Ambassadors
The top ‘movers and shakers’ in the horticultural industry have agreed to get behind Watch Your Back! this year to ensure that our message of PROTECT, DETECT and PREVENT melanoma reaches as many people as possible. Here is their message to you.
Charlie Dimmock
“I am delighted again to support Watch Your Back!, ensuring that gardeners understand the importance of sun protection whilst outside. It’s fantastic that so many horticulturists, organisations and retail groups are backing the campaign this year, which will really help raise awareness and create impact on melanoma.”
Alan Titchmarsh
“Being outdoors is such an important part of my life, but I’m aware that even in Britain we need to take precautions against the damaging effects of the sun. The ‘Watch Your Back’ campaign makes huge sense and reminds gardeners that their own health is every bit as important as that of their plants.”
Toby Buckland
“I am delighted to support Watch Your Back! Skin care particularly amongst men over a certain age (50) is a really important issue as they are at the greatest risk of life threatening skin cancer. Times have changed from the ‘old days’ when the true cost of sun burn wasn’t known. Now sun protection from creams and sprays is essential as is the knowledge and early detection of harmful melanomas. Taking care in the sun is all part of safely doing what we enjoy.”
David Domoney
“We protect ourselves in the garden in so many ways, wellingtons, coats, gloves or even a cheeky cushion kneeler. But we sometimes forget we need protection when gardening in the summer sun. It’s really important for all of us to follow the practical advice from the ‘Watch your Back!’ campaign including wearing sun screen, protective clothing and seeking shade to ensure we are adequately protected.”
Andy Sturgeon
“Getting out in the garden is a great way to keep the body and mind active, whatever your age, however it is easy to get lost in your tasks, lose track of time and end up with a painful sunburn. As this can be the precursor to melanoma or forms of skin cancer, always ensure you take adequate precautions by wearing a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and sleeves. This can all help protect your skin, as can seeking shade at the hottest part of the day.”
Anne Swithinbank
“If, like me, you spend a lot of time outdoors, it makes sense to stop and think about the messages from this very important campaign. With each sunburn you actively increase the possibility of developing melanoma and other skin cancers so if I can help draw attention to this, and enable us all to go about our outdoor work and hobbies more safely, then I am happy to do so.”
Joe Swift
“With the amount of time I spend outdoors it makes sense to get involved with this very important campaign. Too many of us are unaware of the true dangers of over-exposure to the sun, and how sunburn leads to melanoma and other skin cancers and if I can draw attention to this and save lives, I am happy to do so.”
David Stevens
“I’ve been a garden designer for fifty years now and that’s a long time in the weather and sun. I do get keratoses, which is a sun induced skin abnormality which needs recognising and simple treatment from time to time, something everyone should look out for as it could lead to more serious problems.”
Mark Lane
“I’ve been gardening since I could walk, and later trained as a landscape designer. I am constantly aware of the sun, rain and wind. Being a wheelchair user it is important to cover up my skin, especially on sunny days, but also on cloudy days. We all need to think about our skin, so either wear appropriate clothing or sunscreen.”
Adam Frost
“When you’re out in the garden it is so easy to think it’s just for a few minutes and not bother with sunscreen, but how many times have you been caught out and ended up with a red neck? I know I have. This message is simple but also serious – sunburn is dangerous so don’t be daft – use sun protection!”
