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A state-of-the-art mole-checking machine has been unveiled in the dermatology department at Solihull Hospital.

The mole-mapping machine was funded and donated by a family of a patient, Mike Hull, who sadly died from melanoma in March 2022, at the age of 67.

During his battle with skin cancer, Mike had decided that he wanted to start fundraising for the new machine, in the hope of saving lives through earlier diagnosis.

The machine enables earlier detection of melanoma through using advanced and high[1]Family donates life-saving machine resolution digital technology to create a ‘map’ of the body and mark any suspicious looking moles.

The activity of these moles can then be closely and precisely monitored over time, and as a result, any issues can be identified and treated sooner.

As is the case with most cancers, many cases of melanoma can be avoided if changes in the skin are caught and removed early in their development.

To raise the money required to purchase the machine, Mike, with support from his wife, Carol, and family and friends, carried out a range of fundraising activities including selling cakes, crafting bracelets, and preparing bacon and sausage baps on Saturday mornings at Droitwich Spa Football club.

Through their fundraising efforts, more than £58,000 in total was raised. Family, friends, and fellow fundraisers joined the unveiling event at the end of November, where Carol cut a ribbon in front of the machine.

Carol said: “Seeing the machine in action means so much to me, because it's my promise fulfilled to Mike. I'm over the moon, I just wish he had been here to see us hit the target.

"I am incredibly grateful for every teddy bear and bracelet sold, every sausage and bacon bap sold, every quiz held and every other event along the way which went into making this a reality.

“I just know that this mole-mapping machine is going to help so many people. It's going to save lives, Mike's legacy, it's what he wanted, and we've finally done it."

Martin Richardson, Hospital Executive Director for Solihull Hospital, said: “We’re thrilled to receive the mole-mapping machine and have it housed here at Solihull Hospital.

“As were the wishes of Mike, the machine and technology will be very helpful for eligible patients to have possible skin cancers detected sooner. We extend our deepest thanks to Carol and all the fundraisers who were involved.”

Located on the machine is a plaque, in honour of Mike Hull and his fundraising achievement. It reads: “With grateful thanks to all who helped Mike reach his goal to buy a machine so that others might achieve early detection of melanoma skin cancer.”