Hero firefighter Ryan Channells marries partner Carlie after beating melanoma

When volunteer firefighter Ryan Channells was diagnosed with melanoma, he wasn’t sure he’d survive, but made a promise to his longtime partner Carlie that if he did they’d finally walk down the aisle.

Just one day after he was diagnosed with advanced and inoperable melanoma, volunteer firefighter Ryan Channells was back on the front line fighting the horrific 2019 Black Summer bushfires.

The now-44-year-old had been told he likely wouldn’t survive, but made a promise to his longtime partner Carlie that if he did they’d finally walk down the aisle.

After a groundbreaking clinical trial led by two Australians of the Year saved his life, Ryan is following through on his promise, marrying Carlie at an intimate beachside wedding in Port Macquarie on Saturday.

“I promised Carlie that if I beat this thing, then we’d go all out and she could have the wedding of her dreams,” he said.

“So here we are. I am cancer-free, and we are getting married with our two children Toby and Skye by our sides.”

Ryan Channells with his wife Carlie on their wedding day. Picture: Lucy Humphries Photography

The youngsters played the important role of ring-bearers at the moving ceremony, helping their mum and dad finally seal the deal after their engagement nine years ago.

“I’m very lucky, it was so close to all ending,” he said.

“It’s pretty amazing to have them involved.”

As well as family and close friends, members of the Wauchope Rural Fire Brigade were present, who have been a big part of the couple’s lives for many years.

Following his diagnosis, Ryan was referred to Melanoma Institute Australia in Sydney where he was put in a clinical trial.

He received six weeks of immunotherapy before surgery to remove a tumour in his groin.

Firefighter Ryan Channells and Deputy Captain Jamie Murphy. Picture: Nathan Edwards

He had initially been misdiagnosed by a GP, but said he was “blown away” by the support and expertise offered by doctors at the Melanoma Institute Australia.

“They were incredible,” he said.

“Without them I wouldn’t be here, and they are the reason I’m getting married.”

While Ryan battled cancer, Carlie took care of their home and the kids, and kept her partner sane.

“She’s been through a lot, she’s had to look after the two kids, take care of the home,” he said.

“She’d really done it all and she’s so excited for this.”

So successful was Ryan’s trial, Melanoma Institute Australia Co-Medical Directors Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer fought to have pre-surgery immunotherapy, known as neoadjuvant, added to the PBS for high-risk melanoma patients.

Ryan Channells with his wife Carlie and their children Skye and Toby. Picture: Lindsay Moller Productions

In a world-first, Professor Long is now using neoadjuvant immunotherapy in a bid to save the life of her long-term colleague Professor Scolyer, who was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer in June.

“He’s a very close friend which makes it hard,” Professor Long said.

“What we have seen (during his treatment so far) is amazing.”

Professor Long said she was ecstatic hearing the news of Ryan’s marriage, and said major milestones like this were exactly why her team “does what they do”.

“Melanoma is Australia’s cancer, it’s our prerogative to do something about it,” she said.

“Hearing about people moving on, and a massive event like getting married is a real example of just what we are trying to do.”

Ryan urged people to get their skin checked, saying he didn’t do it nearly as much as he should have prior to his diagnosis.

“A skin check could save your life,” he said.

“I was so close to not being here today, so if I can help anyone it’ll all be worth it.”

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