Blooming great idea raises thousands of pounds for Swansea's cancer centre

The seed of an idea to raise funds for Swansea Bay’s very own cancer centre hasn’t half grown since it was planted almost 30 years ago.

Every year, pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Clydach raise sponsorship to grow the tallest sunflower.

The proceeds are donated to the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital. And with the 28^th annual show having taken place at the school in July, the total raised over the years is an amazing £67,000.

Juliet Stack, now the school’s head teacher, organised the first event in memory of her husband Peter James. He was diagnosed with cancer just before the couple’s first wedding anniversary. He died when the couple’s daughter Robyn was only six months old.

Mrs Stack decided on a flower competition because Peter was a horticulturalist, and the event is now a hugely popular part of the school calendar.

The South West Wales Cancer Centre, SWWCC, is run by Swansea Bay University Health Board and provides a range of lifesaving NHS treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

It celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year and a fundraising appeal has been launched by Swansea Bay Health Charity, the health board’s official charity, to commemorate the landmark.

The appeal, Going the Extra Mile for Cancer, will support the thousands of patients from the Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda areas who are cared for there every year, as well as relatives and staff.

Picture shows (l-r) Juliet Stack, Carys Hodder, Dexter Rees, Willow Madge, Brianna Madge and Cathy Stevens.

Mrs Stack presented a cheque for more than £2,000 to Swansea Bay Health Charity community fundraising officer Cathy Stevens following this year’s event, held just before the start of the school holiday.

Proceeds came from tickets for the presentation concert, sponsorship raised by the children, and the sale of fruit lollies and refreshments.

“Also, one of our governors, Kirsty Smith, organised a cake sale at Bishop Vaughan school, where she is assistant deputy head,” said Mrs Stack.

“Her partner Byron Coe sadly passed away from cancer this year. We have done different tributes over the years, such as the Sixties and World War Two. Byron’s favourite artist was Elvis Presley and Kirsty particularly wanted Elvis this year, in his memory.”

With the sun shining, this year’s event took place outdoors in the school year. Each year took it in turns to sign and dance along to Elvis hits including Return to Sender and Jailhouse Rock.

The winner of the tallest sunflower competition was Brianna Madge, with Willow Madge and Dexter Rees in second and third place respectively. Winner of the prettiest sunflower was Carys Hodder.

Last year it took place in nearby St Benedict’s Church where a stained-glass window memorialises Peter, among other parishioners.

Mrs Stack went on to remarry Brendan Stack, who lost his wife Carole to cancer. Her name also features on the stained-glass window.

Brendan is GMB site convenor at Hinkley Point. He, along with GMB senior steward Matthew Williams, came to St Joseph’s to present a cheque for £500 on behalf of the union – taking the total raised to £2,035 (see photo, right).

“We have raised £67,000 since the sunflower competition started,” said Mrs Stack. I never thought we’d raise that amount.

“The first year, we did raise a couple of thousand, then it was different amounts throughout the years. But we have raised a tremendous amount, and we’re thrilled. The parents are always so supportive of it.”

And this year’s competition was especially poignant for Mrs Stack because she will be retiring in December.

“I’m hoping it goes on after I leave,” she said. “It’s a special day, bringing staff, pupils and parents together.

“The children love it. It’s a fabulous day of fun for them.”

Follow this link if this story has inspired you to support Going the Extra Mile for Cancer.

And follow this link to find out more about the appeal.