Coffs Harbour couple Allan and Julie McCabe’s melanoma journey to feature in new film Conquering Skin Cancer

When Al McCabe was dying of melanoma skin cancer, he told his doctor exactly what he wanted done with his ashes – he wanted to “stalk” his wife Julie “in her handbag”. Here’s their story.

Julie and Allan 'Al' McCabe in Coffs Harbour.

When Allan ‘Al’ McCabe was dying of melanoma skin cancer, he told his doctor exactly what he wanted done with his ashes – he wanted to “stalk” his wife Julie “in her handbag every day of her life”.

Doctor Lois Oliver – who described Mr McCabe as “one of the cheekiest patients I’ve ever met” – ran with his idea and bought Mrs McCabe a beautiful handbag to carry the ashes.

Coffs Harbour's Julie McCabe carries her husband Al's ashes around with her in a handbag, as per his wishes.

Now, Al goes everywhere Mrs McCabe goes – even to the pub.

“Every time he goes there with the rugby old boys, there’s always a black beer right there for him. And they love it too,” she said.

Dr Lois Oliver described Mr McCabe as "one of the cheekiest patients I’ve ever met".

The couple’s skin cancer journey features in an upcoming documentary titled Conquering Skin Cancer, which explores the sunburnt country’s complicated relationship with the sun.

The movie is described as a must-see for Australians trying to prevent skin cancer.

Coffs Harbour's Allan McCabe ready for one of his passions – footy.

Mrs McCabe said her husband worked outdoors and was always out in the sun.

“His hobbies were diving, surfing, fishing, bike riding,” she said.

Years later, after Al became a quadriplegic in a football accident, he would sunbake to get warm. He was smothered in sunscreen and wore a bucket hat, but still got skin cancer.

“Still to the very last moment he was out in the sun,” Mrs McCabe said.

Allan and Julie McCabe were partners at the Coffs Harbour Debutante Ball.

After Al’s footy accident, the McCabe family had to learn how to live life differently, and then they had to do it all again after a small pink spot turned out be a melanoma.

Despite some successful treatment, Al’s cancer came back after five years as an internal melanoma through his abdomen, and he died in 2023.

Mrs McCabe’s feelings for her husband have not changed despite his death.

“We’re still married and that’s the way it will always be, I think for me,” she said.

Coffs Harbour GP Dr Lois Oliver urges Aussies to get checked for skin cancer.

Dr Oliver also features in the documentary, which is set to be released nationwide in early December.

“Just come in and get a skin check, even if it’s just (for) a tiny mole that you’re worried about that’s new, or that’s changed – it takes five minutes and those five minutes could potentially save your life,” she said.

The film premieres in Coffs Harbour at BCC cinemas on December 4.

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