'Skin angel' aims to keep children safe in the sun

A former skin cancer nurse is using stories and songs to inspire children to keep themselves protected from the sun.

Mother of three Mariam Badavi, known as the Your Skin Angel, said she started campaigning after seeing first hand "how devastating melanoma can be for individuals and families."

Badavi, who formerly worked at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said it was crucial children started building healthy habits early.

She said 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK were preventable and could be reduced if children cared for their skin from an early age.

According to the charity Cancer Research UK, there are about 2,600 melanoma skin cancer deaths in the UK every year, which is more than seven every day (2022-2024).

Badavi said many of those cases were linked to skin damage that had begun in childhood.

She said most of the damage was done before the age of 18: "One bad blistering sun burn in your younger childhood doubles your risk of melanoma."

Badavi said, as well as the emotional impact, the financial burden on the NHS could exceed £200,000 per patient.

As a mum, Badavi said her aim was to help children understand sun safety earlier in a way that felt fun rather than frightening.

As part of her campaign, Badavi has been visiting nurseries and schools to read to the children from her book The Big Sunny Adventure.

She also sings and dances with the youngsters to a song which has actions showing how to apply sun cream.

Badavi said children remembered stories and, once they understood the message, they began reminding their parents about sun cream and sun safety.

Schools visited by Badavi have included the Maynard School in Exeter.

Pupils said they understood the message after the nurse's assembly.

Seven-year-old Nati said she learnt that "if you don't put sun cream on, you'll get sunburnt, and that isn't good because it really hurts."

Portia, also seven, remembered that "dogs needs some special sun cream as well and you have to put it on their nose."

"You need a lot of sun cream" added six-year-old Tilly "and you need to make sure you've rubbed it in properly".

Katie Greenwood, head teacher of pre-prep at the school, said Badavi's use of storytelling and song was "a really good way to engage young children".

She added: "I'm sure that they're going to go home and talk to all of their families about everything they've learnt today."

"I'm [also] sure there'll be dogs getting sun cream on their noses."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.