SINCE the turn of the century Marion and Lyell Peatling have been the face of Daffodil Day in Cohuna.
Every year, on the fourth Friday of August and a day either side they can be found outside Una IGA, manning a merchandise stall to raise money for a cause that is dear to their hearts.
The duo first took up the cause after numerous incidents of cancer in the family, and their resolve was strengthened eight years ago when their grandson was struck with brain cancer.
“He was given eight weeks to live but he battled through it and he’s 14 now, so every year we do it for him,” Mrs Peatling said.
Mrs Peatling said the stall always received strong support from the local community.
“The town and the surrounding districts are wonderful, they really look after us,” she said.
“We hear heart-wrenching stories – nearly everyone has been touched by cancer, so they give us 100 per cent support.”
Usually the Peatlings – who are assisted by their granddaughter Kaitlyn – raise between $3000 and $4000, although their efforts took a hit when fresh daffodils were no longer available.
“They were very popular and we used to sell 350 bunches, so people were very disappointed about that,” Mrs Peatling said.
But this year, thanks to Mrs Peatling’s persistence, fresh daffodils will again be available.
“After lots of pleading they are sending us 50 bunches, which will sell quickly,” Mrs Peatling said.
Other popular items include teddy bears, which adopt a different costume each year.
“A lot of people have teddy collections and look forward to getting the new one each year,” Mrs Peatling said.
“We have the new dinner dance Ted this year but we also have teddies from the past two years for anyone who missed out.”
The Peatling will be running their stall from 9am to 5.30pm on August 25 and 26 and from 8am to 12 noon on August 27.
All money raised will be passed on to Cancer Council to help minimise the threat of cancer through successful prevention, effective treatment, support and cancer research.
