A Belfast mother is sharing an urgent health warning after a 15-year tanning addiction nearly cost her her life. Fionnghuala Maguire used sunbeds almost every day starting at age 14. She never used sun protection because she wanted a deep, dark glow.
In 2020, a suspicious mole led to a skin cancer diagnosis. The treatments were very harsh. She suffered severe side effects that caused her organs to start failing. At one point, doctors told her she was only two days away from a fatal coma.
The mother of one now has regular laser therapy to treat skin damage. These treatments often leave her face swollen and bruised. Although she is currently clear of cancer, she must see a skin doctor every three months for check-ups.
Fionnghuala now lives with a constant fear that the cancer might return. She feels great regret for her past choices. Her obsession with tanning almost left her young son without a mother. She now urges others to avoid sunbeds and use safe tanning lotions instead.
Her message is simple: a tan is not worth your life. She hopes her story helps people love their natural skin and stay healthy. Today, she is grateful to be alive and focused on being there for her family.
