On Friday 27 June, the Neil Evans Melanoma Foundation (NEMF) lost one of its most cherished supporters and guiding lights. Stanley ‘Stan’ Evans, beloved husband of Wendy and father of Neil Evans, passed away peacefully in the UK on the fourth anniversary of Neil’s own passing.
The coincidence of dates is impossible to ignore; a higher power guiding him towards Neil? A father and son, forever linked by love, courage, and a determination to help others.
A family’s unwavering support
From Day 1, Stan and Wendy, along with their extended UK family and friendship circles, have been instrumental in bringing the Beat Melanoma vision to life.
In the devastating wake of Neil’s death in 2021, aged just 48 after a three-and-a-half year battle against melanoma, it was Stan and Wendy who rallied friends, neighbours, colleagues, and communities to channel their grief into action. Their passion has been central to the Foundation’s ability to raise awareness and drive its mission to support patients and families coping with melanoma diagnoses and costly treatments, forward.
Stan’s remarkable generosity of spirit, kindness, and commitment was an inspiration to everyone around him! And his efforts always reflected a deep determination to ensure Neil’s battle with this deadly disease was not in vain; that his story and legacy can continue to make a difference.
Saving lives in Norwich
Among the many initiatives Stan led and supported was one of the Foundation’s first fundraising endeavours, our UK Golf Day. Thanks to Stan’s energy and persistence, this and other community-driven efforts raised an incredible £50,000. These funds directly enabled the purchase of the HORUS Mole Mapping Machine, a sophisticated skin imaging and melanoma detection system now saving lives at Norwich Norfolk University Hospital.
A melanoma awareness champion
Stan was passionate about continuing Neil’s legacy, and his tireless efforts have helped ensure that Neil’s name — along with our mission, as more and more people hear his story — will live on. His quiet leadership reminded us all that real change is built on compassion, determination, and community.
How you can help
We are deeply grateful to Stan Evans, however NEMF’s work is far from finished.
We remain as determined as ever to honour both Neil and now his father Stan, by continuing to provide vital support and fund potentially life-saving treatments and trials for Australian melanoma patients, and raise awareness of melanoma’s devastating and ongoing impact on the sufferers themselves, their families, and the community.
If you would like to support our mission, please consider making a donation! Every dollar counts.
