Mastodawn

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.

The Phoenix Choir of Wales perform in Swansea Market to support the launch of the Lord Mayor’s Just a Pound appeal.
(Image: Swansea Council)

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.

A Swansea Market trader shows support for the Lord Mayor’s Just a Pound appeal with a branded collection tin.
(Image: Swansea Council)

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.

Lord Mayor Cllr Cheryl Philpott with a supporter at Swansea Market, collecting donations for the Just a Pound appeal.(Image: Swansea Council)

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.”

Kev Johns with a supporter at Café Jane in Swansea Market, helping raise awareness of the Just a Pound appeal.
(Image: Swansea Council)Kev Johns, Lord Mayor Cllr Cheryl Philpott, her consort and supporters pose at Swansea Market with the Phoenix Choir of Wales.
(Image: Swansea Council)

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.

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Editor Jul 10, 2025

Young Swansea trader shines at market event

Bethany Coram, owner of Coram Ceramics, was named joint winner in the arts and crafts category at the South Wales regional final of the NMTF Young Traders Market competition, held at Swansea Market.

She shared the accolade with Alana Jones, founder of Alana Jayne Jewellery in Ammanford. Both will now go on to represent the region at the competition’s grand final in Stratford-upon-Avon this August.

Alana Jones, of Alana Jayne Jewellery.
(Image: Swansea Council)

The event, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, brought together nine of South Wales’ most promising young traders, who showcased their businesses alongside the market’s popular vegan mini-market.

David Hopkins, Swansea Council joint deputy leader, said: “Competition judges were impressed with the ambition of the young traders, and the quality of their offers. We wish them all the very best as they continue their endeavours in market trading.”

Judges included Swansea Lord Mayor Cheryl Philpott, and council regeneration managers Clare James and Matt Callaghan.

Alana Jones was also named overall winner of the regional final.

Other category winners included:

Abigail Smith, of Abi’s Macarons (Bridgend)
Katie Lambert, of Classy Canine Creations (Bridgend)

Highly commended awards went to:

Leah Morgan, of Malfie & Cro (Cwmbran)
Charlotte Taylor, of Taylor’s Tiny Tots (Merthyr Tydfil)

Abigail Smith, of Abi’s Macarons, picks up her award.
(Image: Swansea Council)Katie Lambert, of Classy Canine Creations, picks up her award.
(Image: Swansea Council)Leah Morgan, of Malfie & Cro, picks up her award.
(Image: Swansea Council)Charlotte Taylor, of Taylor’s Tiny Tots, picks up her award.
(Image: Swansea Council)

The event also honoured Wayne Holmes, chair of Swansea Market’s NMTF branch, who received a special presentation from NMTF president Mike Riley and the Lord Mayor in recognition of his 30 years of trading at the market.

Wayne Holmes is recognised for his 30 years of trading at Swansea Market.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Swansea Market, managed by Swansea Council, is the largest indoor market in Wales and was crowned Britain’s best large indoor market last year.

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