January 27, 2026
Share:
Fantastic Fundraising: January
Swansea Pantomime Supports Cancer Appeal
Swansea’s Grand Theatre’s Aladdin raised a phenomenal £5,184.92 in bucket collections for Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal this year. The pantomime production ran from 6th December until 4th January 2026 starring our very own Charity Ambassador, Kev Johns, along with Joe Pasquale and Celyn Cartwright. To help fundraise, Swansea Grand’s Customer Service Assistants stood by the doors inside the Grand Theatre and collected cash donations from theatregoers for the cause.
Thank you to Swansea theatregoers who gave towards the collection, demonstrating that a little really can go a long way. Another huge thank you goes to everyone at Swansea Grand Theatre, including the Customer Service Assistants, were able to raise over £17,500 for 3 charities over the Christmas period through dedication, passion for the causes, and a bit of Christmas spirit!
We’re thrilled to see our Charity Ambassador, Kev Johns, working his magic in the pantomime, while supporting a cause close to his heart. Having battled cancer at Singleton Hospital, Kev continues to use his platform to raise awareness and encourage fundraising for the Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal – a campaign that helps improve facilities, comfort and support for cancer patients across Swansea Bay. Kev says: “I know exactly what patients are going through. I’ve sat in those chairs myself through various stages of my own cancer journey”.
In Memory of John Veck
John Veck’s friends and family have raised an incredible £2,272.50 for the Welsh Centre for Burns & Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital, a gesture that reflects both their gratitude and John’s own wishes. John received care from the specialist burns team prior to his sad passing in November, and he had requested that donations to the ward be made in lieu of funeral flowers. His loved ones have honoured that wish, coming together to support a service that played an important role in his final days.
This thoughtful tribute not only celebrates John’s life, but also helps to ensure that the Welsh Centre for Burns & Plastic Surgery can continue providing life‑saving treatment and compassionate support for patients and families across the region.
The generosity shown through his MuchLoved page is a touching reflection of how deeply John was cared for, and how his legacy will continue to make a difference to others.
Swansea Local Runs 490km in January
We’re proud to support the inspiring efforts of local runner and personal trainer Bradley Roderick, who has taken on a unique January challenge to raise funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Singleton Hospital. Running the number of kilometres that match each day of the month, Brad has been sharing his journey through daily Instagram updates. This personal fitness goal is motivated by the difficult journey faced by his rugby coach, Nick White, and his wife Elena, whose daughter Esme spent 231 days in Singleton NICU after being born at just 23 weeks and weighing only 390 grams.
Brad’s challenge honours both Esme’s remarkable strength and the dedication of the neonatal team who care for the most vulnerable babies. So far raising £2,005, his efforts are helping support vital neonatal services across Swansea Bay. Swansea Bay Health Charity has praised Brad’s determination and the awareness he is bringing to the life‑changing impact of NICU care for families like Nick and Elena’s.
In Memory of Peter Thomas
Swansea Bay Health Charity is grateful for the kind donations totalling £240 made in memory of Peter Thomas. Set up by his son, Martin, this tribute reflects the deep love friends and family held for Peter – a gentle, much‑admired husband, father, grandfather and friend, remembered fondly from Killay to Canada, America, France and beyond. Peter passed away suddenly on 2nd December 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness felt across his community.
Peter received excellent care from the Cardiac Unit at Morriston Hospital, inspiring his commitment to giving back. He became a proud member of the cardiac gym, even founding a group of former patients affectionately named “The Coffin Dodgers,” who together raised over £2,000 for the Unit. This in‑memory fundraiser continues that spirit, and Swansea Bay Health Charity extends heartfelt thanks to all who donated in his honour to support Cardiac PACU and HDU.
We would like to say a special thank you to each and every one of the people who fundraised, donated and supported us throughout January. Your kindness and generosity allows us to support and enhance our local NHS wards and departments.
Have you got a Fantastic Fundraising story to share with us? Get in touch!