A ‘true fighter’ and ‘absolute legend’ - just two expressions used to pay tribute to Stuart Fecci - one of Tenby’s best known characters who sadly passed away at the turn of the year.

The sad news of sixty-year-old Stuart’s passing, after a courageous battle with cancer, was shared by his wife Sallyanne after he passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his devoted family on January 4.

“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.

After a tragic accident in 1988 that saw him lose his hand, he reverted to humour in referring to himself as ‘Captain Hook’

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,” he added.

Anyone wishing to donate can head to: https://gofund.me/b6595069

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.

Fecci family
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 stating that everyone at the station were saddened to hear of his passing: “Stuart continued to be an active supporter for Tenby RNLI, as has the whole Fecci family.

“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.”

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, January 30 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations in memory of Stuart made payable to either Sandy Bear or Paul Sartori Foundation or RNLI Tenby c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.