I had to attend my grandad's funeral virtually while also playing for the English team.

Bethany England, the renowned striker for both England and Tottenham, has recently come forward to shed light on the importance of raising awareness about skin cancer. Growing up in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Bethany spent a lot of time with her grandad, who played a significant role in fueling her love for football. She fondly recalls their days spent playing the game together in the park.

Unfortunately, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Bethany's family received the devastating news that her grandad, Barry, had been diagnosed with skin cancer. This came as a shock, especially since he had already battled and overcome bowel cancer. Bethany shares that her grandad had discovered a mole during the lockdown period, but by the time he sought treatment, it had already progressed too far. Witnessing the impact of this diagnosis on her family was heartbreaking for Bethany, as she watched her mum become his primary caregiver while also looking after her nan.

Living far away from her family home, Bethany was unable to help as much as she would have liked. It was a difficult time for her, compounded by the fact that her grandad's funeral had to be attended by only a select number of people due to lockdown restrictions. Bethany had to watch the funeral via a livestream while she was at an England camp.

Thankfully, Bethany found solace in talking to her teammates during this tough time. Being surrounded by her close friends in football, she was able to lean on them for support and guidance. She shares that it wasn't just her family that had to go through this, as many others were also unable to be with their loved ones during their final moments due to the pandemic.

According to recent research by O2, a staggering 6.4 million people in Britain choose to forgo wearing sunscreen in order to get a tan, despite the known risks of UV rays. Bethany finds this figure mind-blowing and is determined to share her story at the start of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. She emphasizes the importance of being aware of the effects of sunlight and the damage it can cause, encouraging people to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen.

Being fair-skinned, Bethany is very particular about using SPF 50 whenever she goes out. While her teammates may tease her for being overly cautious, she knows that taking care of her skin now will save her from future damage. Bethany is a strong advocate for cancer charities, as her family has been deeply affected by the disease. Her aunt and great-grandmother both passed away from different forms of cancer, while her grandmothers and another aunt have all battled and survived the disease.

Bethany believes in using her platform to speak openly about issues that affect us, whether it's cancer, endometriosis, or being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She acknowledges that footballers are often seen as just athletes, but above all, they are human beings who face challenges and struggles just like anyone else. By being open about her experiences, Bethany hopes to inspire others to speak up and seek support when needed.

With Tottenham having the chance to win their first major title as a women's team, Bethany is gearing up for the FA Cup final at Wembley and planning her summer holiday. However, she is mindful of packing her sunscreen, knowing that it is often the most forgotten item when people travel to warm countries. Bethany recalls her trip to Cuba, where she had to constantly reapply sunscreen while enjoying the pool. She stresses the importance of having a daily reminder to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun.

Dr. Sagar Patel, a dermatology specialist, recommends regular skin checks using the ABCDE method to detect any changes in moles or freckles. This simple guide looks for asymmetry, irregular borders, varying colors, size larger than 6mm, and any evolving changes. As O2 launches its "Sun Case" smartphone accessory with a built-in tube of sunscreen, Bethany hopes to raise awareness about sun protection and encourage people to prioritize their skin health.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]