Ian James Keam-George (27 Oct 1950 - 12 Oct 2025)

In loving memory of Ian James Keam-George

Who sadly passed away on 12 October 2025.

In 2018, after successfully fighting off the need for chemotherapy for CLL, Ian decided to have a small mole on his shoulder checked. A biopsy confirmed it was a malignant melanoma — small, but treatable.

Early the next year, it was removed along with a lymph node. We thought that was the end of it, apart from regular skin check-ups. Life moved on.

Later, Ian underwent further treatment for CLL — becoming the first patient at Southend Hospital to receive a new form of therapy, which he faced with his usual determination.

From 2023, Ian developed a persistent cough. Sadly, the link to his earlier melanoma was never made. In 2024, a chance lung screening revealed the first metastasis. While on holiday in Crete, Ian suffered a seizure — scans confirmed the cancer had spread to his brain.

Despite everything, Ian never gave up. After being airlifted home, he began more treatment, which gave us another precious year — a year filled with memories and, for much of it, good health. Even when that treatment stopped working, he continued to believe there would be more options ahead.

We share Ian’s story because we believe that if we’d known more, we might have pushed harder for answers. A lingering cough can be a sign of melanoma spread — something we wish we’d understood sooner.

So, in Ian’s memory, please take care of your skin. Watch for changes. Be persistent when seeking medical advice.

We have chosen to support Melanoma Focus, a charity we wish we’d found earlier. By sharing Ian’s story and donating in his name, we hope others may have a better outcome.

**“A cancer on the skin, just cut it away,
Easy to fix, is what some people say.

A melanoma diagnosis — life redefined,
A serious disease, though you look fine.

Treatment improves, the outlook grows brighter,
But every melanoma warrior must be a fighter.

A melanoma myth: just cut it away,
Not so easy to fix, whatever they say.”

Extract from a poem by Anne Martin, Melanoma Patient