Melanoma survivor walks coast to fund cancer research

AFTER being diagnosed with stage three melanoma earlier this year, Suffolk Park resident Matt Leedham is walking 60 kilometres this May to raise funds for cancer research.

The father-of-two, who is now in remission, first noticed a small, painful lump below his jaw in January.

“The GP initially thought it might be a cyst but recommended a scan just to be safe,” he said. “That led to a biopsy, and then a life-changing phone call a week or so later.

“It was a devastating shock to find unsuspected melanoma had spread to four lymph nodes on both sides of my neck. In hindsight, I’d been experiencing symptoms for a while: fatigue, dizziness, a sense that something wasn’t right.”

With the cancer having progressed to stage three — just one stage short of terminal — Leedham was quickly placed on an immunotherapy trial.

He underwent two rounds of treatment via IV drip at Lismore Base Hospital, followed by surgery at John Flynn Private Hospital in Coolangatta to remove the affected lymph nodes.

“Remarkably, when the pathology report came back, it showed that what was removed was already dead, meaning the immunotherapy had done its job,” he said.

“Incredibly, I’m now in remission and undergoing regular precautionary scans.”

Leedham, founder and CEO of travel media publication Karryon, committed to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation’s 60km In May challenge as soon as he recovered from surgery, aiming to support vital cancer research.

“I felt a deep need to give back,” he said. “I later found out from my oncologist that if my melanoma had gone undetected, I could have had just six to months left. So, raising money to help fund more research and more success stories felt urgent and necessary.”

He’s been walking sections of the Byron coastline with his dog Rio, sometimes joined by friends, and has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from family, friends, colleagues and strangers, having already raised more than $5,000 for the cause.

To donate, visit: https://fundraise.acrf.com.au/fundraisers/mattleedham/60km-in-may