Bunbury families march to raise awareness

Nicole Dye will march with her family and other members of the community on Sunday to raise awareness and funds for melanoma research.

The Bunbury Melanoma March will be one of 23 held across the country in support of a collaborative research project that will benefit the more than 14,000 Australians diagnosed annually.

Mrs Dye’s grandfather Phillip Lewin lost his battle against melanoma in 2015 – three days before his 76th birthday.

Mr Lewin had a number of small melanomas removed prior to receiving an advanced melanoma diagnosis.

“Seeing him change as his melanoma progressed was really upsetting, particularly for my mother, Robin,” Mrs Dye said.

“It was a very tough and emotional time for the family.”

Mr Lewin was a Bunbury local who had always been sun conscious.

Before his death he became heavily involved in melanoma fundraising and volunteered at the Bunbury Melanoma March.

Mrs Dye said he had always been a strong advocate for research.

“Having had may spots removed throughout his life he was determined to help find a cure for this deadly disease,” she said.

Melanoma Institute Australia chief executive Matthew Browne said melanoma was the most common cancer to impact 15-39 year-old Australians.

“We are working towards melanoma becoming a chronic disease instead of a terminal illness but until we achieve our mission of zero deaths from melanoma, we still have a lot of work to do,” he said.

“We owe that to those who have lost their lives to melanoma, and their families and friends whose lives have been forever changed.”

The march will take place from 9.10am at the Bunbury Power Boat Club with participants asked to arrive by 8.20am.

To register to walk or to sponsor someone taking part in the walk, visit www.melanomamarch.org.au.