ALVERA Johnston has helped gather yellow blooms her son has grown to support Daffodil Day for 25 years. This year was her last.

The 91-year-old Daffodil Day volunteer and her “Rock”, the late Kevin Johnston, bundled up tens of thousands of daffodils over the years to support the Gisborne-East Coast Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day.

Mr Johnston, one of the most prolific of daffodil suppliers, fought a brave battle against cancer. He was 66 when he passed away in February.

“Kevin would do anything for the Cancer Society. We never knew the day would come that we would need them ourselves,” said Mrs Johnston.

Kevin’s sisters Lois from Arrowtown and Heather from Wairoa came to help their Mum pick their brother’s final blooms.

The award-winning daffodil grower was the eldest of four siblings.

Mahia daffodil grower Merv Goodley will plant a large number of Mr Johnston’s bulbs in his own garden and continue the Rock’s legacy.

Cancer Society centre manager Kevin Tims said it would be at least a month before a final figure for Daffodil Day money raised would be released.

“The day was brilliant. We received great support.”

So far $18,000 has been raised by a stock drive.