17 December 2024 was a momentous day for the Neil Evans Melanoma Foundation (NEMF), with the Horus skin imaging system his friends and family raised £50,000 to purchase being unveiled at the Norwich Norfolk University Hospital in the UK. The machine presents a significant milestone for the global community’s ongoing battle against melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
The Horus is a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool designed to meticulously map and monitor moles on the skin. It utilises high-resolution imaging and advanced algorithms, which enables medical teams to create detailed maps of the skin, precisely monitoring changes over time.
By capturing detailed images and tracking changes, it provides dermatologists with essential information to identify potentially malignant moles at an early stage, which can significantly improve the chances of successful skin cancer treatment and survival of melanoma.
UK-born Neil Evans was a beloved member of the Gorleston community. He was an incredible man who had a profound impact on the lives of everyone who knew him. Neil’s presence brought warmth, wisdom, and joy to everyone who knew him. He lived life to the fullest, worked incredibly hard, and loved to help anyone in need. His courage and strength, especially in the face of melanoma is a testament to the extraordinary individual he was.
Neil’s legacy is not just one of struggle against a formidable disease, but one of hope, resilience, and community spirit. The unveiling of the Horus system is symbolic of our continued honouring of his memory by committing ourselves to the fight against melanoma with renewed vigor.
We remember Neil as a beacon of courage and determination and through this donation, his impact on our community will be felt for generations to come. The journey to achieve this outcome is thanks to many incredible fundraising endeavors, personal commitment, and challenges, all worth it.
The fundraising mission first began in August 2021, only a few short months after Neil’s passing where, over two years, £50,000 was raised.
NEMF owes a huge debt of gratitude to Neil’s parents, Stan and Wendy Evans, also to Chloe and James Rowswell, Becky Maitland-Titterton, Sean Brady, Paul and Franca Smith, Helen and Martin Simpson, and the wonderful management and fans at the Ipswich Football Ipswich Town Football Club.
We are immensely grateful for their amazing fundraising endeavors that have made this donation possible.Special thanks to the staff at Norfolk Norwich Hospital, too. Dr Jennifer Garioch worked tirelessly to get the machine set up in the right way. Professor Marc Moncrieff provided great support, too, in raising awareness on early skin cancer detection and prevention and attending the various golf days. Colin Glover, Head of Operations at Melanoma UK, sourced the machine and worked with hospital and editorial staff at EDP, who’ve supported our many charitable endeavors over many years.
To Neil’s extended family, whose efforts have not only honored Neil’s memory but have also provided the community of Norfolk and Norwich with a crucial tool in our mission to save lives, we extend our deepest gratitude. Horus will serve as a symbol of Neil’s enduring legacy and a reminder of the power of community and compassion.
And finally, to Neil’s mum, Wendy, this milestone has been achieved because of you.
Your passion, commitment, and perseverance have been remarkable. It’s easy to see where Neil got his resilience and fighting spirit. He would be very humbled, honored, and incredibly proud of you today.