Two cancer survivors in east Kent are hoping to raise awareness of the dangers of the sun, as part of skin cancer awareness month.

Semi-professional Folkestone Invicta footballer Nick Shaw was diagnosed with skin cancer at the end of last year.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper from Dover noticed a mole on his back was bleeding during training sessions.

The GP removed the mole and further tests revealed Nick had melanoma.

He said: “Hearing those words really does make you think about your life and take stock. I was really shocked.

“At my age you think you’re invincible and I’ve always been so fit and active.

“I certainly didn’t feel ill.”

Megan Duffield’s friend urged her to have her moles checked after applying sunscreen on holiday.

The 38-year-old from Ashford visited her doctor two months later and a week after that had a mole removed but needed another operation to ensure all the affected tissue was removed.

She said: “I just couldn’t take it in and I really didn’t want to acknowledge that I needed this done.”

Both had treatment at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Nick says he now undergoes regular checks.

He said: “It makes you ask so many questions.

“I’ve been so lucky to have the support of friends and family and especially Kim who not only has helped me answer those questions but also ask the right ones.

“I do get some funny looks now when I’m putting sun cream on before football training in the winter but I know now you can never be too careful.”

There are two main types of skin cancer, non melanoma, the most common in the UK, and melanoma.

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.

Around 15,400 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the UK each year.

It is more common in people with fairer or freckly skin. Unlike other cancer types, malignant melanoma occurs relatively often in younger people.

Megan continued: “Now I am so aware of the sun and so are my children.

"They would never dream of going outside in the sun without putting on cream.

"I think it is essential that we educate young people about the huge dangers of the sun.

"By the time you are an adult it is often too late.”

Dr Andrew Birnie, Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon at East Kent Hospitals, said: “The bottom line is Do Not Burn.”

He added: “Certainly get out and about in the sunshine as it has its own health benefits, not least making you happy.

“But take care to protect your skin with sunscreen or clothing.

“And if you see anything on your skin which is new or appears to be changing, show your doctor.”

1. For more information, visit macmillan.org.uk