'I regret always reaching for the tanning oil'

"It's always nice to have a tan but it's just not worth the risk."

Chris Ford, 78, from Aldridge, was diagnosed with skin cancer two years ago after noticing a new skin lesion by her eye socket.

She was referred to Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital and had a procedure under local anaesthetic to remove the cancerous cells.

Now the grandmother is committed to raising awareness of the importance of people looking after their skin.

"I've always loved the sunshine, and I used to go on the sunbeds quite a lot when I was younger," she said.

"I'd always reach for a tanning oil over a high factor SPF and it's something I really regret now."

Ms Ford was previously treated for a basal-cell carcinoma on her nose in 2014, which she was told was likely to have come from over-exposure to UV radiation.

She had surgery to remove the cancerous cells, and a skin graft was taken from her neck.

"It's awful knowing this could've been prevented if I'd have just looked after my skin properly in my younger years," she said.

She said she now "religiously" applied sun cream with a high SPF and took precautions to protect herself in warm weather.

"All my health scares have really changed my outlook on life, as I'm aware I could've easily had these experiences taken from me," she added.

"I now live for spending time with my two-year-old granddaughter Harper who's bought a new lease of life to me.

"I also volunteer at Walsall Manor Hospital twice a week, fundraise for Guide Dogs UK and enjoy my fair share of holidays and day trips – but I can only do these things because I have health on my side."

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