Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) has today announced that the Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign will be the official Charity of the ALPG Tour.

The Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign was initiated by Fiona in 2008 with the backing of Cancer Council SA. As a professional golfer and ALPG member, Fiona travelled the world playing on tours in Australia, Europe and America. Shortly after retiring as a player in 2005, she was diagnosed with a deep, skull-based melanoma. She battled a major operation and ongoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy over three years.  Tragically, Fiona passed away in March 2009, aged 44.  Her Campaign aims to raise awareness about skin cancer and the steps we can take to reduce the risk.

The APLG has offered their support for the campaign, in honour of Fiona and with cause to educate other professional golfers and sporting enthusiasts of the all-important Sun Smart message.

Past and present players have in recent years shown their support for Fiona’s campaign by wearing badges, bands and signing autographs at her marquee during the Women’s Australian Open.  The 2010 Championship will again host and promote the campaign and money raised from the Open will go directly to Fiona’s Campaign at Cancer Council SA, with all funds going to Cancer Council’s Flinders Lodge, Kent Town where people from regional areas stay whilst receiving cancer treatment in Adelaide.

Louise Pike, sister of Fiona, works with a dedicated committee including Fiona’s family and several past professional tour players.  Their presence at this year’s Women’s Australian Open will reinforce their dedication to the Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign and their commitment to continue Fiona’s legacy.

Warren Sevil, CEO of Australian Ladies Professional Golf, said the Tour would be looking to promote the campaign through a range of means. “Our players have already been active in promoting and raising funds for Fiona’s cause over the past two years. We are pleased we have come to an arrangement with Fiona’s family and Cancer Council SA, which allows us to formalise the campaign as the official charity of the ALPG Tour.  We are committed to continue to promote her campaign whilst at the same time remembering a much valued and respected member."

Precious advice from Fiona for all Australians is the need to be especially vigilant in protecting your skin (SLIP! SLOP! SLAP! SEEK! SLIDE!) and checking for changes.   See your doctor if you notice any of changes or if you are unsure about any spots you have.