More than 3,000 people are expected to die from melanoma in the UK this year – and one islander is preparing to run a metre for each life lost in memory of her mum.
Daisy Daly will run a total of 96.6 miles throughout July to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey and raise awareness about the dangers of the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The 27-year-old will run 3.119 miles each day to symbolise the 3,119 people in the UK that will lose their lives to melanoma in 2025.
The challenge also marks five years since the death of Daisy’s mother, Nicola, who died in 2020 after a battle with malignant melanoma.
“My Mum was a true fighter and a passionate supporter of cancer charities, and I’m doing my best to follow in her footsteps,” she said.
“Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey was a place she found comfort – a space where she could talk, be heard, and feel supported by kind and understanding volunteers.”
Daisy’s mother was first treated for a cancerous mole in 2008.
Six years later, she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma after discovering a lump under her arm. By then, the melanoma had spread.
“Unfortunately, when melanoma makes it inside the body, it seems like the best course of action is managing the cancer,” explained Daisy.
“It’s incredibly hard to completely treat once it is in your body.”
Now, Daisy is aiming to raise awareness about just how serious – and preventable – melanoma can be.
“Melanoma is more deadly than people realise,” she said.
“I was so shocked to learn that up to 90% of melanoma cases are preventable and I just thought that surely people need to know more about how dangerous the sun can be.”
Daisy admitted the most difficult part will be committing to show up every day – whatever the conditions – but said that the memory of her mother will keep her strong.
“If my mum could fight through six years of pain, worry, and treatment, I can push through 31 days of running in her honour to raise money for a charity that supported her,” she said.
Daisy said the idea for the challenge came after watching former Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing run five consecutive ultramarathons in five days earlier this year to raise money for Comic Relief.
But her main focus, she said, was creating something meaningful, doable – and open to others.
“I wanted to make this challenge as accessible as I could to everyone and anyone who feels touched by the message I’m trying to share,” she said.
“I’ve already received so much more support than I realised I would, and I’m eternally grateful for everyone’s kind words and offering to run with me and keep me company on this challenge.”
Daisy is urging islanders to support the campaign by donating, spreading the message, or joining her for a run.