As 2025 draws to a close, Caring Matters Now reflects on an extraordinary year filled with fundraising triumphs, awareness breakthroughs, and unwavering support for those living with Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN). Together, we’ve achieved incredible milestones – thanks to you, our amazing community.
Fundraising That Made a Difference
This year began with a major boost when we received £15,000 from Children in Need, helping us make a real difference for families affected by CMN. We also celebrated our very first corporate partnership with DL Accounts, whose Directors, Siobhan and Dexter Lawrence, have gone above and beyond, taking on marathons and hosting awareness events in their mission to raise £10,000.
Individual fundraising efforts were nothing short of inspiring. Joshua, just 15 years old, fearlessly completed a 300ft bungee jump in June, raising nearly £4,000. Lowri and Luke Davies rallied friends for a trek up Pen Y Fan, bringing in £2,400, while Taya, Lucy, Vicki and Layla embraced the Inflatable 5k challenge in July, adding over £700 to the total. In September, Hannah and Rhiannon smashed the Big Half, raising £2,300, and two CMN dads conquered Mexico’s three highest peaks as part of our 7 Challenges in 7 Continents campaign, raising an incredible £7,700.
Community spirit shone through with coffee and cake events hosted across the UK, collectively raising £2,400. In October, ten brave participants, including our teen members, scaled the heights of The O2, raising £2,600. And Pembridge Hall School made a huge impact, raising £8,000 and committing to another year of partnership. Altogether, thousands of pounds were raised, awareness spread far and wide, and our community united like never before.
Raising Awareness Across the Globe
Beyond fundraising, 2025 was a landmark year for awareness. Our CEO, Jodi, proudly represented CMN at the Global Skin Conference in Prague, and we exhibited at the Royal College of Midwives Conference to educate healthcare professionals. At the British Association of Dermatologists Conference, volunteers Rob and Diane worked tirelessly to raise awareness alongside Professor Veronica Kinsler, and at the British Dermatological Nursing Group Conference, Rebecca, Helen and Jodi met with many nurses from across the country.
September marked the start of our pilot programme for our new ‘Be Seen’ Quality Mark schools resource. In November we launched our first children’s storybook – Didi, The Wolf & The Starry Tattoos – and shared our message through national media coverage, including BBC Radio Merseyside, 5 News, and Sky News.
Support That Brings Families Together
Support for families remained at the heart of our work. We hosted nine regional gatherings across the UK, bringing together 274 families, and welcomed 64 new members to our growing community. Our Big Weekend in Birmingham was unforgettable, with 127 attendees sharing laughter, learning, and connection. We also launched new resources, including a Self-Advocacy Guide and Online Adult Toolkit, and provided 46 one-to-one consultations to ensure no one faced CMN alone.
Driving Research Forward
Research also took significant strides forward. At our Big Weekend, the CMN research team presented the most recent research updates – members learned about siRNA precision therapy, psychological impacts, and the vital role of the Clinician’s Research Assistant. We partnered with the Centre for Appearance Research to launch the Visible Difference Support Hub, displayed our INSPIRE magazine at the Francis Crick Institute, and continued collecting skin samples to drive essential research. Behind the scenes, the research team worked tirelessly towards bringing treatment to trials – a promising step for the future.
Looking Ahead to 2026
From fundraising feats to groundbreaking research, 2025 proved what’s possible when we unite for CMN. Thank you to every supporter, volunteer, and partner who made this year extraordinary. Here’s to an even bigger and brighter 2026!
Jodi Whitehouse
Founder and CEO of Caring Matters Now
