SWANSEA: City rallies for ‘our Kev’ as fundraiser launched after stroke

Jessica Rice, a close family friend, has set up the fundraiser to help ease financial pressures on Kev and his wife Rosie as he begins his recovery — with more than £2,200 already raised.

Known affectionately as “our Kev”, the much-loved entertainer has been a fixture of Swansea life for decades — from the panto stage at the Grand Theatre to the airwaves and the Swansea City stadium.

Now, the man who has spent a lifetime lifting others is being backed by the community he has given so much to.

In a heartfelt message on the fundraiser page, supporters said: “Kevin Johns MBE has been the heart of Swansea for decades… always showing up, always supporting others, and never asking for anything in return.

“Now, Kev needs us.”

Kev suffered a stroke and now faces a period of recovery where he is unable to work — coming after what friends describe as an already difficult few years.

Throughout it all, his wife Rosie has remained by his side “day and night”, with the fundraiser describing her support as the “true meaning of marriage”.

The page adds: “This fundraiser is our chance to give back to someone who has spent his life giving to others.

“We want Kev back doing what Kev does best — and he absolutely will be — but he needs the space and freedom to heal properly first.”

The appeal has struck a chord with many across Swansea, where Kev’s voice and personality have become part of the city’s identity.

Swansea Bay News previously reported that Kev was recovering after a minor stroke, and has also highlighted his incredible career — including more than 30 years as Swansea’s iconic panto dame and being awarded the Freedom of the City.

Supporters say this latest appeal is a chance for Swansea to “come together for Kev — just as he has always come together for us”.

Donations, big or small, are being welcomed to help Kev and Rosie focus fully on his recovery and return to the stage, the mic and the city he loves.

Swans legends back firewalk fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance

The duo visited the air ambulance charity’s headquarters in Dafen, Llanelli, ahead of the sponsored event at the Swansea.com Stadium on Thursday, March 19.

Supporters are being urged to sign up for the challenge, which is sponsored by Compass Cymru.

Club ambassador Lee Trundle said the visit brought home the importance of the service.

“When we arrived, we were looking forward to seeing the helicopter and meeting the crew, but they had just been called out on a mission,” he said.

“A real-life emergency was unfolding; it made us realise the importance of the work being done every day in Wales.”

He added: “The service helps thousands of people each year, which has a ripple effect on the communities in which they live. Saving a life – it doesn’t get much bigger than that.”

During their visit, the two players were shown the charity’s rapid response vehicles and the high-tech kit used by medics.

Swans Women’s midfielder Sammy Wynne said she was shocked by the weight of the clinical backpacks, which weigh around 27 kilograms.

“You really cannot believe the weight of their rucksacks until you try to lift them,” she said.

“We were told that the crew sometimes have to walk one or two miles from the drop-off point to the patient. They must be so fit to be able to do their job; it requires such dedication.”

She said the partnership between the club’s foundation and the air ambulance was a perfect match, as both have a common goal of helping people.

The Wales Air Ambulance attended 3,665 emergencies in 2025 and needs to raise £13 million every year to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles operational.

The service is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary, having carried out over 56,000 missions since its first flight from Swansea’s Fairwood Airport on March 1, 2001.

Christian Sullivan, the charity’s Regional Fundraising Manager, said he was grateful for the support from the football club.

“It’s exciting that our firewalk challenge is being hosted at the home of Swansea City Football Club and will benefit both our lifesaving service and the Swans Foundation,” he said.

“Every pound raised on the night will help save lives and support people through programmes in education, health and wellbeing, youth engagement and inclusion.”

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Hendy BAFTA winner calls for Tourette’s understanding after BBC apology
A powerful plea for respect after a broadcast sparks outrage.

Swansea favourite Kev Johns recovering after minor stroke
Much‑loved entertainer thanks supporters as he begins his recovery.

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https://newsletter.tf/snoop-dogg-swansea-city-co-owner-premier-league/

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https://newsletter.tf/snoop-dogg-swansea-city-co-owner-premier-league/

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