A gardener is urging people to stay alert to changes on their skin after surviving a dangerous form of cancer. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, she is sharing her personal journey with melanoma to ensure others recognise the early warning signs.
Alice Connor, who lives in Wyke Regis, first noticed an unusual mark on her leg several years ago, which doctors initially cleared. However, the situation changed suddenly during a normal working day in 2023 when the area began to bleed.
The 38-year-old sought medical advice immediately and was sent for urgent testing. Following a biopsy, she learned that the mole was a malignant growth.
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Alice said: “I was concerned about a mole on my lower leg below my sock line several years ago and had it checked. But it was found to be benign. Then it started to bleed one day when I was at work.
“I went to my GP and was referred to Dorset County Hospital, where I had a biopsy. I feared it was something bad, but even so, it’s shocking to learn you have a potentially deadly skin cancer.”
The number of people diagnosed with melanoma has risen by nearly 33% in the last 10 years. Current statistics show that roughly 19,400 new cases are identified across the UK annually, averaging out to 53 people every single day.
This type of cancer targets the cells responsible for skin pigment and is frequently linked to ultraviolet radiation. To treat the condition, Alice required an operation to remove the growth and a skin graft taken from her abdomen.
Medical teams also conducted a specific biopsy on her lymph nodes to ensure the disease had not migrated elsewhere. While the procedure was a success, the recovery period proved to be a significant physical and emotional challenge.
“Thankfully, I had raised the alarm in good enough time, and the surgery went well. However, the wound wouldn’t heal, and I had to go back and forth from Poole Hospital to have it dressed twice a week, and I couldn’t work for three months,” said Alice.
The inability to work created a new crisis for the family as they struggled to maintain their monthly outgoings. Alice feared that the loss of her income might result in the loss of both her livelihood and her home.
“My biggest worry turned from cancer to how we would pay our mortgage and bills. My husband works, but we rely on both our salaries, and at one point, I was frightened we might lose my business and even our home.”
Help arrived via the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF), a local group providing financial grants to those hit hard by illness. The charity stepped in to cover Alice’s portion of the housing costs for a full three months.
“I honestly didn’t think I would be entitled to any help. But I was absolutely amazed when the charity came straight back and said they would pay my half of the mortgage for three months. I had been so worried and was in such a panic; it was an unbelievable weight off my mind,” said Alice.
Now three years on, the gardener has been given the all-clear and has safely returned to her outdoor career. She now takes extreme precautions in the sun, wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats whenever she is working.
She said: “If you see me outside now, I am covered from head to foot with long sleeves and a hat. I’m not taking any chances.”
☀️ 5 sunscreens with 50+ SPF
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Protect your skin and support your recovery with our curated selection of the UK’s most reliable, high-protection sunscreens. Each of these top-rated formulas is available through major retailers, ensuring you can stay safe in the sun while managing your budget and skin health.
🩺 Best overall face SPF: Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel SPF 50. A perennial favourite among British dermatologists, this formula is specifically designed for the temperamental UK climate. It’s ultra-lightweight, mattifying, and contains Fernblock technology to help repair sun damage while you wear it. Price: £23 – 50ml (save 26%)
💧 Best viral pick: COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50+. Currently dominating the Amazon UK rankings for 2026, this K-beauty powerhouse has officially gone mainstream. It has a serum-like consistency that leaves zero white cast, making it an excellent choice for all skin tones. Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-free. Price: £12.50 – 50ml (save 26%)
🏥 Best for body and travel: CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50. CeraVe’s latest body formulation is a game-changer for those who hate the “sticky” feeling of traditional sun cream. It uses three essential ceramides to protect the skin barrier—essential if you’re spending all day in the garden or at the beach. Price: £9.79 – 75ml
💅 Best luxury under-makeup: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+. Marketed as a ‘skinscreen’, this Australian export has taken the UK by storm. It acts as a moisturiser, primer, and high-factor SPF all in one. It’s the perfect ‘one-and-done’ product for a busy morning routine. PETA Certified Cruelty-free. Price: £34 – 50ml
🏖️ Best high-street value: Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Face Fluid. Often cited as a ‘dupe’ for much more expensive French pharmacy brands, this fluid is incredibly thin and non-greasy. It’s frequently on offer at major retailers, making it the best value for performance on the market. Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-free. Price: £9.33 – 40ml
Prices correct at time of publication
Experts at Cancer Research UK predict that melanoma cases could rise by more than 50% by 2040. Alice believes that being proactive about health and seeking professional advice is the best way to manage the risk.
“I’m incredibly thankful that I followed advice to get my concerns checked out – and also to the NHS, which helped me beat cancer, and the DCCF, which supported me when I was struggling financially afterwards.
“I would urge anybody concerned about abnormal marks or moles on their body to get them looked at immediately. Skin cancer is becoming more common but if spotted fast it doesn’t have to be fatal.”
The NHS says: “A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma. Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they’re more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun. Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals. Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see.
You should see a GP if:
You have a mole that’s changed size, shape or colourYou have a mole that’s painful or itchyYou have a mole that’s inflamed, bleeding or crustyYou have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeksYou have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.READ NEXT
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