Ross Weatherstone's Inspiring Journey: Overcoming Melanoma and Raising Awareness
“I felt blessed to be there; it was just the medicine I needed during my recovery,” said Ross Weatherstone, reflecting on his experience at Wembley in March, where he celebrated his brother's triumph with Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
Simon Weatherstone, a first-team coach and integral member of Eddie Howe's coaching staff at Newcastle, shared an emotional moment at the national stadium with his younger brother, Ross, who had undergone major surgery five months earlier after being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer.
“I had a chunk taken out of my right calf,” recalled Ross, who manages the Berkshire non-league club Binfield. “I initially visited the doctor because I noticed some flaky skin on my left leg, which turned out to be keratosis moles, but everything seemed fine.”
During a comprehensive check-up in April 2024, Ross and his doctor decided to conduct a full body examination, a choice he now regards as one of the best decisions he ever made. “While examining my other leg, the doctor’s tone changed, and I will never forget when she said, ‘Oh, okay, this one looks a little different; we need to get this checked and a biopsy done as soon as possible,’” he recounted.
Thanks to the NHS, Ross was seen within two weeks and diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer within 24 hours. Although it was a particularly aggressive form, the medical team was confident they had caught it early. “I feel unbelievably lucky. If I hadn’t been checked that day and left that mole exposed during the summer of 2024, my consultant informed me that my situation could have been life-threatening,” he stated.
A former defender for Oxford United, Ross is sharing his story to raise awareness about the dangers of skin cancer. He believes that his decision to see a doctor for a check-up may have saved his life. “I was now in the system, undergoing test after test,” he explained.
During an eye examination, doctors discovered a mole near his blind spot, which was diagnosed as a high-risk choroidal atypical nevus with leaking subretinal fluid. “I am still receiving treatment for my eye and monitored every couple of months. It is something I will have to manage for the rest of my life,” he noted. “The frightening part of reliving this is that if I hadn’t been checked when I was, I wouldn’t be here to share this story.”
“I wouldn’t wish what I have been through on anyone,” he added.
According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with rates on the rise. It is estimated that there will be approximately 21,300 cases diagnosed this year. Since the early 1990s, skin cancer rates have doubled among women and nearly tripled among men.
Ross’s wife, Angela, provided immense support during his diagnosis in May 2024, when he was 43 years old. The news was particularly shocking for the couple, who had welcomed their daughter, Amelie, the previous year. Ross, who also runs the International Development Football Academy in Reading, underwent two procedures before a major operation in October, which left him unable to walk for several weeks. “One of the toughest challenges was seeing my young daughter's disappointed face because I couldn’t play with or care for her. Not being able to be a father figure was mentally challenging for me,” he shared.
While doctors are satisfied with the condition of Ross’s left eye, he now wears sunglasses during training and matches for protection. “It should be mandatory for coaches to wear sunglasses at this time of year,” he asserted. “No one wears sunglasses as a coach, yet we are trained to face the sun while delivering debriefs, so students and players aren’t squinting while we talk. Protecting your eyes and wearing sunglasses should not be frowned upon.”
Ross stepped back from his managerial duties at Binfield during his recovery. The club, which competes in the eighth-tier Isthmian League South Central Division, has been supportive throughout his journey. “I missed almost half of last season due to illness,” Ross said. “My assistant Andy Bullett and first-team coach Keith Pennicott-Bowen stepped up in my absence. The club could have easily moved me on for health reasons, but they stood by me and my management team. I’m fortunate to have a chairman like Andy Cotton, who has been a rock for me as he has faced cancer himself.”
Ross expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from the Binfield community and the wider football community during this challenging time. “I cannot stress enough how important the football club has been for me. It has provided a welcome distraction. Just before my major surgery, I was named manager of the month after winning six consecutive games, which showed me that the players were with me,” he said.
Ross urges others to seek medical advice if they are concerned about skin cancer. “Be brave and get your moles checked. The peace of mind is invaluable,” he advises. “I encourage coaches, players, and athletes who work outdoors to wear sunglasses and use sunscreen. While it’s enjoyable to work outside, it’s essential to stay protected.”
Reflecting on the day at Wembley when Newcastle ended a 70-year wait for a major trophy by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the League Cup final, Ross sat with his mother, Jennifer, and stepfather, Brian. “After everything I’d been through with my illness, witnessing my brother climb the Wembley steps to lift the League Cup was an emotional moment,” he said. “Imagine if I hadn’t been there to see it. It made the moment even more special. My brother is my football hero, and I’m immensely proud of his achievements.”
