A Romsey couple in their thirties, who have both been diagnosed with cancer, are raising funds to buy innovative new equipment to help combat the disease.

Ian and Tania Gander, from Woodley, are trying to raise £14,000 for the Wessex Cancer Trust to buy a MoleMax II machine that will increase the accuracy in mole-mapping, the technique used to identify and monitor cancerous moles.

Ian, 37, suffers from Malignant Melanoma, the rarest but the most serious of skin cancers, which can be fatal if left undetected. The number of cases has steadily increased with 7,000 now reported each year, many in young people.

The couple are a good example of how cancer effects a younger people and they have urged others to be more aware. "We are calling for people to get checked out quickly and prevent future problems," said Tania.

Ian discovered he had cancer after a mole on his left side started bleeding. A small amount was removed for testing and within six weeks he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma.

He had surgery to remove the cancerous mole, and a small area surrounding it, to prevent the spread of the disease. There were further concerns when Ian had a lymph node biopsy where cancerous cells were detected.

Tania, who suffers from breast cancer, says: "Using our personal experience of the disease to make others more aware seemed like a positive way to deal with our situation. lf we can make one person aware of the dangers then it is all worth it."

The campaigning couple held a sponsored head and beard shave at Wellow Golf Club last week, which was attended by 120 people and raised £2500.

Ian, an agricultural drainage engineer, told The Advertiser that Tania had lost much of her hair during chemotherapy so he decided to shed his locks in sympathy. Ian's father, who had worn a beard for 37 years, also went under the electric shears of hairdresser John Ray.

"There were only two people in the room who had ever seen him without a beard," said Ian. Continued on page 2

The couple would like to say a big 'thank-you' to Waitrose, Co-op, Hillier Aboretum, Wessex Fencing, John Ray, Hampshire Farm and Water services, Long's greengrocers, Clive Dibden, Ray Sheargold and all their family and friends for their donations and support.

Anyone wanting to make donations should contact The Wessex Cancer Trust and statig that they wish to give to the Molemax fund.

For further advice on skin cancer and safety in the sun see your GP or visit www.sunsmart.org.uk.