Dad passed away on June 4th 2011 from a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as primary rectal melanoma, which accounts for only 1% of all melanomas (cancer of the skin cells). Dad was diagnosed and unfortunately died before research had made headway into potential cures, and traditional treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are ineffective against this rare type of cancer. The Royal Marsden is conducting research into a new form of treatment called immunotherapy, which has revolutionized the treatment of surface skin cancers. We hope that with funding for further research, we can help give others like Dad, better odds at beating this cancer.

In order to raise some money in a time when we can't even see each other, the 4 of us Conlan's are completing a 'Hike for Mike' dotted across 3 continents to mark this 10 year milestone. I will be heading up Mount St. Helens in Washington State, USA with an elevation gain of 4300ft... (this may be a little bit of an over stretch for me but lets give it a go to raise some money for a fantastic cause!) Lara is entering winter in Australia so her hike will be weather dependent, hiking either the Cathedral Ranges or Werribee. Georgia is hiking the 3 peak challenge (the three largest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales) and Mum is hiking Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, both in the UK. All these hikes will be taking place between 4th and 6th June (time difference gets a little crazy for us all...!)

Those of you that knew Dad, know how he never let anything get him down even towards the end of his battle - A smile was always found and a glass of red wine too. He had a heart of gold, a love of wildlife, a sense of humor that still makes us smile all these years on and a terrible dress sense - I mean who doesn't think a Hawaiian shirt, long socks and wellies don't go together? He taught us to love, laugh and be happy and he could not have left me with a stronger team of women and for that I will be forever thankful. Any donation, big or small will be so very much appreciated in memory of a man we still miss so very very much. 

Thank you - Melissa, Lara, Georgia and Mum (Vron) x

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