Wes Bonny Testimonial (summer 2012–2013)
'You know what to do, do it.'
The Wes Bonny Story tells the true story of a 26-year-young man who died of melanoma in March 2010.
Wes's story demonstrates that melanoma does affect young people. It also acknowledges that people may know how to protect themselves from the sun, but need to be more vigilant about sun protection.
Melanoma is one of the most serious cancers affecting young people and Wes's story is like that of any young Australian. He, with his family and friends, did things that many young Australians do, such as playing sport, going to the beach and enjoying the iconic outdoor Australian lifestyle. He wasn't trying to get a tan and did his best to protect himself from the sun but despite his efforts, he was diagnosed with melanoma when he was just 23 years old. The melanoma was removed but it was already in his bloodstream and later spread to his brain.
The campaign features Wes's parents, brothers and friends who recount their experiences of Wes's life, diagnosis and death.
Wes Bonny's experience challenges Australians to be more vigilant about sun protection behaviour. Reduce your risk by protecting your skin when you're outdoors. Like most people, you probably know how to protect yourself from the sun.
Check the sun protection times each day in the weather section of your daily newspaper, on the SunSmart and BOM websites or on the free SunSmart app. During the daily sun protection times, use a combination of sun protection measures: slip on a long-sleeved shirt, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, slop on SPF30+ sunscreen, slide on sunglasses and seek shade.
Wes's story closely reflects the facts communicated in the Dark Side of Tanning campaign, which is also running in Victoria this summer.
The Dark Side of Tanning and Wes Bonny campaigns complement each other. Dark Side of Tanning builds a platform of awareness of the dangers of tanning and the severity of melanoma. Wes's story personalises the issue fur young people and highlights the importance of protection.
 View the full 90 second TVC |
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 View the 30 second TVC |
 View the 30 second TVC |
 View the 30 second TVC |
About the campaign
Developed by the Cancer Institute NSW, the SunSmart program first implemented the campaign in Victoria last summer (2011–2012), with funding from the State Government and VicHealth. Further funding support has seen the campaign repeated this summer. The campaign will appear in cinemas, online and potentially on television, as a community service announcement.
In Victoria, Wes's Story has been successful in increasing young Victorians' perceived susceptibility to melanoma and the tagline, ‘You Know What To Do, Do It' has made people more aware of their ability to protect themselves from this preventable cancer.
Results suggest that young people have high levels of knowledge about skin cancer and sun protection, but need to be reminded to put what they know into practice.
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