Dr Sian Williams announced as ambassador for cancer charity Maggie’s

The BBC presenter, who hosts the Radio 4 programme Life Changing and is also a counselling psychologist, has been involved with the cancer care charity for 10 years.

She joins the likes of broadcaster Mark Chapman, Emmerdale star Lisa Riley and recording artist AJ Tracey as Maggie’s marks its 30th year of supporting people with cancer.

The Swansea branch of Maggie’s, located on the grounds of Singleton Hospital, offers free practical, emotional, and social support to anyone living with cancer, as well as their family and friends.

Having opened by then, First Minister Carwyn Jones on December 9, 2011, to address the critical need for holistic cancer support in South West Wales, Maggie’s in Swansea sees approximately 3,000 new cancer diagnoses every year.

Locally, Swansea City Football Club has been associated with Maggie’s as its charitable partner since August 2023, with a campaign titled “Tackling Cancer Together”.

The club chose Maggie’s due to the charity’s direct impact on the local community and the personal experiences of club figures with cancer. 

They launched an eye-catching pink third kit for the 2023–24 season dedicated to the partnership. The design featured coloured spots representing common types of cancer, with £3 from each sale donated to Maggie’s.

Swansea City legends Alan Curtis MBE and Kev Johns MBE have long-standing ties to the charity, serving as ambassadors for the Swansea centre following their own cancer diagnoses.

Dr Sian Williams said: “I am delighted to be asked to become an ambassador for Maggie’s. I know how brilliantly and compassionately they deliver expert and holistic care to those going through cancer and their family and friends.

“I’ve worked at Maggie’s and had a cancer experience too, so I know what an enormous difference that support can make. I am looking forward to working even more closely with the charity to make sure they can reach as many people as possible at what is potentially the hardest time of their lives.”

After many years as a news presenter on the BBC, including on BBC Breakfast, Dr Sian studied for a Master’s Degree in Psychology, followed by a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. 

During her training as a counselling psychologist, she undertook a placement at Maggie’s West London at Charing Cross Hospital, where she spent 18 months facilitating support groups and delivering one-to-one therapy. 

Since then, Dr Sian has, amongst other things, spoken at a carol concert to raise funds for Maggie’s, hosted a panel discussion on men, cancer and mental health in the Senedd for the charity, and taken part in Maggie’s campaigns to raise awareness of treatment induced crash menopause. 

Dr Sian has personal experience of cancer after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50 in 2014. Her treatment included a double mastectomy. The author has since expressed how her experience made her realise what a difference the right support can make. 

Dame Laura Lee DBE, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “We are so pleased to announce Dr Sian as an ambassador for Maggie’s. As a psychologist and someone with lived experience of cancer, I know she truly understands our support and the needs of our centre visitors.

“We are marking 30 years of transformative cancer care this year  and are more committed than ever to making sure everyone with cancer, and their family and friends, has access to our free expert, practical, emotional and psychological support. It’s wonderful to welcome Dr Sian to the Maggie’s family during our 30th year.” 

Maggie’s has been providing free, expert emotional and practical support for people with cancer for 30 years.

[Lead image: BBC]

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Inspired by classmate Grace, Llanelli pupils raise over £130 for charity

Six pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant in Llanelli have turned inspiration into action, raising more than £130 for charity after setting up a handmade stall at school — all sparked by the story of their classmate Grace Williams, recently named Nation Radio’s Pride of Wales Young Fundraiser of the Year.

Selling loom bands, bracelets, and other creative items, the group — Isabelle Millet, Liliwen Morris, Nel Millard, Cali West, Avalyn John, and Scarlett Price — donated the proceeds to Action for Children, Maggie’s, Cancer Research UK, and Sandy Bear.

“We are incredibly proud of our young fundraisers,” said teacher Elliw Roberts. “Their creativity, teamwork, and compassion have been truly inspiring. Grace’s story clearly had a powerful impact on them.”

Grace, 10, has raised thousands for charity through her own bracelet-making efforts, and was honoured in June for her dedication to helping vulnerable children across the UK. Her mother, Kirsty Williams, said seeing Grace’s journey inspire others was “just amazing.”

“Grace has always wanted to help others,” she said. “To know that her journey has encouraged other children to do the same is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

The school says it plans to continue supporting pupil-led initiatives, with hopes that this will be the first of many fundraising efforts sparked by young changemakers.

More Llanelli stories from Swansea Bay News

Llanelli Town Council leader hits back at ‘lazy stereotyping’ in national media
Published July 2025: Cllr David Darkin responds to national coverage of the town, defending its community spirit and challenging outdated portrayals.

Councillor warns against further service losses in Llanelli amid health board consultation
Published July 2025: Local leaders raise concerns over potential cuts to healthcare services as Hywel Dda reviews its long-term strategy.

Llanelli town centre to see summer crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour
Published July 2025: Police and council teams launch targeted patrols and community engagement to tackle rising concerns in the town centre.

Llanelli Town AFC appoints Colin Staples as new general manager
Published July 2025: The club welcomes a new leadership figure with deep ties to Welsh football, aiming to strengthen its community and competitive ambitions.

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Women’s touch rugby tournament to support those Touched by Cancer

Ruth Wearing was a member of Bryncoch RFC’s women’s touch rugby team when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year.

But her team-mates have continued to share the values which the game prides itself on, supporting her throughout her time on the sidelines.

Ruth said: “I had a pain in my stomach last July and then felt a lump, so I went to my doctor who referred me for an ultra-scan which discovered a cyst.

“Doctors suggested I had a hysterectomy which I had at the end of September and, following that, a biopsy confirmed I had ovarian cancer.”

Ruth began a course of chemotherapy, with treatments every three weeks.

Despite the challenges, she is hoping to return to playing touch rugby with the team, possibly even as soon as August, when the side is one of 16 from across the Swansea Bay region taking part in a women’s touch rugby tournament.

The Touched by Cancer competition at Aberavon RFC’s Talbot Athletic Ground will see scores of women pit themselves against each other in the first event of its kind organised by Swansea Bay Health Charity, the health board’s official charity.

It is in aid of the charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton

Ruth added: “I was reasonably fit and healthy before I was diagnosed. I’d go for walks and fitness classes.

“About a year earlier, I had started playing touch rugby, and I was going to training every week.

“So when I got the news it was a huge shock. You think with cancer, ‘it’s not going to happen to me’, but you just don’t know.

“When I was told I went into a different world. I was not aware of things like the cold cap for treatment to reduce hair loss for example.

“I’ve had some aches and pains and there have been other side effects, but if I have had problems the nurses and doctors and consultants have been there and able to reassure me.

“Maggie’s charity and my work colleagues have also all been very supportive.

“Hand on heart it has been one of the hardest things I have done. But apart from my family and friends, I have also had support from the rugby team.

“I made new friends when I joined and they have been there for me, with cwtshes or dropping off cards. I’m still in the WhatsApp group and they send messages asking if I want to go for a cup of coffee if I’m feeling up for it. It has been a great support to know they are there. I suppose that’s what rugby’s all about.

“I’ve been back to watch them train recently and maybe when it gets a bit warmer I might be able to join in again. The touch rugby tournament is in August; there’s no guarantee I’ll be ready to play with them then, but who knows? I’ll certainly be going to watch and cheer them on.”

The South West Wales Cancer Centre, or SWWCC, is run by Swansea Bay University Health Board and provides a range of lifesaving NHS treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

It celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and Going the Extra Mile was launched by Swansea Bay Health Charity, to commemorate the landmark.

The appeal will support the thousands of patients from the Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda areas who are cared for there every year, as well as relatives and staff. Its £200,00 target aims to enhance care for patients, support their families, and provide extra resources for the dedicated staff at the cancer centre.

Touched by Cancer women’s touch rugby takes place on Saturday 9th August. It is run mainly by volunteers and will rely heavily on sponsorship to help make it one of the best charity rugby events in Wales.

Cathy Stevens, of Swansea Bay Health Charity, added: “We hope you can join us for the Touched by Cancer Tournament, which looks set to be an exciting competition of women’s touch rugby featuring 16 local teams all competing for the trophy!

“We encourage everyone to come and cheer on the players. Entry is £5, with free admission for children. The first game kicks off at 10am at Aberavon RFC, SA13 1AB.

“Please note that parking may be challenging, so car sharing is recommended. If you can’t attend but still want to support, you can contribute through our fundraising page, Touched by Cancer.”

(Lead image: Swansea Bay NHS)

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12 months means 12 MAGS games to vote on! Well, 11 this time, because... uh, stuff happened.

Anyway, please partake in the fun of picking the best MAGS submission of 2024?

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