A Sunflower growing competition has been launched by the Haskins Snowhill Garden Centre at Copthorne to support the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund. Melanoma is the Gardener's Cancer, now affecting 1 in 50 and is the most common cancer amongst young people.

The Charity's founder, Harry Townsend, former assistant curator at the world famous Kew Gardens, gained support from seed producers Thompson and Morgan who packaged sunflower Solar Eclipse under the Charity's slogan 'The Darker Side of the Sun', from which £1 per packet goes to the Charity.

Schools in the region are being encouraged to joint the competition to grow the highest Sunflower by 10th September using the special Solar Eclipse seeds. The tallest Sunflower will receive vouchers worth £50 and the runner up will win £30.

A poster design competition has also been launched where pupils are encouraged to create a poster that will warn against the danger of the sun’s rays to those who do not protect their skin. The winning design will be displayed at the garden centre and the school will win £20 vouchers.

Harry, who is busy planning Melanoma Awareness Week which commences 12 June, says that he hopes that both competitions will remind growers to protect themselves from the in the strong summer sunshine as well as raise crucial funds for research and awareness initiatives.

“We are very grateful to Haskins for supporting our charity. This year we are determined to raise £1 million to support the research for a cure to a disease that attacks anyone no matter how old or fit they may be,” said Harry Townsend. “We hope people will lend their support to the competition and other fundraising events planned.”

Anyone wishing to donate or support the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund can visit www.melanoma-fund.co.uk or contact Harry Townsend on 01342 322508.