Sheffield six-year-old grows tallest sunflower to ‘help poorly people’

Deborah Cundy and her husband decided to encourage people to grow the tallest and biggest sunflowers in lockdown to raise money for Weston Park Cancer Charity.

Deborah, who was the winner of the Woman of Sheffield Barbara Wragg award for charity in 2019, wanted to use ‘the happy flower’ to spread some positivity.

She said: “People of all ages and abilities jumped on board. What an amazing journey we have all been on.”

With a 10’5 high, 12’ wide sunflower, 6-year-old George Hardy was recently announced as the winner, earning him a position in Deborah’s ‘hall of fame’.

George’s family told how they were ‘totally thrilled’ when he opened a parcel containing a winner’s trophy and certificate.

George told his mum Jessica: “I'm really happy that growing my sunflowers can help poorly people but also I won a trophy.”

The fundraising efforts of those involved have brought joy to the charity that has been hard hit by the pandemic.

Charlotte Swinhoe, fundraiser for Weston Park Cancer Charity said: "You won’t be surprised to hear that covid-19 has hit our fundraising hard, just as people need us the most. So it's a joy to see people like Debbie finding new and innovative ways to raise money for people affected by cancer.

“We've always promised patients and their families that we'll be there - together at every step. Something which is only possible thanks to the continued support of individuals and businesses across the region."

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