Skin Deep (7 page)

“Malignant melanoma, the least
common but most serious form of skin cancer, is disproportionately high in
young people. In fact, it is the second most common cancer between the ages of
15 and 34. Luckily for Gemma, she was aware of the warning signs and caught the
disease early. Others are not so lucky. Over 2,500 people lose their lives to
malignant melanoma each year in the UK. Skin Deep tackles a young woman's
struggle with the disease and the realisation that life, or our skin for that
matter, must never be taken for granted.”
British
Skin Foundation

For more information please go
to:
http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/

First
and foremost I would like to thank my friend and unofficial proofreader,
Angela. Thanks also to Mary for reading this story prior to publication. Thanks
to Alison Williams – my official proofreader. A special mention must go to
Hermione Lawson and Lisa Bickerstaffe at the British Skin Foundation (Hermione
has since left). They checked the medical facts for me and were a great source
of information. Thank you!

Thanks
to all my friends and family. Thanks to my sister, Anne. Anne beat skin cancer,
and whilst this isn’t her story, she inspired me to write Skin Deep. Thanks to
my husband, Simon, for your continued support.
x

Helen
was born in Wales, but she currently lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband,
Simon, and her puppy, Archie. She’s always loved writing stories, ever since
she wrote a short story collection in the style of Enid Blyton when she was 12.
She loves the Scottish Highlands, crisps, and shoes. Find out more at
www.helenlibbywriter.blogspot.co.uk
or follow Helen on Twitter
@helibedw

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