Isle of Wight Conservative MP Bob Seely is continuing to highlight the dangers of skin cancers following a meeting with the family of 26-year-old Zoe Panayi who lost her life to the disease in May 2020, three years after she was given a false ‘all-clear’ diagnosis.
Zoe was reportedly told by a GP that a mole she was concerned about was ‘fine’, so she subsequently had it removed at a private clinic. Later, however she found out she had stage four melanoma.
Campaigning for changes to medical practises
Since Zoe’s death, her family have been campaigning for changes to medical practices to ensure all moles removed at private clinics are tested.
A petition started by the family following Zoe’s death has since gained over 33,000 signatures, but the family say they hope to reach 100,000.
Asking for a simple change that could save lives
Bob, who has supported the campaign since it started, recently met Zoe’s mother, Eileen Punter, to discuss what more could be done to make people more aware of the signs of skin cancer, or melanoma.
He said,
“It’s really important we don’t forget about this campaign. Zoe would not want others to suffer as she did, and as her family have done.
“Zoe’s family and friends have done amazing work campaigning for change, raising awareness and fundraising for charity. They should be very proud of what they have achieved. What they are asking for is a simple change that could save lives and we have to ensure their voice continues to be heard.
“I will be meeting with consultants to see what practical advice and help the NHS can give to minimise the chances of this happening again. We need to ensure that what happened to Zoe is never repeated.”
Bob said he also shared the family’s aim of raising awareness of skin cancer and what to look for.
Punter: People need to be listened to and not overlooked as Zoe was
Eileen Punter said,
“We do a lot of fundraising in Zoe’s name with all donations going to Mountbatten Hospice.
“Our main aim is to raise as much awareness as we possibly can not only on the Island and in the UK, but around the world as it was Zoe’s wish for us to do this especially as she wanted no other families to go through what she went through and especially her two young boys growing up without their mummy.
“Zoe’s boys were her life – Zoe was my life and Zoe did not want others to suffer and wanted us to help as many people as we can: that is what we are doing and why we have reached out to Bob.
“Awareness and education are key – everyone should know how to protect themselves and what to look out for – and people need to be listened to and not overlooked as Zoe was.”
Awareness raising at community events
The family is in the process of buying a Skin Camera and plans to attend community events and use the equipment to explain to people what to look out for.
Zoe’s brother Charlie has set up a Just Giving Page for next year as he will be doing a host of fundraising events to support the family’s work.
Please take the time to sign the petition and watch the video of Zoe’s story below.
News shared by the office of Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Robert Seely, in their own words. Ed
