Everything is coming up roses

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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The lawn at the Groot Kerk in Graaff-Reinet was transformed into a rose wonderland on Friday 18 October, as locals planted 2 000 pink artificial roses in support of the Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association.

The roses, donated by Andy Johnson, owner of Merino Pharmacy, was sold to the public and the beautiful sight raised a whopping R40 000 for patient care. The rose extravaganza probably brought the most joy to cancer fighter Tercia Moos, who won R5 000 after she planted one of her nine roses in a secret spot, chosen by local cancer survivor Leon van der Walt.

Moos was diagnosed with breast cancer on 4 December last year. Her son, Dean, bought her a rose, and Moos bought eight more for herself.

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At around 10.30am, with rose number 754 of 2 000 in her hand, she saw a small dry spot on the lawn, which would later be announced as the winning spot.

Andy Johnson of Merino Pharmacy donated the roses ensuring a windfall of R40 000 for the GRCA. Photos: Christo Vermaak

"I decided this spot needed a rose to make it look more attractive. I just felt this spot on the lawn was special to me," she said. Moos was unable to stay until 6pm when the winner was announced, but was elated when Margie Parkes, head of fundraising for the association, contacted her with the news.

"The money will be used for a trip to an oncology centre in Port Elizabeth next month," the overwhelmed winner told the Advertiser. "It will be a year after I was diagnosed. I have to go for tests to see if I am cured."

Her advice to other cancer patients is to always be positive and to trust in God. "He carried me through this difficult time."

All 2 000 roses, sold at R20 each, were sold out. One local, whose wife died of cancer, bought 200 roses. The prize money was donated anonymously.

Chista Larson (Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association), Andy Johnson (Merino Pharmacy), Leon van der Walt (land surveyor) and Margie Parkes (Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association).