatology and hoping that this will bring future opportunities to raise awareness and understanding for skin cancer.
Area of expertise
Dermatology, early detection
- LocationUK
Mr Myles Smith
Surgical oncologist with focus on melanoma surgery and regional therapies.
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Mr Myles Smith
Surgical oncologist with focus on melanoma surgery and regional therapies.
Consultant Surgical Oncologist and General Surgeon in the Sarcoma and Skin Units at The Royal Marsden. Special interests include surgery for melanoma and regional therapies such as T‑VEC; research into biomarkers for lymph node metastasis.
Shane has had an extensive career working outdoors and as a melanoma patient he knows first-hand that most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV radiation. He has taken up a role as our ambassador as he knows all about the temptation for outdoor workers to peel off the layers when the weather gets hot and the sun appears.
Outdoor workers can have up to 5 to 10 times more sun exposure than indoor workers and are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Area of expertise
Melanoma surgery, regional therapies
- LocationLondon, UK
Wayne Jaffe
Plastic surgeon with extensive skin cancer leadership roles.
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Wayne Jaffe
Plastic surgeon with extensive skin cancer leadership roles.
Senior Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at University Hospital of North Midlands; Chair of the Skin Cancer Expert Advisory Group for the West Midlands; Lead of the Specialist Skin Cancer MDT.
He enjoys cycling to work and raising funds through his Ironman triathlons and other sporting feats for medical causes close to his heart.
With both clinical and organisational experience at national and local level, Wayne will bring his expertise to add additional support to Melanoma UK.
Wayne joined Melanoma UK as an advisor in 2020.
Area of expertise
Skin cancer surgery, MDT leadership
- LocationWest Midlands, UK
Dr Paul Yesudian
Dermatologist; interests include skin of colour and oral dermatology.
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Dr Paul Yesudian
Dermatologist; interests include skin of colour and oral dermatology.
Consultant Dermatologist at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board with clinics at the Royal Liverpool Dental Hospital. Interests include oral manifestations of dermatological disease and skin cancer in skin of colour.
Paul joined Melanoma UK as our Skin of Colour advisor in September 2021
Area of expertise
Dermatology, skin cancer, skin of colour
- LocationNorth Wales & Liverpool, UK
Dr Faheem Latheef
Dermatologist with interests in allergy and melanoma.
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Dr Faheem Latheef
Dermatologist with interests in allergy and melanoma.
Consultant Dermatologist and Allergy specialist at the Leeds Centre for Dermatology; Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds. Specialist interest in cutaneous allergy and skin cancer.
Dr Faheem Latheef is a Consultant Dermatologist and Allergy specialist at the Leeds Centre for Dermatology, at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. He is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds as well as being clinical lead for the largest community dermatology clinic in Leeds. Aside from his NHS work, he also works privately at the Nuffield Health and Spire Hospital in Leeds and is a visiting Consultant at the Kings College Hospital in Dubai.
He has also obtained his MD in Melanoma skin cancer as well as having completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).
Dr Latheef has a specialist interest in cutaneous allergy and undertakes extensive patch testing. In his practice he also sees both children and adults for a expansive variety of skin related conditions including running dedicated acne, skin cancer, skin surgery and allergy clinics as well as general dermatology clinics.
Having completed his research degree (MD) in melanoma skin cancer and having worked in a dedicated melanoma clinic and as a core member of the skin cancer MDT in Leeds, Dr Latheef has extensive experience in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of skin cancer including Melanoma. Dr Faheem joined Melanoma UK as an advisor in November 2021.
Area of expertise
Allergy, dermatology, melanoma
- MobileAppointments call his secretary on 07784476138
- LocationLeeds, UK
Dr Faisal Ali
Mohs surgeon and skin cancer specialist.
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Dr Faisal Ali
Mohs surgeon and skin cancer specialist.
Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon working in Manchester, Cheshire and London. Expertise in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of skin cancer with over 160 academic publications.
Dr Faisal Ali is a Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon working in Manchester, Cheshire (BMJ Team of 2018) and London, with expertise in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of skin cancer.
He graduated from Trinity College, University of Cambridge, with a Double First in pre-clinical medicine before completing clinical studies at Christ Church, University of Oxford. After junior medical training in London and Manchester, Dr Ali then completed a highly competitive advanced dermatological surgery fellowship (including Mohs micrographic surgery and laser dermatology) in the world-renowned St Johns Institute of Dermatology based in Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, London. He continues to work there as a Mohs micrographic surgeon. He subsequently undertook a fellowship to study skin pigmentation disorders in the National Skin Centre, Singapore.
Dr Ali has diverse research training with a PhD from the University of Cambridge and over 160 academic publications, many of which are focussed on prevention and treatment of skin cancers.
In addition to his clinical and research roles, Dr Ali also is a specialist advisor and inspector for the Care Quality Commission.
Faisal joined Melanoma UK as an advisor in 2020.
Area of expertise
Mohs surgery, skin cancer
- LocationManchester/Cheshire/London, UK
Alexandra Robinson
Junior doctor with interest in dermatology and melanoma.
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Alexandra Robinson
Junior doctor with interest in dermatology and melanoma.
Junior doctor working in the South West with clinical experience in dermatology and plastic surgery. Dedicated to melanoma research and patient support.
Alexandra is a junior doctor working in the South West. She has a keen interest in dermatology and aspires to become a Dermatologist in the future. Alexandra undertook her medical training in London and has worked for a number of years in South London and Perth, Australia, before moving to Bristol. She has clinical experience of dermatology in both hospital and general practice settings and within plastic surgery. She has dedicated time to research into the development of new treatments for melanoma and continues to do so outside of her work commitments.
Alexandra explains, ‘There are incredible developments being made in the treatment of melanoma and the science behind these is fascinating. However, I am determined that my role as a doctor should be to provide more than just these medicines. I am passionate about providing all patients and their families or friends with much needed psychological support and reassuring patients that they are not alone in what can be a very scary time. By introducing patients to wonderful charities, such as Melanoma UK, who can offer tremendous help to patients and their families or friends, together we can provide a much needed, broad support network. I am delighted to be a Melanoma UK ambassador. I hope to raise awareness of the fantastic work Melanoma UK does to both patients and other doctors.’
Area of expertise
Dermatology (early career)
- LocationSouth West, UK
Dr Sandra Fawcett
Academic focused on skin physiology and cancer education.
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Dr Sandra Fawcett
Academic focused on skin physiology and cancer education.
Senior lecturer in Skin Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University. Active researcher funded by the British Skin Foundation; passionate about education on skin cancer.
Dr Sandra Fawcett is a senior lecturer in Skin Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University. She achieved her PhD in Clinical Engineering from the University of Liverpool, and went on to work on research projects involving skin physiology as a postdoctoral researcher. Dr Fawcett came to Liverpool John Moores in 2020, as a lecturer in Skin Physiology and now teaches Biomedical Scientists, Pharmacists, Biochemists and Cosmetic scientists about skin physiology. She has a particular passion for including lectures about skin cancer and is an active researcher in several skin related fields (and has received funding from the British Skin Foundation).
Sandra comments, “I am passionate about teaching my students about skin cancer, this is something that was influenced my parents, Mrs Pamela Fawcett and Mr John Fawcett as they were both diagnosed with skin cancer. It is important to me that our students leave us with an ability to recognise skin cancers. I aim to support Melanoma UK in all the amazing work they do – raising the profile of Melanoma, so that more people can be diagnosed at a treatable stage”.
Area of expertise
Skin physiology, dermatology education
- LocationLiverpool, UK
Dr Zena Willsmore
Researcher on immunotherapy mechanisms in melanoma.
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Dr Zena Willsmore
Researcher on immunotherapy mechanisms in melanoma.
Dermatology Specialist Registrar in London completing a PhD at King’s College London. Research focuses on mechanisms of action of immunotherapy in melanoma.
Dr Zena Willsmore is a Dermatology Specialist Registrar in London and is currently completing a PhD at King’s College London.
She undertook medical training at Imperial College London, graduating with Honours and Distinctions in 2010. Zena also completed an intercalated Bachelor of Science degree in Endocrinology in 2008.
Zena underwent general medical training in London before starting dermatology training in 2014.
In 2019 she was awarded a Cancer Research UK Clinical Fellowship to carry out research to complete a PhD which is ongoing.
Her research focuses on mechanisms of action of immunotherapy in melanoma patients.
Dr Willsmore joined Melanoma UK as an advisor in 2021.
Area of expertise
Immunotherapy, melanoma research
- LocationLondon, UK
Dr Nicole Chiang
Multi‑award‑winning dermatologist and clinic founder.
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Dr Nicole Chiang
Multi‑award‑winning dermatologist and clinic founder.
Dermatologist in Manchester, Founder/Director of Lumiere Clinics and former Consultant Dermatologist at Manchester University Hospitals. Author and active teacher with interests across cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology.
Dr Nicole Chiang is a multi-award-winning dermatologist in Manchester, UK. She is also the Founder/Director of Lumiere Clinics Manchester & Cheshire. She has previously served as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust.
After completion of her undergraduate and postgraduate training in the North West UK, she underwent dermatology fellowships in Australia and the United States.
She has been the sub-section Editor of the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, and an Editorial Board member of the Journal of Procedural Dermatology as well as the Journal of Dermatological Research. She has also served on the British Association of Dermatologists’ Therapy and Guidelines Subcommittee, contributing to the national guidelines on treatments for skin conditions. She is also a founding Committee Member of the British Society for Medical Dermatology and British Association of Dermatologists’ Dermschool.
Dr Nicole has written books on her subject – “Dermatology: a handbook for medical students and junior doctors” and “Dermatology: a handbook for general practitioners”, authored two book chapters in textbooks of dermatology and has many publications in the fields of cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology in international peer-reviewed journals. Dr Nicole also carries out regular dermatology teaching sessions to healthcare professionals in the North West and regularly presents at national and international medical conferences.
Area of expertise
Dermatology, education
- LocationManchester, UK
Our Mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for those directly and indirectly impacted by Melanoma, in collaboration and alignment with professionals working in the field of diagnosis, treatment and research. Our core focus is to help promote skin health by reducing the instances and impact of this largely avoidable skin cancer.
Our Vision is to make a difference in the fight against melanoma by supporting advancements in prevention, treatment, and cure. By raising funds and awareness, we will help individuals to be proactive with early detection and provide information about diagnosis, treatment and support through their journey with Melanoma.
At Melanoma UK, we believe in operating our charity using best practices of corporate governance and ethical standards.
We are committed to organisational growth balanced with fiscal responsibility to ensure funds entrusted to us reach established goals.
Melanoma UK is registered with the FUNDRAISING REGULATOR
Our policies provide a set of guiding principles to help with our decision making.
The policies at Melanoma UK are not long or complicated, they are clear, simple statements of how we intend to conduct our business.
Our Policies and procedures:
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- There are around 19,400 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year, that's 53 every day (2019, 2021-2022).
- Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 5% of all new cancer cases (2019, 2021-2022).
- In females in the UK, melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer, with around 9,500 new cases every year (2019, 2021-2022).
- In males in the UK, melanoma skin cancer is the 4th most common cancer, with around 9,900 new cases every year (2019, 2021-2022).
Melanoma Skin Cancer (C43) Average Number of New Cases per Year and Age-Specific Incidence Rates per 100,000 Females and Males, UK, 2019, 2021-2022
Source: Cancer Research UK
- Incidence rates for melanoma skin cancer in the UK are highest in people aged 85 to 89 (2019, 2021-2022).
- Since the early 1990s, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have more than doubled (164%) in the UK.
- Rates in females have around doubled (122%), and rates in males have almost tripled (220%) (2019, 2021-2022).
- Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around 26% in the UK.
- Rates in females have increased by more than a fifth (22%), and rates in males have increased by almost a third (30%) (2019, 2021-2022).
Statistics provided by Cancer Research UK
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/melanoma-skin-cancer
Accessed September 2026