FLOWERS will be planted in memory of a popular Rotarian who promoted the End Polio Campaign across Barnsley.
Terry Sykes died on September 10 aged 75, as a result of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. He was diagnosed in 2017 but ignored his illness through his determination to live a full and active life.
Terry was a member of the Rockley Rotary Club and was president twice from 2004-2005 and again from 2017-2018. During his time in the rotary club, Terry became district governor and served on the Foundation Committee for Great Britain and Ireland. This role allowed him to travel to India to help immunise children as part of the National Immunisation Day programme.
“Terry was a Rotarian through and through,” said president of Stainbrough Rotary Club, and close friend to Terry, Barbara Lee.
“He was so passionate about the End Polio Now campaign that he went to India to help the children there despite having cancer. He would always talk about his time there fondly, I think he really enjoyed being out there and helping people.”
Globally, rotary clubs are committed to the eradication of polio, an infectious disease that can cause muscle weakness and deformities and is caused by faecal matter entering the mouth. Each year rotary clubs plant crocus flowers to raise awareness for the efforts to eradicate the disease and Terry was instrumental in the planting of the flowers across Barnsley.
“Now Stainbrough and Rockley rotary clubs plant them all over Barnsley in Locke Park, Penny Pie Park and even get the students from Horizon and Netherwood schools involved. It’s lovely to see the flowers spring up when they bloom.”
In honour of Terry, Rockley and Stainbrough Rotary Clubs will be planting crocuses at Cannon Hall.
“We thought this would be a great way to honour him,” said Barbara. “I asked Terry where he would like the crocuses to go before he died and he immediately said Cannon Hall.”
Sharon Sutton, project manager at Cannon Hall Museum, said: “We are delighted that such a touching tribute to Terry Sykes will be on display in our park and gardens for all to appreciate and enjoy. Terry was such a great supporter of the museums that it is only fitting that he is remembered at one of our attractions, the planting of crocuses in his name is the perfect way to do it.”
The planting will take place tomorrow and Sunday at 11am at Cannon Hall. Those who knew Terry are invited to plant a bulb in his honour.
