A True St. David’s Day Hero . . . Ffos Las Racecourse to Honour Frazer Tate

The 10-year-old will be at the centre of events at Ffos Las Racecourse on Sunday, March 1, when the course hosts its St. David’s Day Raceday.

Frazer will be saluted as the chosen Local Hero after bravely overcoming cancer and the loss of his right leg.

The Carmarthenshire track will stage seven races as part of its St David’s Day celebrations, but off the turf the spotlight will fall firmly on Kidwelly schoolboy Frazer, whose courage and resilience over the past two years have left a lasting impression on his family, friends and the medical teams who cared for him.

Frazer was just eight years old when he was diagnosed in 2023 with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.

What followed was a prolonged period of chemotherapy, major surgery and repeated hospital stays, culminating in an above-the-knee amputation in April 2024.

Today, he is happily back in school, reunited with his friends and once again enjoying the activities he loves.

Frazer’s journey began with what appeared to be routine childhood complaints.

An energetic and sporty child, he began suffering from leg pain that was initially put down to growing pains.

Frazer Tait on his bike after the fitting of his prosthetic right leg.

Despite the discomfort, he continued to play football and rugby, often limping only after matches had finished.

One moment proved decisive. While playing rugby at Parc y Scarlets Stadium in Llanelli, he was clearly in pain but refused to come off the pitch.

Further medical checks led to an urgent referral to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, followed by a transfer to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff.

Scans initially suggested an infection, but a series of biopsies eventually confirmed cancer in January 2024. Frazer began chemotherapy immediately.

Frazer Tait rock climbing

Despite the physical and emotional toll, his family say Frazer showed remarkable bravery.

When chemotherapy failed to stop the spread of the disease, doctors advised that the only remaining option was to amputate his right leg above the knee.

On April 29, 2024, Frazer underwent surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Within a day, he was attempting physiotherapy, and four days later he was home.

His recovery then continued alongside further rounds of chemotherapy, weekly immunotherapy and intensive physiotherapy sessions as he learned to adapt to life with a prosthetic leg.

Frazer Tait and family two weeks after his amputation

Frazer received his prosthetic the day before his ninth birthday in October 2024. But even then, his 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 left him in intensive care, but by the end of February he had made a full recovery.

Throughout his treatment, Frazer remained an uplifting, positive presence on hospital wards.

Alongside his younger brother Nathan(8), 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.

Frazer Tait with younger brother, Nathan.

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 mum Stephanie and dad Jordan say his personality — cheerful, determined and quietly defiant — never faded, even during the hardest moments.

That strength is why Ffos Las has chosen Frazer as its Local Hero for the St David’s Day Race Day, an event designed to celebrate Welsh identity and honour those who embody national values of determination and community spirit.

In addition to racing, the day will feature live performances from a Welsh choir and acclaimed tenor Gruffydd Wyn, a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent.

There will also be free Welsh cakes, bilingual St David’s Day-themed activities and family-focused entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Frazer’s story has also highlighted the role of charities supporting families affected by childhood cancer.

One of those, Morgan’s Army, based in Gorseinon, will be present on the day after being nominated by Frazer’s parents.

The charity has supported the Tate family financially and emotionally, while also organising events and sibling support days for Frazer and Nathan.

Frazer’s mum, Stephanie says: “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 hope their spotlight on Frazer can help combine competitive racing with a clear message about community, courage and Welsh pride.

Frazer will be there for another milestone — but this time it’s nothing to do with illness, but a chance to have fun being a child again.