Retired teacher and school educator, and Stage IV melanoma survivor Roy Hallam, is determined to share his personal melanoma story as a way to educate others on the importance of sun safety.

Roy’s journey began when he was diagnosed with a melanoma on his scalp in 2013. This was then surgically removed, but only two short years later, the melanoma returned as Stage IV. Roy had lymph nodes in his neck removed, and a lung biopsy confirmed that the disease had spread to his lungs. Later scans showed that the melanoma had also spread to Roy’s brain. He participated in a clinical trial for several years, which saw many complications but ultimately had a positive result.

Roy is pleased to be a part of Speakers’ Hub so he can share his story as a cautionary tale.

‘I thought I was invincible when I was younger. I played a lot of tennis in my 20s and 30s, and sun safety messaging wasn’t as prevalent back then. Using my story to promote being sun smart is not only a way for me to repay the help and support I received, but educate others on how they can prevent melanoma.’