The campaign to introduce Zoe’s Law – a proposed legal change to prevent deaths from melanoma – reached the heart of Westminster this week.
Isle of Wight West Labour MP Richard Quigley joined his Labour colleague, Ben Goldsborough MP for South Norfolk, in calling on the Prime Minister to act during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Bringing the campaign to Parliament
Ben Goldsborough, who is currently being treated for stage 2c malignant melanoma, used his question at Prime Minister’s Questions to raise the issue. Richard Quigley said he was deeply moved that his colleague had chosen to use this rare opportunity to highlight the cause they have been working on together.
In the gallery, Zoe’s mother, Eileen, and brother, Charlie, watched as their years of campaigning were recognised at the highest level of government.
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Zoe’s story
The campaign began after the death of Zoe Panayi, a young woman from the Isle of Wight who died just 55 days after being diagnosed with melanoma.
Zoe had twice raised concerns with her GP about a mole on her back and was told not to worry. She later paid privately to have it removed for cosmetic reasons, but as was routine, it was not tested for cancer. By the time the disease was detected, it was too advanced for treatment.
What Zoe’s Law would change
The proposed law would make it compulsory for all moles and skin lesions removed for cosmetic reasons to be sent for testing. Advocates say this would allow cancers to be identified earlier and could save lives.
After Ben Goldsborough’s question, the Prime Minister agreed to meet Zoe’s family the same day, alongside the Minister for Public Health, Ashley Dalton MP, and NHS England officials.
The meeting explored how new tools, including artificial intelligence, could be used to detect melanoma more effectively. The Health Minister said this was the first step in a process aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
A powerful moment for the family
Zoe’s brother, Charlie Panayi, said the events in Parliament marked a major moment in their four-year fight for reform.
“Today was a moment I’ll never forget.
“To sit in a private meeting with the Health Minister, the Head of NHS Pathology, and others, and to hear Zoe’s story read aloud in the House of Commons to the Prime Minister himself, that was powerful beyond words.”
He added that hearing the Prime Minister’s personal response gave the family renewed hope that change will follow.
Continuing the campaign
Richard Quigley said he remained determined to see Zoe’s Law introduced.
“No one should have to go through what Zoe and her family experienced.
“Their determination to drive change is inspiring, and working alongside Ben, I won’t stop until something is done to right this wrong — in Zoe’s memory.”
A call for awareness
Ben Goldsborough reflected on the significance of Zoe’s story.
“Zoe should still be here today.
“Her case reminds me how differently my own cancer journey could have gone.
“This shouldn’t be a matter of luck — we can and must do better.”
He urged anyone with concerns about their skin to seek medical advice, adding,
“Please, if you think something’s not right, go to a doctor and get it checked out.”
