Mum-of-Two Dies from Melanoma After Medical Reassurance
A 37-year-old mother-of-two has tragically died from metastatic malignant melanoma, four years after being told a mole on her back was "nothing to worry about." Josie Thompson passed away last month, leaving behind her husband Laith, 39, and two young daughters, Rebecca, 10, and Sophie, 6. Her family is now urgently campaigning for increased public awareness about skin protection and early detection of melanoma.
Initial Diagnosis and Subsequent Developments
In the summer of 2022, Josie's husband noticed a slight change in a mole on her back—it had darkened and become irregular in shape. After visiting doctors, she was referred to a local dermatology department where the mole was removed. Medical professionals reassured Josie that there was no cause for concern. However, shortly after its removal, the mole began to regrow through the scar tissue.
Despite a second removal with a wider excision, it is claimed she was told the mole was not cancerous and was never referred for CT or PET scans, even though she requested them. By March 2023, the mole had regrown, and a CT scan and lymph node biopsy eight months later revealed melanoma in her lymph nodes, diagnosing her with stage three cancer.
Devastating News and Treatment Challenges
Josie received the devastating diagnosis over the phone while at the aquarium with her two daughters. Tragically, despite "fighting everyday for her girls," she passed away at the age of 37. Her sister, Jade Thompson, 40, from Plymouth, Devon, described Josie as an "incredible fighter" who was always cautious with her fair skin.
Specialists referred Josie for immunotherapy in March, but unfortunately the second round made her very poorly and induced Myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular condition. Jade explained: "She started noticing neurological changes—her breathing became difficult, her eyes started drooping, and her movements started to change. It was so serious that she ended up in ICU because her lungs just weren't working."
Specialists determined that it was too dangerous to continue with immunotherapy, with the Myasthenia Gravis now posing more risk than the cancer. With no treatment for the cancer itself, the disease soon spread to her liver, lungs, and eventually her spine.
Family's Efforts and Awareness Campaign
The family said they exhausted every avenue to try and help her. Jade revealed: "We reached out to doctors all over the world and no one could help. Josie even radically changed her diet and adopted such a positive mindset. We really did try every avenue, spiritually, emotionally and physically—she so desperately did not want to die."
During her treatment, Josie established an online community named 'Josie's Journey,' which gathered over 3,500 followers on Facebook. She utilised her platform to raise awareness and encourage others to get checked, receiving numerous messages informing her she had helped people detect their skin cancer early.
Jade stated: "Josie created a real community of people and the support they gave her over the years really kept her going. It makes me so so proud, knowing that she has saved lives means everything and was so important to her. She used to say, 'if this can save one life it's worth it.' That is her legacy."
Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention
The family are now spreading the word about the risks of skin cancer and how individuals can take precautions to safeguard themselves. Jade continued: "People think you can just cut skin cancer out and are quite blase about it—but melanoma is one of the most deadly cancers. I had never really heard of melanoma before this, but the amount of people that have reached out to Josie on her Facebook page to say they are going through similar things is crazy."
She emphasised: "We're clearly warned that smoking causes lung cancer, with messages printed on cigarette packets, but we don't feel the same level of awareness exists when it comes to skin cancer. When you're in your teens or twenties, having a tan often feels like such an important thing—we've all been guilty of it. But it's vital that people take a moment to think about the risks."
Key prevention measures highlighted by the family include:
- Wear SPF30-50 every day (even in the UK) and reapply regularly, especially if sweating or swimming
- Cover up with hats, sunglasses, and light clothing
- Avoid the strongest sun between 11am and 3pm where possible
- Skip sunbeds altogether as they increase the risk of melanoma
- Keep an eye on your skin—if you notice any changes, get them checked promptly
Jade has initiated a fundraiser to assist Josie's family—her two young daughters and her husband, Laith, whom she had been with since she was 14. The funds will help cover Josie's funeral expenses and contribute towards the care of the young girls.
