By Isle of Wight Observer
In the House of Commons on Thursday, Ben Goldsborough MP used his Prime Minister’s Question to call for the implementation of Zoe’s Law – a proposed reform to prevent avoidable deaths from melanoma. Richard Quigley, MP for the West Wight, who is working closely with Ben on the campaign, expressed his gratitude that Ben, currently undergoing treatment for stage 2c melanoma, chose to spotlight the issue.
Zoe’s Law was inspired by the tragic death of Zoe Panayi, a young woman from the Island who died just 55 days after being diagnosed with melanoma. Despite raising concerns about a mole with her GP twice, she was reassured it was harmless. She later had it removed privately, but standard practice meant it wasn’t tested – her cancer went undetected until it was too late.
Zoe’s mother, Eileen, and brother, Charlie, were in the public gallery to witness their years of campaigning for removed moles to be routinely tested, reached the ears of the Prime Minister. Following the question, a same-day meeting was held with the family, Health Minister, Ashley Dalton, and NHS England officials. Discussions included how AI could help prevent similar tragedies.
Charlie Panayi said: “To hear Zoe’s story read aloud in the Commons and meet the Health Minister was powerful beyond words.”
Mr Quigley, MP, added: “Zoe’s family have fought tirelessly. I promised to champion this in Parliament – and I will. Working with Ben, we won’t stop until something is done to right this wrong.”
