Numerous Welsh heroes are traditionally toasted on St. David's Day, but few are as worthy of recognition as ten-year-old Frazer Tate. The courageous schoolboy will take center stage at Ffos Las Racecourse on Sunday, March 1, during its St. David's Day Raceday, where he will be honored as the chosen Local Hero. Frazer's selection comes after he bravely battled a rare and aggressive bone cancer and underwent an above-the-knee amputation, demonstrating extraordinary resilience that has deeply inspired his family, friends, and medical teams.
A Journey of Courage and Determination
Frazer's challenging path began in 2023 when he was just eight years old and diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Initially, his leg pain was mistaken for typical growing pains, as he remained active in football and rugby, often only limping after games. A pivotal moment occurred during a rugby match at Parc y Scarlets Stadium in Llanelli, where he played through visible discomfort, leading to urgent medical referrals.
After scans and biopsies confirmed cancer in January 2024, Frazer immediately started chemotherapy. When this treatment failed to halt the disease's spread, doctors recommended amputating his right leg above the knee. The surgery took place on April 29, 2024, at Birmingham Children's Hospital, followed by a swift recovery that included physiotherapy within a day and a return home four days later.
Overcoming Ongoing Challenges
Frazer's recovery continued with further chemotherapy, weekly immunotherapy, and intensive physiotherapy as he adapted to life with a prosthetic leg, which he received just before his ninth birthday in October 2024. However, early 2025 brought another hurdle when a lymph node was discovered on his lung, necessitating thoracic surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Despite complications that required intensive care, Frazer made a full recovery by the end of February.
Throughout his treatment, Frazer maintained a positive and uplifting presence in hospital wards. Alongside his younger brother Nathan, he used pocket money to purchase hand-knitted "positivity potatoes" for other children and staff on Rainbow Ward at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff. Each potato carried an encouraging message: "I may be a tiny potato but I believe in you. Go do your thing!"
Celebrating a Return to Normalcy
Now cancer-free and undergoing routine scans every three months, Frazer has joyfully returned to school and his favorite activities. He is swimming, cycling, playing football for his local team, learning the drums, and participating in school sports days. His parents, Stephanie and Jordan, note that his cheerful, determined, and quietly defiant personality never wavered, even during the most difficult times.
Ffos Las Racecourse Honors a True Hero
This unwavering strength is why Ffos Las Racecourse has selected Frazer as its Local Hero for the St. David's Day Race Day. The event aims to celebrate Welsh identity and honor individuals who embody national values of determination and community spirit. In addition to seven exciting races, the day will feature live performances from a Welsh choir and acclaimed tenor Gruffydd Wyn, a finalist on Britain's Got Talent. Attendees can also enjoy free Welsh cakes, bilingual St. David's Day-themed activities, and family-focused entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Frazer's story has also shed light on the vital role of charities supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Morgan's Army, based in Gorseinon, will be present at the event after being nominated by Frazer's parents. The charity has provided financial and emotional support to the Tate family, while organizing events and sibling support days for Frazer and Nathan.
A Family's Pride and Hope
Frazer's mother, Stephanie, expressed profound gratitude, stating, "We are truly humbled that Ffos Las have chosen Frazer as their Local Hero for the St. David's Day Raceday. The past few years have brought challenges no child or family should ever have to face. Through it all, Frazer has shown a level of courage, resilience and determination that inspires us every day. He is, and always will be, our hero - and we are incredibly proud that Ffos Las have recognised his bravery in this way."
She added, "Our whole family - the four of us, along with Frazer's grandparents, aunty, uncle and cousins - are really looking forward to celebrating this special day with him. We hope that sharing Frazer's journey helps shine a light on the incredible work of charities like Morgan's Army and others who support families during their toughest moments."
Ffos Las Racecourse hopes that highlighting Frazer's story will blend competitive racing with a powerful message about community, courage, and Welsh pride. For Frazer, this milestone is not about illness but a joyful opportunity to embrace childhood once again, surrounded by love and celebration.
