Your Story Series: Meet Larissa

What is your name?

My name is Larissa Hurrell.

Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words.

Optimistic, down to earth and considerate.

What is your attitude towards sun protection today?

My 67 year old mother has had endless skin cancers taken off her with the worst one being a basal cell carcinoma which was on her chest. The little lump was only a millimetre in diameter but it had spread across her entire chest underneath the surface. She thankfully is fine but was told by her surgeon to never get her skin exposed to the sun again.

From then on I have been vigilant about sun protection as I also have extremely fair skin. Discovering Solbari has been exciting for my mum and I. We feel that getting the right clothing has taken our sun protection to the next level.

I have recently purchased a stand up paddle board and having good sun protection was a necessity! The Solbari tights which I am wearing in the photo and I have since bought the zip through rashie are absolutely fantastic. The fabric breathes and dries quickly plus they are extremely comfortable to wear. I also coat myself in 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and always wear a hat.

What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?

I would tell myself at 16 to not go into the sun without sunscreen and protective clothing, that you will never tan and you are only damaging your skin in the long run... when you get to your 30's the spots will start coming!

Thank you Larissa for helping raise awareness for skin cancer, melanoma and skin conditions, and sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.

The Solbari Team

Also in Solbari Blog

Your Story Series: Meet Jen

It's all about awareness really, and people are aware, they just need to take it seriously and notice it more. Knowing the consequences and being mindful of how easy it is to avoid, life in general, being out and about, is much easier, happier and less painful.

Your Story Series: Meet Gary

I first discovered skin problems via a visit to a skin cancer clinic in our district twenty years ago and have had lots of varying treatments since, including surgery. The common reference was “this damage was done when you were in your teens and lived in the surf."

Which countries have the highest rates of skin cancer?

Australia is ranked 1st for melanoma incidence rates at 33.6 per 100,000 of population. This has equated to between 1,400 and 2,000 Australians dying from melanoma per annum in recent times.