Swansea City is proud to announce that Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos appeal will be the club’s official charity partner for the 2024-25 season.

The appeal is aiming to raise funds for the refurbishment of five homes that are used by the families of sick and tiny babies in Singleton Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The houses provide a home away from home for the families of babies being treated in the intensive care unit, allowing them to stay nearby during what is an extremely difficult and stressful time for them. That’s especially the case when, like Swans fans, the families come from all parts of south and west Wales and travelling times and accommodation costs can add to the stress they’re experiencing.

Cwtsh Clos – the row of five two-bedroom houses located in the grounds of Singleton Hospital – provides these families with a space to call their own as they bond with and help care for their vulnerable new babies.  The alternative might be months-long stays in hotels, or long, daily drives. 

Well used over the years, all five houses are now in need of a facelift to ensure they can continue to offer a warm and welcoming home away from home during this stressful time. 

The decision to name Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos appeal as the official charity was made after musician and matchday lounge host, Mal Pope, shared his own experience with NICU.

Mal’s grandson, Gulliver, sadly passed away after being born prematurely in September last year and the care he and his family received from NICU helped them through a devastating time.

Mal said: “For me this is the perfect partnership, two great loves of my life; Swansea Bay Health Charity Cwtsh Clos Appeal and The Swans. You think of all the great partnerships Swansea has had in the past, you think of Alan Curtis and Robbie James, to Jeremy Charles and David Giles. This is another great Swansea City partnership. I know together we can make a real difference.”

Many other people within the Swans family have since shared their own experiences of the incredible treatment and support the neonatal intensive care unit provided for them and their babies.That’s why the appeal is so close to many people’s hearts.

Over the coming 12 months, the club and charity will work together to aid the much-needed refurbishment of the homes.  That will mostly be achieved through fundraising but also through the  donation of essential items and other things that will add to the homely feel of the houses, making the time spent there just a little easier.

Andy Coleman, Chairman said: “We are incredibly proud to have the Swansea Bay Health Charity Cwtsh Clos appeal as our charity partner for the forthcoming season.

“They offer such a vital service and support to families in our community – and from further afield – with babies requiring intensive care.

“Working together over the 2024-25 campaign, we are committed to helping to ensure the homes can be refurbished and continue to provide a welcoming space for those who are going through incredibly challenging and stressful experiences.

“Mal Pope, someone we have a great affection for here at Swansea City, has bravely shared his story to help launch this partnership, and the experience of Mal and his family just underlines why the Cwtsh Clos appeal is such an important cause.”

You can donate to the Cwtsh Clos appeal via our Enthuse page.