Man diagnosed with ocular melanoma raises £2100 for charity

A 33-year-old man who was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2016 has climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for the charity that has supported his family.

Chris Jones, from Motherwell, raised £1600 for OcuMel UK by conquering Britain’s highest peak and a further £500 was raised by organising a charity football match with his local team, Fir Park Corner.

Mr Jones said ‘worrying signs’ were spotted during a routine sight test and in 2016 was diagnosed with ocular melanoma. He underwent radioactive plaque therapy in 2017, which has reduced the size of the tumour.

“With other forms of cancer there are several charities and support groups who can help but this is not the case with eye cancer. OcuMel UK have been a tower of strength to me and my wife, Carol, and I wanted to raise as much money as possible for them. I am very grateful for all the people who supported me through my fundraising efforts,” he shared.

OcuMel UK has provided support to Mr Jones and his family through its online community where people can speak to other families who have been affected by ocular melanoma.

The charity’s national director, Jo Gumbs, highlighted that research into the causes and treatment of the eye cancer are ‘extremely underfunded.’

“Fundraising is vital to help us provide more support and research into this condition. We offer support to anyone affected by this type of eye cancer by providing them with clear and accurate information to help them make the life choices which are right for them,” Ms Gumbs said.