A message from Ryan Sidebottom

Malignant Melanoma and Skin Cancer in general is on the rise. An alarming rise actually, with five times as many people as forty years ago suffering. Sunbeds and solariums are one of the main reasons why more people are dying but cricketers and cricket fans are also at risk, being outside in the summer months. Melanoma UK ambassador Ryan Sidebottom is more than aware of the dangers that face all of us who love the game and here is what he has to say to all cricketers, cricket fans and anyone associated with the sport.

Ryan...covering up

 Ex-England and Yorkshire bowler, Ryan Sidebottom is urging cricket fans to cover up during May’s melanoma awareness month.

Over 12,500 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed last year and the ambassador for national skin cancer charity, Melanoma UK, is hoping that the message of ‘covering up’ will reach fellow cricketers and fans.

Ryan commented: “I’m well aware of the dangers of over exposure to the sun and the problems that melanoma patients face, having worked with the charity for a number of years. 

May is melanoma awareness month and I’m hoping that fans will protect themselves not only during this month but throughout the year. 

When playing or watching any level of cricket, especially in hot temperatures, it’s important to use high levels of protection and to apply it regularly.”

Ryan is one of many cricketers that have joined Melanoma UK’s fight against the disease, with Andy Flower, the ECB technical director of elite coaching, becoming an ambassador in 2011 following his brush with melanoma.

Ryan and his Yorkshire team mates...covering up for May's Melanoma Awareness Month

Gill Nuttall, founder of Melanoma UK added:

“Ryan is one of our Ambassadors who really does understand our work. Cricketers are well aware of the risks of being out in the sun for long periods and Ryan wants to make sure that fans are aware of the risks as well as the players.  He’s a great advocate of our work.”

Last year over 2,250 people died of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Here at the Middle Stump we can only concur with Ryan's advice...