Brothers rally to raise £3,000 after mum’s breast cancer diagnosis

When single mum Meinir Morgan sat her four teenage sons down just before Christmas to tell them she had breast cancer, she described it as the worst day of her life.

“I broke four hearts that day,” she said. “As their only constant, for me to have cancer wrecked their worlds.”

Meinir, from Birchgrove, had discovered a lump while on holiday in Florida. Within days of returning home she was seen at Singleton Hospital’s Breast Care Unit and, after a series of tests, was diagnosed with HER2+ cancer.

Treatment began on New Year’s Day: four months of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, radiotherapy and a year‑long course of immunotherapy. The side‑effects were brutal. “Chemo was rough, and I was hospitalised twice,” she recalled. “It was so hard on the boys to see me so ill. I lost my hair, but we made light of it with jokes about wigs and colours.”

A teenage response to heartbreak

For Lewis (18), Rhys (17), Ioan (15) and Iestyn (13), the news was devastating — but their response was immediate.

“It was almost instant,” said Lewis. “We thought, we’ve just got to crack on. The best way to support Mum was to raise money for the people taking care of her.”

With the backing of their school, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe, the brothers organised a bake sale, joined the Race for Life 5k, and hosted an afternoon tea. They also set up a JustGiving page, nervously setting a £500 target.

They needn’t have worried. Donations poured in, and by the end they had raised £3,150.

Giving back to those who cared

Earlier this month, the family returned to Singleton Hospital to hand over cheques of £1,500 each to the Chemotherapy Day Unit and the Breast Care Unit. The remaining £150 went to Cancer Research UK.

Meinir said she was “immensely proud” of her sons:

“When they were facing the worst news and scared of what the future held, they decided this was a positive focus for them — all while sitting A‑levels and GCSEs. It’s been the most challenging year, but they have been awesome.”

Community pride

Cathy Stevens, community support officer for Swansea Bay Health Charity, praised the boys’ determination:

“Throughout the entire journey, they kept their mum at the heart of everything they did. The result is a truly amazing achievement. Da iawn.”

For Meinir, the fundraising has been more than just money raised. It has given her sons a way to channel their fear into something positive. “They’ve been surrounded by great friends and support from the school,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder.”

Related Articles

• £14m Singleton Hospital development to transform cancer diagnoses
• New location for blood tests at Singleton Hospital
• Health board confirms temporary transfer of Gorseinon Hospital inpatient beds to Singleton
• Singleton Hospital to get more parking spaces

#Birchgrove #BreastCancer #breastCancerFundraising #BreastCareUnit #Cancer #CancerResearchUK #Chemotherapy #ChemotherapyDayUnit #fundraising #immunotherapy #Radiotherapy #SingletonHospital #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard #YsgolGyfunBrynTawe

Lord Mayor thanks Swansea for backing £200k cancer appeal at city market

Cllr Cheryl Philpott welcomed shoppers to the city’s indoor market on Saturday (12 October) as she kicked off her “Just a Pound” appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer campaign.

The money will support the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital.

Choir and community join launch

The launch featured a performance by the Phoenix Choir of Wales, while radio and panto star Kev Johns joined the celebrations to help spread the word about the fundraising drive.

Market traders showed their support by placing collection boxes on stalls, with further charity events planned throughout the year.

Lord Mayor praises generosity

Cllr Cheryl Philpott said: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along to support the appeal launch. Your generosity and enthusiasm mean so much, and I’m truly grateful to the market traders and all those who gave up their time to help make the day such a success.

“Cancer affects so many of us, and every penny raised will help support patients, families and staff at the centre. If everyone in Swansea gave just £1, we’d reach our target in no time.”

She added that raising money for the cancer centre was one of her main ambitions as Lord Mayor, alongside promoting Swansea’s historic indoor market.

Transforming Singleton’s cancer facilities

The South West Wales Cancer Centre, run by Swansea Bay University Health Board, provides life‑saving NHS treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Donations have already helped fund major improvements, including an £80,000 refurbishment of the Chemotherapy Day Unit. The new appeal aims to transform the old unit into a modern outpatient suite, creating a more welcoming space for patients and families.

Lewis Bradley, charity manager at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said: “Every donation makes a real difference, helping people in Swansea Bay and the surrounding areas access the very best care in an environment that truly goes the extra mile for them.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Lord Mayor launches £200k cancer charity drive at Swansea Market
Our earlier coverage of the appeal’s launch plans and the charities set to benefit.

Swansea Market wins ‘Best Large Indoor Market in Wales’ award
National recognition for the city’s historic market as traders celebrate community success.

#Cancer #Charity #CllrCherylPhilpott #fundraising #GoingTheExtraMileForCancer #JustAPound #JustAPoundAppeal #KevJohns #LordMayorOfSwansea #marketTraders #PhoenixChoirOfWales #SingletonHospital #SouthWestWalesCancerCentre #Swansea #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #SwanseaMarket

Lord Mayor launches £200k cancer charity drive at Swansea Market

Choir and celebrity support at launch

On Saturday 11 October, Cllr Cheryl Philpott will officially launch her charity appeal at Swansea Market, joined by the Phoenix Choir of Wales and radio and panto star Kev Johns.

The event begins at 12 noon and is open to all. Market traders are also backing the campaign, with collection boxes appearing on stalls throughout the fundraising drive.

Raising funds for vital cancer care

The Lord Mayor has chosen to support Swansea Bay Health Charity’s “Going the Extra Mile for Cancer” appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for the South West Wales Cancer Centre (SWWCC) at Singleton Hospital.

The money will help transform the centre’s old Chemotherapy Day Unit into a new outpatient suite with a welcoming, non‑clinical environment for patients and families.

“Every pound makes a difference”

Cllr Philpott said:

“Two of my ambitions as Lord Mayor were to raise as much money as possible for the South West Wales Cancer Centre and to promote our brilliant indoor market. I’m delighted to combine both for the launch of the Just A Pound appeal.

Cancer does not discriminate. Most of us know someone who has been affected. If each of Swansea’s 250,000 residents gave just £1, we’d reach our target in no time.”

Charity welcomes appeal

Lewis Bradley, charity manager at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said:

“We’re so excited that the Lord Mayor is supporting the appeal. Swansea Market is at the heart of the community, and this campaign is a wonderful chance to spread the word and get people involved. Every donation helps us provide the very best care in an environment that truly goes the extra mile.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

City welcomes its new Lord Mayor
Cllr Cheryl Philpott was inaugurated as Swansea’s Lord Mayor, pledging to champion local causes and support the city’s communities.

Swansea’s Lord Mayor goes the extra mile to support cancer charity appeal
The Lord Mayor chose Swansea Bay Health Charity’s £200k “Going the Extra Mile for Cancer” appeal as her official cause for the year.

Young Swansea trader shines at market event
Coram Ceramics’ Bethany Coram was among the winners at the Young Traders Market regional final hosted inside Swansea Market.

Swansea Market attendant sweeps up fans as TikTok star
Market worker Luke Riley has become a social media hit, fronting videos that have drawn millions of views and boosted footfall.

Market entrances to get new look after public vote
Shoppers and traders backed a copper‑coloured design to refresh Swansea Market’s entrances, reflecting the city’s heritage and future.

#Cancer #Charity #Chemotherapy #ChemotherapyDayUnit #CllrCherylPhilpott #fundraising #GoingTheExtraMileForCancer #KevJohns #LordMayorOfSwansea #PhoenixChoirOfWales #SingletonHospital #SouthWestWalesCancerCentre #Swansea #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #SwanseaMarket

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.

#Cancer #Charity #Dentist #fundraising #Mansleton #Radiotherapy #SingletonHospital #SouthWestWalesCancerCentre #SwanseaBayHealthCharity

Baglan Bombshells spin off hundreds for cancer charity

The women’s over 30s team organised a 24-hour Spinathon to raise money for the Swansea Bay Health Charity as part of the Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament – which is raising funds for the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital. This is also part of the wider ‘Going the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal.

The event at Baglan RFC involved 23 Bombshells who rode continually on two static bikes on rotation – kindly loaned by Warehouse Gym – from 6pm on Friday 27 June until 6pm on Saturday June 28.

Two inspiring Bombshells, Joanne and Leanne, having already cycled in their nominated four hour time slot in the early hours of the morning, saddled up to ride the last half hour in an emotional finish.

Both Joanne and Leanne have used the essential services that the Swansea Bay Health Board oncology department provides and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as they completed the last few minutes of the 24-hour ride.

As well as the Bombshells working hard to ensure the wheels were continually turning throughout, there was also an opportunity for others to join them on a third bike. The Bombshells wish to thank those from the Baglan Bombers, Baglan seniors, friends and family – who joined them on the bikes across the 24-hours.

The team say they were also delighted to welcome members of the Pontardawe Daffs women’s touch rugby team who also hopped on the third bike in the final hours of the ride, throwing their support behind the Bombshells.

Whilst the team were overjoyed to be joined by their teammate Ceri Forward, who despite having already completed a three peaks hike in Cardiff that day to raise money for mountain rescue, jumped on the third bike for the final half an hour.

The Spinathon also coincided with Baglan RFC’s Family Fun Day on the Saturday which saw scores of people flocking to the club for stalls, food, entertainment and games for all ages.

Michelle Hall, who rode on the 10pm to 2am shift, said: “We are over the moon to raise this amount of money for the Swansea Bay Health Charity, and we even have more to come, with donations still coming in!

“It was such an incredible 24-hours, every Bombshells gave it their all, and the support through the day was unbelievable. Spirits were kept high throughout the whole challenge – even through the graveyard shifts.

“The build up to the last half an hour gave us all goosebumps and it was a very emotional countdown to mark the end of the Spinathon with Leanne and Joanne on the bikes. We are so proud of them both as they have faced their cancer journeys with inspiring bravery.”

The Bombshells would like to thank everyone who has supported the cause through their attendance on the day and through their generous sponsorship.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has donated – every penny really does count – and if anyone would like to still support this cause it’s not too late,” said Michelle.

“We’d also like to thank Baglan RFC for hosting our Spinathon, Warehouse Gym and everyone who supported us on the bikes through the 24-hours – it was such a team effort.

“It was also fantastic to have our charity event coincide with Baglan RFC’s family fun day – it was such a lovely day which saw the community join together.”

The Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament will take place on Saturday 9th August at the Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon RFC, and will see 16 local teams take part. Spectator tickets will be available on the day and are £5 for adults with children going free.

Michelle added: “We can’t wait to play in the upcoming tournament and it’s been fantastic to see all the teams involved raise so much money for the cancer centre – and we know there is much more to come.

“Women’s touch rugby has certainly exploded in the Swansea Bay region over the last few years so to see everyone joining together, uniting for this special cause has been truly wonderful and we’re now counting down the days until 9th August!”

To donate to the Baglan Bombshells donation page, please visit: http://swanseabayhealthcharity.enthuse.com/pf/michelle-hall

To find out more about the Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament please visit their Facebook page.

The ‘Going the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal aims to raise £200,000 to develop a dedicated outpatient department specifically for cancer patients at Singleton Hospital. The goal of the appeal is to transform the current space into a comforting environment that supports the wellbeing of patients and their families during a challenging time.

#Baglan #BaglanBombshells #BaglanRFC #Cancer #Charity #fundraising #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #touchRugby

Swansea’s Lord Mayor goes the extra mile to support cancer charity appeal

Councillor Cheryl Philpott has made the Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal her chosen charity during her one-year term of office.

The appeal, run by Swansea Bay Health Charity, aims to raise £200,000 to support patients and staff at the South West Wales Cancer Centre, or SWWCC, in Singleton Hospital.

Run by Swansea Bay University Health Board, the SWWCC provides a range of life-saving NHS treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Councillor Philpott, who has represented the Sketty Ward since 2004, explained why she chose Going the Extra Mile for Cancer as her charity.

“It’s because cancer does not discriminate, not by postcode, gender, age or religious belief,” she said.

“I’m certain most of us know someone who has been affected by it or know families who have lost loved ones. Patients, like a very dear friend of mine, can sometimes be faced with arduous treatment.

“There are, thank goodness, people who have ‘rung the bell’ as they find their treatment has been successful and their outcome is positive.”

Swansea Bay Health Charity, the health board’s official charity, launched the appeal last September to coincide with the SWWCC’s 20th anniversary.

It will support the thousands of patients from the Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda areas cared for there every year, as well as relatives and staff.

Charity and the cancer centre have always gone hand in hand. The SWWCC was created following a fundraising campaign that saw £1 million raised. That triggered a £30 million investment by the health authority and Welsh Office that led to the centre’s establishment.

Since then it has received countless donations from grateful patients, families and other supporters.

A recent example of how donations are put to good use is a major refurbishment of the Chemotherapy Day Unit, CDU, after it moved from its old home at the back of the hospital to Ward 9.

The £80,000 cost was met by existing charitable funds. Now it’s hoped Going the Extra Mile for Cancer will support the next big project.

This involves converting the old CDU building into a dedicated outpatient suite complete with a warm and welcoming waiting area.

Councillor Philpott said: “By creating a space that is welcoming and feels non-clinical, despite the clinical need, it is hoped the patient experience will be as positive as possible.  

“The goal is to raise £200,000 to create that amazing space and the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund is part of the team that delivers on that aspiration.

“There are about 250,000 people living in Swansea. If each of us handed over just £1, we’d get there in no time at all.

“Please join me in backing this appeal.”

Lewis Bradley, charity support manager with Swansea Bay Health Charity, said: “Having shown Cheryl around the cancer centre at Singleton Hospital, I could see she is very passionate about making a difference for people who need support the most.

“Cheryl has many ideas regarding fundraising for our Going the Extra Mile Appeal and we look forward to supporting her, and her team in making it as successful as possible.

“We would like to thank Cheryl for choosing Swansea Bay Health Charity and wish her the very best for her year in office.”

#Cancer #Charity #CllrCherylPhilpott #LordMayorOfSwansea #Swansea #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #SwanseaBayNHS