Stenhousemuir footballer Cammy Graham given 'shock' cancer diagnosis

Cammy Graham had made his senior debut with Stenhousemuir at the end of October and gone on to find the net on three occasions in just eight games.

However, on March 2, when lower league Scottish football was getting the green light to get back to training and competitive matches, he was forced onto the sidelines after being diagnosed with stage two melanoma.

The 18-year-old, who has been supported by mum and dad Angela and Darren, said: “It was the scariest thing I have ever heard or been through.

“It was a shock, even though we should have been more aware that it could have been this.

“It is scary it has happened at 18 years old. It was just a shock and a massive scare for me, my mum and dad, and my whole family.”

Cammy, who began his career with Aberlady Boys’ Club before going on to Bonnyrigg Rose, Heart of Midlothian and Dunfermline Athletic, has already undergone an operation where surgeons cut into his left calf to remove the cancer cells.

Now, the teenager and family are awaiting results to find out if the cancer has spread further.

It was through a friend that Cammy, from North Berwick, first became aware of the potential cancer.

The midfielder, who attended the town’s secondary school for two years, said: “It is quite a scary story.

“It was in the summer and I was out with my pal down the beach.

“He turned round and said: ‘Look at the mole on the back of your calf.’

“From there, I went to my mum and dad and spoke to them about it and then went to the GP.

“We didn’t think it was anything to worry about and it got removed in January.

“We got a letter through the post in February saying I was to go into hospital on March 2 for the biopsy results and as soon as I went into the hospital the first thing they said was the scan results confirmed it was stage two melanoma.”

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer and the most common symptom is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing one.

Ahead of the surgery, Cammy, who has an older brother, Kyle, and sister, Amy, decided to swap his football boots for a pair of walking boots.

He climbed Ben Lomond, raising money for Melanoma UK in the process.

The footballer, who has vowed to be back for next season with the Warriors, said: “I’m quite proud of myself.

“The fundraising is up to £6,700 and I’m just pretty proud of how I handled the situation.

“I’ve not gone into my shell and I’ve just got on with things.”

Jamie Swinney, chief executive at the Ochilview football club, said that the club was firmly behind the teenager.

He said: “Since Cammy joined the club, he has really impressed us with everything about him – his professionalism, ability and he has scored a couple of really important goals.

“From a football perspective, he has become an important part of the squad, despite being relatively young.

“Since he had this unexpected shock news, the way he has dealt with it has been incredible for a young man.

“We’ve been really impressed with his resilience and positivity, despite obviously his concerns and fear.

“He has kept himself as involved as he can, coming to watch games, and from our point of view, we wish him all the best.”

Gillian Nuttall, CEO of Melanoma UK, thanked the footballer for his efforts.

She said: “I found out about Cameron’s diagnosis via social media, he had included us in a post about his fundraising.

“Fundraising during lockdown has been hard for many small charities, including Melanoma UK and we are very grateful for his support.

“Not only has he managed to raise such an impressive amount, he has also raised awareness of the disease and the need for vigilance when it comes to skin checks. I hope that he continues to make a good recovery.”

To back the teenager’s fundraising campaign, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/camerongraham