Our history

Melanoma Focus was founded in memory, and in recognition of, the achievements of Professor Sheila Bingham OBE  (Mrs Sheila Rodwell), who died of melanoma in 2009.

Simon Rodwell, with a group of 10 leading melanoma experts, became the Trustee Founders in 2012. Simon served as CEO for over 8 years and he comments: “We realised there was a need to create a single charity serving two groups of people: melanoma patients and their carers, and healthcare professionals. 

“Melanoma Focus is unusual amongst UK medical charities in that it provides both an accessible service for those who need straightforward information about the causes, prevention and treatment of melanoma, as well as running professional events, commissioning research and publishing guidelines to help clinicians and nurses keep abreast of the latest information about the disease.”

Simon retired from Melanoma Focus in 2020, but remains an advocate and adviser to the charity. His previous careers included the Royal Navy, aerospace, telecommunications and China business consultancy.