Petra Ecclestone has issued a skin cancer warning as the UK enters a heatwave with temperatures reaching 40°C in some areas. The 37-year-old heiress, daughter of Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, took to Instagram to remind followers to check their skin regularly and protect themselves from the sun.
Personal Reminder and Tips
"Friendly reminder: check your skin. I check my moles every 3–6 months and have regular skin checks. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but early detection can make a huge difference," she wrote. She also shared practical advice: "Wear SPF, Check your moles regularly, Get professional skin checks, Seek shade when UV is high, and Don’t use sunbeds."
"If something is new, changing, or unusual, get it checked. Early detection matters. #SkinCancerAwareness #SkinCheck #WearSPF #MelanomaAwareness #SunSafety," she concluded.
Past Scares and Health Advocacy
Petra has had skin cancer scares in the past, sharing images of herself with bandages after mole removal. In 2024, she addressed photos of her head bandaged, saying, "Good morning guys, so I got loads of messages. I guess it was an alarming site my head being bandaged. I just posted it because I really want people to be careful about going the sun and having the right protection."
In another post, she wrote: "Thank you to everyone who reached out yesterday about my story. I’m doing well and recovering but this is your reminder to take sun damage seriously… please wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds at all costs!"
Health Journey and Meningitis
Petra contracted viral meningitis at age 14, which she says "changed her forever." She told Meningitis Now, a charity she now serves as an ambassador for: "Before getting meningitis, I was such a hypochondriac, worrying about the slightest ache. Ironically, I overlooked meningitis because the symptoms seemed like flu. I guess you don’t realise how healthy you are until it is taken away from you."
"Meningitis scared the hell out of me," she said. "I realise how important it is to look after your health, especially your immune system. I still take lots of supplements and regularly have acupuncture. I do still have a tendency to Google any bizarre symptoms I might have. But I try to focus this energy into raising awareness about meningitis." She emphasized the importance of quick diagnosis: "It is essential people are diagnosed quickly, regardless of what type they have – if I’d ignored my symptoms I might not be here today."
Background
Petra is the younger daughter of former model Slavica Radić and Bernie Ecclestone. She has been open about her health anxieties and now promotes sun safety and meningitis awareness. The UK heatwave, with highs of 40°C, has prompted her latest warning.
