A ‘true fighter’ and ‘absolute legend’ – just two expressions used to pay tribute to Stuart Fecci – one of Tenby’s best known characters.
The sad news of Stuart’s passing, after a courageous battle with cancer, was shared by his wife Sallyanne over the weekend.
“Everyone starts January with new resolutions, we as a family start ours with revelations, renewals, realisations and no regrets. Sadly as of today we also start without our rock. We will miss you forever,” she posted on social media.
Stuart who lived on The Norton with his family, hadn’t hidden away his fight against cancer, and often shared amusing updates on Facebook about his trips to undergo treatment over the past few months.
His son, ten-year-old son Samuel recently set up a fundraiser, vowing to cut off the long locks he’d been growing for 18 months, to donate the proceeds to a cancer charity.
“When my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and lost his hair having treatment I decided to grow my hair to help cancer survivors, particularly children,” shared Samuel about his efforts for the The Little Princess Trust.
“I am a child that focuses on sport so growing my hair has been a real challenge.
“Can you step up to the challenge and help me raise the money to help a child by raising enough to make the wig, along with my donated hair?
“All monies no matter how large or small will be gratefully received. As my dad is now approaching end of life care I have decided the time to do it is now.”
At the recent Boxing Day Swim in Tenby, Samuel also stepped-up to fire the swim’s starting pistol – a duty usually carried out by his dad, after it was revealed that he was not well enough to attend the event.
Stuart with his wife Sallyanne and son Samuel outside their home in Tenby for the VE Day celebrations back in 2020 (Pic Gareth Davies Photography)
Tenby RNLI paid tribute with the following statement: “Everyone at the station were saddened to hear today of the passing of former Shore Crew member Stuart Fecci.
“Stuart served at the station with the Henry Comber Brown, up until a tragic accident in 1988 that saw him lose his hand.
“Stuart continued to be an active supporter for Tenby RNLI, as has the whole Fecci family, including Stuart’s son Samuel, who raised over £300 by completing the RNLI’s Mayday Mile walk in 2021.
“He will be missed by the whole community, and the thoughts of everyone at the station are with his wife Sally and his family.’
Stuart’s cousin, Deputy Coxswain Jon Lewis – who bares the Fecci name from his mother, remarked: “The last time I spoke to him he greeted me in a packed Tudor Square as the larger than life character he was and shouted ‘Coxswain Lewis and continued to congratulate me.”
Tenby Sailing Club stated: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our good friend Stuart Fecci. Our thoughts are with the whole Fecci family at this sad time.”