The Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code - A Small Charity Tackles Sunburn Head on!

News provided by

Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund

30 Apr, 2014, 06:30 GMT

EAST GRINSTEAD, England, April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

A New Initiative Launches to 'Blow the Whistle on Sunburn'; supported by Julia Bradbury and partnered with the Association for Physical Education (afPE), sports coach UK and the Youth Sports Trust

Going live on the 7th May, http://www.oksunsafetycode.com is a FREE resource bank designed to ensure that children who attend organised outdoor activities stay safe in the sun. The initiative was devised and is funded by a small national charity, Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund, after recognising that no such guidelines exist for those who work outdoors with children.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140430/684071 )

So far, the support has been phenomenal, with a raft of National Governing Bodies of Sport and outdoor groups agreeing to back the initiative; designed to work across a full range of outdoor activities and within the varied parameters of each sport or group. Some are embedding the code into their coaching standards while others are using it to raise awareness of sun protection best practice.

Clubs and individuals will be required to follow a code to gain an official Accreditation Mark; verifying that specific sun protection measures have been met. A downloadable toolkit provides promotional materials, designed to keep guidelines active and ensure that good practice is supported by parents.

Why Now?
A recent report from Cancer Research UK revealed that the incidence of melanoma in the UK is now five times higher than it was in the 1970s; more than 13,000 people develop melanoma each year, compared with around 1,800 in the mid-1970s.

London 2012 inspired more children to get outdoors and play sport and although this is positive, many activities subject young skin to 'prolonged sun exposure' which can result in sunburn; even on a cloudy day.  A mighty 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and just one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life.

"Whilst nothing is better than the great outdoors, we want to ensure kids understand the importance of staying safe in the sun," says the Charity's Founder, Harry Townsend. "Targeting attitudes and behaviour at a young age, especially through respected coaches, teachers, instructors and leaders, will encourage good habits which will last a lifetime. We are delighted that so many organisations want to be part of this important legacy."

"I am a lover of the outdoors but also aware of the harmful effects of the sun; so I am delighted to be part of the creation of the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code. We owe it to all children to do our best to make sure they are safe in the sun." - Julia Bradbury 

Notes to Editors:
Available on request:

  • Logos, images and case studies
  • Quotes and interview from supporters/charity/partners/ambassadors

Supporters list:

  1. Adventure Activities Licensing Service
  2. Association of British Riding Schools
  3. British Horse Society
  4. British Cycling
  5. British Mountaineering Council
  6. British Canoe Union
  7. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
  8. Child Protection in Sport Unit / NSPCC
  9. English Cricket Board
  10. England Athletics
  11. Institute for Outdoor Learning
  12. Mountain Training Association
  13. Outdoor Education Advisers Panel
  14. Professional Cricket Association  
  15. Rounders England
  16. Royal Horticultural Society (RSA)
  17. Sports Coach UK
  18. The Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres
  19. The Association for Physical Education (afPE)
  20. The Golf Foundation
  21. The Pony Club
  22. The Scouts Association
  23. Youth Sports Trust 

http://www.melanoma-fund.co.uk

For further information, contact Michelle Baker on E: michelle@caffeinecommunications.co.uk, M: +44(0)7989-551-046, DL: +44(0)1892-309-911.