TIGS spring to challenge

The Daffodil Challenge got off to a flying start yesterday as students from The Illawarra Grammar School donned the iconic yellow daffodils to launch the inaugural schools fund-raising competition.The Cancer Council of NSW has launched the initiative in the lead-up to Daffodil Day on August 22, to encourage young people to get involved in the fight against the disease.As part of the Daffodil Challenge, students and staff are encouraged to donate a coin to the cause and submit their best photograph featuring yellow by August 22.The most creative picture will be published in the Mercury's IQ lift-out on August 26.TIGS deputy headmaster and cancer survivor Monica Watt encouraged students, teachers, staff and parents across the region to take part in the Daffodil Challenge."It is an incredible organisation and before I was diagnosed with cancer, I didn't realise just how much the Cancer Council does," she said."It's fantastic to see such an enthusiastic group of young supporters at TIGS getting behind this event." Ms Watt was diagnosed with bowel cancer 21/2 years ago, and during the operation to remove that cancer, doctors found further cancer in her lung.The lung was removed and Ms Watt now has a "new lease of life", which she intends to make the most of by telling other people about the good work done by the Cancer Council. "They offered me counselling and phone support, as well as providing me with lots of information and individual help, taking me to the hospital the times my family could not."Schools interested in taking the Daffodil Challenge will need to register with the Wollongong Cancer Council office on (02) 4225 3660 or email tehlab@nswcc.org.au for more information.