A woman who admitted using sunbeds from the age of 15 to compete with her friends for the best tan has died of skin cancer aged just 30. 

Chelsea Tantum, from Manchester, was diagnosed with melanoma aged 28 after spending a decade regularly using tanning beds.

By the time doctors discovered the cancer, it was already at an advanced stage and had spread to several parts of her body, including her spine, ribs, pelvis, lungs and liver.

Just weeks before her 30th birthday, Chelsea was dealt the devastating news that the disease had spread to her brain.

Despite her terminal diagnosis, the young woman dedicated her final years to warning others about the dangers of sunbeds and campaigning for tougher restrictions on their use.

Chelsea, who at one point was left wheelchair-bound by the debilitating disease, died on September 30, prompting an outpouring of tributes from devastated friends and family.

She had previously revealed how she first started using sunbeds when she was just 15, admitting that she and her friends would compete to see who could achieve the darkest tan.

Despite being underage, she claimed she was never asked to provide identification when visiting tanning salons.

Chelsea Tantum, from Manchester, was diagnosed with melanoma aged 28 after spending a decade regularly using tanning beds

Just weeks before her 30th birthday, Chelsea was dealt the devastating news that the disease had spread to her brain

Chelsea continued using sunbeds regularly for the following decade before receiving her devastating cancer diagnosis.

She was initially diagnosed with stage 3C melanoma, but the disease had already spread to her spine, ribs, pelvis, femurs, lungs, liver, spleen and breast, according to reports.

Shortly before turning 30, she learned that the cancer had reached her brain, leaving her with what was described as stage 4D disease.

Determined to prevent other young women from suffering the same fate, Chelsea became a vocal campaigner for stricter sunbed regulations.

She called for mandatory identification checks to stop under-18s from accessing tanning beds and used her own experience to raise awareness of the potentially deadly consequences of UV exposure.

She also raised more than £4,000 for the charity Melanoma Focus, which supports people affected by the disease and campaigns to improve awareness and prevention.

Following her death, loved ones paid tribute to Chelsea’s determination to help others while battling the disease herself.

Family member Lee Craven said: ‘You never gave up fighting, right until the very end. Throughout everything she went through, Chelsea used her experience to raise awareness for her condition.

‘Much love to you, Chelsea. I wish you nothing but the best on your next great adventure, whatever that might be.’

Close friend Claire Louise described Chelsea as ‘strong, beautiful, funny, determined and completely unforgettable’.

Chelsea continued using sunbeds regularly for the following decade before receiving her devastating cancer diagnosis

She said: ‘I watched you go through more than anyone should ever have to, yet somehow you still found the strength to use your own journey to educate, support and help others while fighting so hard for yourself.

‘I genuinely don’t know anyone else who could have carried it all with the dignity, grace and strength that you did.

‘You were strong, beautiful, funny, determined and completely unforgettable. Your friendship was such a gift to me. Every adventure, every conversation, every laugh and every moment by your side was an absolute pleasure.

‘I’m so grateful I got to know you, love you and do a little bit of life with you. 30 years was nowhere near enough, Chelsea.’

Chelsea’s funeral is due to take place on October 23 at Albion Church in Ashton, followed by a committal service at Dukinfield Crematorium.

The Government announced plans in May to introduce compulsory ID checks at tanning salons in England, alongside tighter supervision of sunbed use.

The proposals followed concerns that children were continuing to access sunbeds despite an existing ban on their use by under-18s.

The consultation closed in August, with ministers still considering the responses in September. The new rules could come into force as early as 2027.

Health officials have repeatedly warned that sunbeds expose users to dangerous ultraviolet radiation, which can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation, using a sunbed before the age of 20 increases the risk of melanoma by 47 per cent compared with never using one.

Chelsea’s death comes as health campaigners continue to warn young people that achieving a tan is not worth risking their lives.