A teenager from Solihull has raised thousands of pounds for melanoma research in memory of his sister.

Alex Kirke lost Elise at just 23 to the deadly disease, prompting him to fundraise to try and prevent other families going through such heartache.

A keen rugby player, he organised a special rugby match – between Solihull School 1^st XV and Solihull School Old Boys’ XV – along with a barbecue and auction, at Old Silhillians Rugby Club in Solihull. In doing so, the 19-year-old raised £5,300 for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity, which funds research into skin cancer.

Alex, who grew up in Solihull but is studying mathematics at the University of Exeter, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have raised so much money for the hospital’s official charity from the match and want to thank all the players for a brilliant game and everyone who came along on the day to support us.

“Elise did a lot to help others and we know she would have really enjoyed the day. We’re really pleased that the funds we’ve raised will go directly to supporting research into immune treatments for melanoma.”

Dr Neil Steven, oncology consultant, received the cheque on behalf of the charity and added: “It has been a real privilege for me to have known Elise and her family. As so often, I was deeply moved not just by their fortitude and but also their generosity of spirit in adversity. Speaking personally, for our team in Birmingham treating people with melanoma and, if I may, for future patients with this disease, I want to thank Alex and the two teams for raising funds through this match. 

“Most people with melanoma are cured by surgery. Until recently, people with melanoma that has spread beyond the reach of surgery have not had effective treatments, despite thirty years of research. Still, it is great to be able to say that things have improved even over the last year. For the first time, there are some treatments that can really improve the outlook for people with advanced melanoma. Furthermore, newer drugs are being tested. This has come about as a result of dedicated research across the world. The money raised thorough the generosity of Alex and everyone else will help these efforts.”

For more information about how you can support patients being treated at the QEHB, please contact the charity on 0121 371 4852 or visit their website.