Luke Pollard MP Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Hello #Plymouth – Thank you for all the lovely messages of love and support over the past few weeks. I wanted to give an update and say thank you.
The operation to remove the cancer on my face was a success. I’m so grateful to the NHS staff who diagnosed, biopsied, operated and treated me. The NHS is wonderful and worth fighting for.
After a few weeks recovering from the operation at home I’m returning to work part time this week.
I’m not good at taking it easy but will be making an effort to going a little slower than normal.
My face is a little sore from the operation but I’m making a good recovery. The messages of support really helped – thank you!
Skin cancer is on the rise in the south west and across the country. Take any lumps and bumps seriously and please get them checked out. I don’t know who needs to read this but please get anything that is worrying you checked out, please do not ignore them. Cancer caught earlier is easier to treat with better outcomes. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
Cancer has given me some new perspectives and helped remind and reinforce to me what really matters most.
I want to say a huge thank you to my fiancé Sydney, my family and friends for looking after me while I’ve been off work. I’m grateful to my brilliant Parliamentary team and the big Plymouth Labour family for all their support and work while I’ve been off.
I’m very conscious that my scar from my operation is quite obvious but I want to stress that I would much prefer a big scar, which will heal over time, than skin cancer on my face.
Looking in the mirror at my scar I’ve been reminded of the lesson that you should never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you. Everyone has scars—whether you can see them or not. Wear yours with pride. I intend to do that with mine.