Sun protecting ALL at The Open

The Melanoma Fund is again working with organisers of The Open to ensure spectators have sun protection advice and access to sunscreen, helping avoid the risk of sunburn. This year the charity is going one step further and has partnered with BIGGA to ensure their bunker support team is equipped with SPF50 tube of Stokoderm sunscreen.

Keeping the fairways at The Open manicured to perfection involves time, effort, and high levels of UV exposure. This collaboration sends a powerful message to golf clubs on the importance of providing sun protection advice, and sunscreen dispensers for all, to protect, educate and encourage better habits that will impact skin cancer.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in the UK, with more than 152,000 new cases diagnosed every year – the equivalent of 416 every day. This is more than breast, prostate, and lung cancers combined. By 2025 there are expected to be almost 400,000 NMSC diagnoses a year.

BIGGA Head of Marketing and Communications Karl Hansell said: “BIGGA members work outdoors and often in landscapes where there is very little shade or protection from the sun’s harmful rays. What is good weather for golf may not necessarily be good for the long-term health of our members and so we’re keen to work with anyone who promotes excellent sun safety practices. Our thanks go to the Melanoma Fund for the help and advice they are providing our members, giving them the tools, they need to work safely every day.”

Slip! Slap! Swing! is a free campaign, supported by every national golf organisation and hundreds of accredited golf clubs onboard, helping make golf not only a healthy, but safer sport for all.

Michelle Baker, CEO of the Melanoma Fund said; “Providing clear and targeted advice and backing this up with a sunscreen dispenser, where and when it matters, is a great way to impact skin cancer, which is present in every golf club. Because if not, why not?”

For further information on the Melanoma Fund’s campaigns, and to sign up for FREE, visit www.melanoma-fund.co.uk