Release Date: 02/10/2009

NORTHERN Ireland and Sunderland striker, David Healy MBE has become the first official patron of Factor 50, the skin cancer charity which sits under the umbrella of The Christie in Manchester.

Healy is now working with Factor 50, the charity that funds valuable research into malignant melanoma, helps raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to the sun and use of sun beds.

Healy is keen to act as a patron for the charity because so many prominent sports people have suffered from malignant melanoma such as Tommy Burns, a Celtic player, Bruce Craven, a physio at Leeds United and Ernie Cooksey, an Oldham Athletic footballer.

Factor 50 was set up by Gillian Nuttall, PR and marketing manager at Ralli, a Manchester law firm. She launched the charity in 2007 when her friend, Jon Herron - a young man from Larne in Northern Ireland - discovered that he was terminally ill with malignant melanoma. Enlisting the help of friends, family and colleagues in England and Northern Ireland, Gillian started fundraising for The Christie and has raised £50,000 so far.

Gillian Nuttall said: “David was Jon’s football hero especially after signing his shirt for his 30th birthday. I am delighted to welcome him onboard as our official patron. I know Jon would have been delighted.”

David Healy MBE said: “Gillian got in touch with me and asked for my help. Being a professional football player, I spend long periods outside in the summer months; it’s easy to forget the dangers of being exposed to the sun. I fully support Factor 50 and their cause to raise awareness of the damage the sun does.”

For more information about the charity visit www.factor50.org.uk

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