Washington-based Melanoma Me charity gets set for socially distanced big walk event after pandemic knocks out key fundraiser

Melanoma Me founders Kerry Rafferty, left, and Elaine Taylor.

Each year, Melanoma Me, which is based in Washington, takes part in the Active Sunderland Big Walk event, where participants raise money awareness for charity by taking on a number of different walks around the city.

But after the Big Walk was cancelled owing to the pandemic, the charity, which relies solely on donations to survive, has planned its own series of events.

On Sunday October 11, more than 100 people representing Melanoma Me will complete their own sponsored walks on different routes around the city, so they can raise funds and show support while socially distancing and not breaching regulations on gatherings.

Melanoma Me represented at the 2019 Big Walk event

Melanoma Me founder Kerry Rafferty said: “The Big Walk is one of our biggest fundraisers for the year and it really helps us to provide a service for melanoma patients where they can attend for counselling, support, groups, get-togethers, holistic therapies and coffee mornings.

“Since having to share the devastating impact that the cancellations had for us, the community has really pulled together and have been firm in their stance to continue to support the charity by doing their own walk on 11th October.”

Melanoma Me works with over 100 North East organisations, facilitating drop in’s and workshops, ensuring enough is done to prevent the disease and also regularly visits schools to raise awareness of the disease.

Since launching the charity, melanoma survivor Kerry has helped identify 49 cases of previously undiagnosed melanoma by providing life saving training.

The Melanoma Me team at the 2019 Big Walk event

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