Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway is urging fans to take sun safety seriously after experiencing a recent skin cancer scare. Holloway, 62, underwent an operation in May to remove a growth from his face.

Holloway revealed that his personal experience inspired the club's new training kit, which is designed to alert players and fans to the dangers of sun exposure. He has since partnered with marketing agency Pablo's UV-U-SEE initiative to raise awareness of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Holloway described his skin cancer scare as a "real shock" that he wouldn't wish on anyone. He admitted that undergoing surgery to remove a growth from his face made him realize how easily people can underestimate the risks of sun exposure, even when enjoying sports or being active outdoors.

Speaking before Swindon's final game of the League Two season against MK Dons, Holloway shared his experience and advice. "I'm in a wonderful time in my life now. I'm getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me. You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems," Holloway said. He urged fans, "My advice to anybody is please don't do it. Don't let your kids get burnt. Don't go out there if you've got fair skin like I have". Holloway recommends wearing Factor 50 sunscreen and keeping covered. He added, "I can't do anything about these bits, and I've got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now".

Holloway also humorously addressed the visible scar on his face, saying, "It looks like I've had a fight with a bear and lost. You can't hide that fact". He also noted, “Luckily, they cut it out and they're sending it off to see. There'll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here".

Despite the surgery, Holloway managed Swindon Town in their final game of the season against MK Dons. Following the match, Swindon Town's X account posted photos of Holloway with the caption: "Speedy recovery, Gaffer". Fans also showed their support.

The club's new shirts incorporate the UV-U-SEE logo, which changes color as UV levels intensify, serving as a visual reminder of the risks associated with sun exposure during sports and outdoor activities.

Hannah Penn, Joint Managing Director at Pablo, was diagnosed with Melanoma in 2022. She stated that melanoma cases have tripled in the last 30 years, but too many people still treat sun safety as a summer-only issue. Penn added that UV is strong enough to damage skin on one out of every four autumn and winter days in the UK, and sport adds an extra risk factor since players are exposed for long periods, and sweat makes the skin even more sensitive. She believes that UV-U-SEE helps spark the behavior change we urgently need by making the invisible visible.

Holloway was appointed as Swindon Town's manager in October 2024. He successfully steered the team away from relegation danger and into the top half of the table.