To take part in the competition you must donate here AND fill out the form this link takes you to  -  https://tinyurl.com/sunsweep22 

If you are here just to donate, thank you - Please give whatever you feel you can afford, and if you would like this to go towards the fundraising total of one of our growers please put their name, or their sunflower's name, in the comments box.

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Hello growers,

The time has come to secure your place in this year's competition. We need you to do a few quick bits to help things run smoothly:

1. Make your donation to Breast Cancer UK on here. £10 is the minimum amount to secure your place, last year's average donation was £25. Please give what you can. This is the most important bit.

2. Please make a note of your sunflower's name in the comments box when donating (be imaginative, not offensive)

3. Fill out the entry form on the link below - This will help us get your competition pack (seeds in an envelope) to you and keep you informed of how the competition is going. A word of warning, if we get more than 1000 entrants we may ask you to buy your own seeds.

https://tinyurl.com/sunsweep22   [we can't create a hyperlink on here, you will have to copy and paste I'm afraid]

Full details of the competition rules can be found on the entry form, but important things to remember are:

1. Don't take this competition too seriously, that is our job!

2. As soon as you get your seeds you can start growing, but we would urge caution with planting your seedling out before the last chance of frosts have passed

3. The official start date of the competition is 8th April, and its last day is 22nd July

4.Please send us details of the height of your sunflower weekly (a link to an online form will be sent out soon). This helps build the tension, and keeps everyone informed

5. On the last day we will measure the height of the tallest flower as a check (and reserve the right to pop round for a cup of tea to check on your progress at any time!)

6. The tallest sunflower will win £50 and the winner's trophy, the middle sunflower (30th out of 60, if we get 60 entrants) will win £25 and a trophy

7. Once the competition gets going, please encourage anyone not entered to donate towards the cause on here too. If they make a note of your sunflower's name when they donate, we will tot up who is the biggest fundraiser and send you a bottle of champagne

Happy growing, everyone.

Nick x

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A few of this year's competitors have had very personal battles with breast cancer, and they have been kind enough to give us their reflections. Please read these before donating if you have time.

“Our family have so much to thank charities like Breast Cancer UK for. It is thanks to their amazing work that our mum (and many more like her) have survived devastating breast cancer diagnoses to be able to see their children and grandchildren grow up. 

We’ll be willing our sunflower on this year not only for mum but also several friends who are currently undergoing treatment for this cruel disease. Please give what you can folks!” - Louise

“Having a Breast Cancer diagnosis is terrifying however,  having the support of Breast Cancer UK put all my fears into perspective. 

The work they do on finding better treatments and a cure is invaluable and they can’t do that without our help - Thank you for supporting this worthy charity 😊” - Jo 

“No cancer is good, but breast cancer seems to have more psychological effects for a woman when part of their body is removed.
Stressful parts are also waiting for test results and fear of the unknown” - Andy

"There are so many ways breast cancer can affect an individual and their family. Breast Cancer UK is there for all aspects and without them, people can feel very alone and isolated. 

Knowledge is power and early detection of this devastating disease is proving vital to onward survial and cure. Dont be afraid to talk and get checked  x" - Abigail