TEN-YEAR-OLD Frazer Tate, a schoolboy from Kidwelly who has overcome cancer and the loss of his right leg, will be the Local Hero at Ffos Las Racecourse on Sunday, March 1. The St. David’s Day Raceday will feature seven races, family entertainment, and a focus on community, courage, and Welsh pride.
Frazer’s journey began when he was eight, experiencing persistent leg pain initially thought to be growing pains. Despite the discomfort, he continued playing football and rugby. A turning point came while playing rugby at Parc y Scarlets Stadium in Llanelli, when the pain became severe enough to require medical attention. Subsequent tests at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff led to a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, in January 2024. Frazer began chemotherapy immediately.
When chemotherapy failed to stop the spread of the disease, doctors advised that the only remaining option was an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg. On April 29, 2024, Frazer underwent surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Within a day, he was attempting physiotherapy, and four days later, he returned home. His recovery continued alongside further rounds of chemotherapy, weekly immunotherapy, and intensive physiotherapy sessions as he learned to adapt to life with a prosthetic leg. Frazer received his prosthetic the day before his ninth birthday in October 2024.
Even after receiving the prosthetic, Frazer’s treatment was not finished. In early 2025, a lymph node was discovered on his lung, leading to thoracic surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Complications required a stay in intensive care, but by the end of February 2025, he had made a full recovery.
Throughout his treatment, Frazer remained an uplifting presence on hospital wards. Alongside his younger brother Nathan, aged eight, he saved pocket money to buy hand-knitted “positivity potatoes” to give to other children and staff on Rainbow Ward at Noah’s Ark Hospital. Each carried a message of encouragement: “I may be a tiny potato but I believe in you. Go do your thing!”
Now cancer-free and undergoing routine scans every three months, Frazer is back swimming, cycling, playing football for his local team, learning the drums, and taking part in school sports days. His parents, Stephanie and Jordan Tate, describe him as cheerful, determined, and quietly defiant, qualities that made him a natural choice as Local Hero for Ffos Las Racecourse’s St. David’s Day Raceday.
The event will include seven races, live performances from a Welsh choir, and a performance by acclaimed tenor Gruffydd Wyn. There will also be free Welsh cakes, bilingual St. David’s Day-themed activities, and family-focused entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Frazer’s story also highlights the work of charities supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Morgan’s Army, based in Gorseinon, was nominated by Frazer’s parents and will be present on the day. The charity has supported the Tate family financially and emotionally, and also organises events and sibling support days for Frazer and Nathan.
Stephanie Tate said:
“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. 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 spotlighting Frazer will combine the excitement of competitive racing with a clear message about community, courage, and Welsh pride. For Frazer, this day is a milestone focused not on illness, but on enjoying life and having fun as a child again.
