'Son would be proud' of skin cancer research fund

Terry Cross's son David was just 33 when he died. Credit: UTV

A Belfast businessman who lost his son to skin cancer has established a research fund in his memory.

Terry Cross's son David was just 33 when he died after a diagnosis of malignant melanoma, which affects 4,000 people in Northern Ireland every year.

The fund will enable the Ulster University to develop new approaches to diagnose and treat the disease.

“It’s absolutely heartrending to lose a child,” said Terry Cross.

“Although it’s technically very difficult to understand all the terminologies, yes I’m happy so far that they’re making progress.”

Terry, who was formerly chairman of Delta Print and packaging in west Belfast, has established the David Cross Research Fund.

He says the research, which got underway three years ago, is something his son would be proud of.

“I’m particularly happy that we’re doing something positive to help other people having to go through this ordeal,” Terry added.