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New sunbed law will save lives
A FORMER skin cancer sufferer today welcomed a new law which bans under-18s from using sunbeds.
Michelle Grimmer says the Sunbeds Regulation Bill will save lives and protect youngsters in South Tyneside from making the same mistake she did as a teenager.
The mum-of-two, from Jarrow, knows the risks of tanning after she was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma in 2007 after years of heavy sunbed use.
The Bill, which was launched by Labour MP Julie Morgan, was passed by the Lords on Thursday.
It places a duty on salon operators in England and Wales to prevent the use of sunbeds by under-18s, and gives local authority officers increased powers to inspect the businesses and to penalise owners who breach the ban.
It will also stop children hiring or buying sunbeds, and outlaw automatic tanning salons.
Clear health information would also be required in salons, setting out the dangers of sunbed use.
Mrs Grimmer, 37, said: "It's fantastic news. It's what we've all been waiting for.
"I think the new Bill will save lives because it will protect vulnerable young people from skin problems, and it sends out the right message that sunbeds can be dangerous.
"I know first-hand the dangers of sunbeds, and all I can say is it's not worth it.
"Research shows that teenagers are becoming addicted to sunbeds and seriously damaging their health."
Mrs Grimmer says she fears the new law may spawn a "black market" of sunbed use, but says there are "better and safer" ways of getting a tan.
She added: "I would urge everyone of all ages, not just young people, to seek a different way of getting a tan.
"There are some fantastic products now for fake tan. It's just as good, and a lot safer."
Mrs Grimmer's ordeal began when she noticed a mole on her side had changed colour.
She made an appointment to see her GP, who immediately referred her to a dermatologist at South Tyneside District Hospital. A biopsy of the mole was taken and she was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma.
She had an operation at the University Hospital of North Durham and, more than two years later, still receives 12-week check-ups with the cancer care team at South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust.
She also attends Cancer Connections in South Shields to help others by sharing her experiences.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
