Retired Swansea dentists raise over £12,000 for cancer centre that treated them

Two retired Swansea dentists have raised an impressive £12,540 for the South West Wales Cancer Centre, following their personal recoveries from cancer and a shared determination to give back.

Geraint Jeffreys (75) and Wayne Richards (73) — lifelong friends and former dental practitioners — each underwent treatment at the centre after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and tongue and neck cancer, respectively. After completing treatment, both men took on significant physical challenges: Wayne competed in the Llanelli Sprint Triathlon, placing third in his category, while Geraint walked 125km of the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain.

They later hosted a fundraising evening at Langland Bay Golf Club, complete with an auction and raffle, raising £6,270 each for the Radiotherapy Department and the Head and Neck Oncology Charity (HANOC) — both part of the Swansea Bay Health Charity.

“I was treated during Covid, and three years later the cancer cells started growing again,” said Geraint, who previously ran a dental practice in Manselton. “The team at Singleton were incredible — they gave me options, advice, and endless support. I never felt alone. So when Wayne and I talked about doing something to say thank you, we knew it had to be big. The Camino was tough, but every step felt like a tribute to the people who helped me get there.”

Wayne added: “I noticed a swollen lymph gland and asked my old practice to take a look. That led to scans, a biopsy, and six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. “The care I received was outstanding — from diagnosis to treatment, the staff were compassionate, skilled, and reassuring. My brother had the same cancer and was also treated successfully at the Centre. That’s why this fundraiser meant so much to me. It was our way of giving back to the people who gave us our lives back.”

The Langland fundraiser featured presentations from Courtney Bell, Macmillan Head and Neck Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Natalie Moore, Therapeutic Radiographer — spotlighting the centre’s work and the impact of donations.

“Seeing Wayne and Geraint thriving after treatment is the most meaningful part of our job,” said Courtney. “Their donation will help us provide dry mouth products, nebulisers, information packs and communication aids — all of which make a real difference to patients coping with side effects.”

Anna Iles, Interim Head of Radiotherapy, added:

“On behalf of our department, thank you. This donation will make a meaningful difference to our patients.”

Swansea Bay Health Charity supports innovative care through donations not covered by NHS funding — including specialist equipment, enhanced spaces, and patient wellbeing services. Learn more at Swansea Bay Health Charity.

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