The devastating discovery on family holiday that 'changed everything'

So anxious she insisted on speaking to the consultant immediately by phone

- BY JON MACPHERSON, HELENA VESTY

A SUN lover's passion for basking in the warmth took a devastating turn when she noticed something alarming.

While holidaying in Turkey in 2022, Fran Ireland, from Ramsbottom, was alerted by her partner and two daughters to a peculiar mole on her upper body as she lounged in a bikini.

After returning from her break, the 45-year-old visited her GP and was swiftly referred to a dermatologist.

The skin specialist examined the mum-of-two's entire body and expressed concern over a patch of skin on her leg. Both the mole on her upper body and the one on her leg were excised and sent for analysis.

Shortly after, Fran received an urgent call instructing her to consult with a specialist. Overwhelmed with anxiety, she demanded an immediate phone consultation with the consultant.

Fran, a mental health midwife, was stunned to learn that the seemingly innocuous mole on her leg was actually a malignant melanoma, while the one on her upper body was benign.

Previously an avid sun worshipper who relished poolside tanning and pre-holiday sunbed sessions to achieve a bronzed look, Fran reflected on her diagnosis: "My melanoma diagnosis was a huge shock and a very difficult time.

"I'm so glad I saw my GP quickly and was referred to a dermatologist. My first thought was for my family as I didn't want them to worry.

Awareness of the risks was low when I was younger and I would never dream of using a sunbed now as I know how dangerous they are."