A TYNEDALE woman diagnosed with skin cancer made it her mission to carry out a mammoth physical challenge just months after her diagnosis.

Molly Grey, of Stocksfield, was diagnosed with melanoma, a form of skin cancer, last year.

But she set herself a challenge of walking 100 miles throughout January to raise money into the research of the cancer in an act of great bravery.

As a result, she raised more than £1,500 for Melanoma UK.

“In September, I was diagnosed with stage 1B melanoma which was a huge shock as I’m only 29 years old,” said Molly.

“It’s usually later in life when a diagnosis happens. It’s a form of skin cancer often thought of as being caused by the use of sunbeds, but I’ve never used one before, so I wanted to stop people thinking that’s a main cause of it.

“I wanted to try and raise funds for Melanoma UK as they’ve been a huge help for me over the last few months.”

After spotting a small mark on her knee a few months before, Molly then noticed it regularly growing and also change colour, prompting her to get it checked out.

“After it was diagnosed, I had two operations on my knee to remove the cancer then a further operation on my groin in November,” Molly went on to explain.

“I’m still in recovery now, but things are a lot better than they were a little while ago.

“I’ve also been given the all clear now which is great along with the news it hasn’t spread.

“I did this challenge to raise awareness of melanoma and to try and get people to check any unusual moles or body marks you may have noticed.”

The distance was all completed within the local area, with the final tally totalling almost 104 miles.

“The donations have been amazing and are really appreciated,” added Molly.

“I can’t believe it as I only had a original target of £200. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed.”