Taking part, or watching, outdoor summer sports can mean that young skin is subjected to ‘prolonged sun exposure’ which can result in sunburn, even on a cloudy day.

Figures from Cancer Research UK show 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.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and that just one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life.

WWCC supports the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code

Devised and funded by the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund, and launched in May 2014, the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code was developed by a leading skin cancer specialist alongside experts in physical education and safeguarding.