Cricket St Thomas Golf Club tackling skin cancer in golf

We are delighted to announce that Cricket St Thomas Golf Club, set in the heart of Somerset, has chosen the Melanoma Fund as their club charity this year. We have been working with club captain, Matthew Donnan who says;

“I chose the Melanoma Fund for my captain’s year, as I wanted a cause that would resonate on a personal level with the members at our club, and the Melanoma Fund, via their Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign does exactly that, speaking directly to, and benefiting golfers and those involved in golf.

In requesting support from other clubs for my main summer charity event I have received lots of positive feedback about my choice of charity, and been humbled by the willingness of so many clubs to support the cause.

The commercial and membership manager of a high profile Wiltshire club commented;

“Absolutely no problem. I have had skin cancer myself last year, and have the scars to prove it, after two visits to the operating theatre! I am only too pleased to assist, and what a great cause.”

I frequently encounter people with experience of skin cancer, be it close family or people in my wider circle of friends, including those who play golf. Like many golfers, I have been almost completely dismissive of the need for sun protection and it is only over the past few years, that I have begun to take the threat seriously.

It would be great to change attitudes to sun protection in my club and help support that to all in golf as this can potentially save lives. Together, with the Melanoma Fund, I know we can do that.”

Michelle Baker, CEO of the Melanoma Fund says; “I am thrilled to be working with Matthew as his enthusiasm and passion to make this a successful collaboration equals mine, and I have to say, I am looking forward to visiting the club – what an amazing venue!  We will be working closely with Matthew, the club members and, staff, to raise awareness at the club around sun protection, provide skin checks, support their charity golf day, educate, all via their accreditation to the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign, and provide the club with a free sunboard to ensure everyone benefits.”

If you want to find out more about the Melanoma Fund, how to become a Slip! Slap! Swing! accredited golf club, visit www.melanoma-fund.co.uk.