Her father had bought the first badge in 1998.

Two decades later, the Wagga woman and three-time cancer survivor said she had become passionate about sharing the colour of hope on Daffodil Day. 

Ms Shawe shared her inspiring story of optimism as part of Cancer Council NSW’s iconic fundraiser on Friday.

Yellow flowers, badges, toys, stuffed animals and hand-crafted items brought a sea of yellow to Wagga’s streets, malls and clubs for Daffodil Day, with money raised set to fund cancer research. 

Ms Shawe said she knew first-hand how vital the work not-for-profit was to cancer patients and their families. 

“Sometimes it’s just someone to listen when you don’t have family around,” Ms Shawe said.

“Becoming a volunteer was a way I could give back.”

The 73-year-old event team leader said she had painted the town yellow for Daffodil Day for 17 years. 

The coordinator of Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day in Wagga said the city’s efforts on August 24 would contribute to a $1 million state target. 

Linda Hoey said the signature day was Cancer Council’s most well-known across the country. 

“Our logo is the daffodil,” Ms Hoey said. “That’s the symbol of hope.” 

Ms Hoey said cancer research had come a long way, with the support of donations and fundraisers, but there was still along way to go.