The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Councillor Cheryl Philpott, has chosen Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal as her official charity of the year. Her support is already making a huge difference in raising both awareness and vital funds for the South West Wales Cancer Centre (SWWCC) in Singleton Hospital.

Strawberry Afternoon Tea Party success

One of the highlights of the Lord Mayor’s fundraising so far was the Strawberry Afternoon Tea Party, held at the Mansion House and attended by around 140 guests. The event blended summer celebration with charitable purpose, bringing together supporters, patients and staff to back local cancer services.

Among those attending were Cancer Centre staff members Sarah Dawtry and Nicki Davies, who spoke to guests about the centre’s vital work and how charitable funds are used to support patients and staff.

Sarah said:
“It is a privilege to work with the Lord Mayor, and we are delighted that she has chosen the Going the Extra Mile campaign as her charity for her year in office. All proceeds raised are used to support patients, their families and the staff of the South West Wales Cancer Centre.”

Launching the “Just a Pound” campaign

The centrepiece of the Lord Mayor’s support is the Just a Pound campaign, which launches at Swansea Market on Saturday, October 11^th at 12pm. The launch will feature a performance by the Phoenix Choir of Wales, alongside appearances from special guests including much-loved radio and panto star Kev Johns.

The campaign invites everyone in Swansea to contribute just £1 towards the £200,000 fundraising target for the appeal. Market traders will also be joining in, with collection boxes available on stalls across the indoor market.

Cllr Philpott said:
“Two of my ambitions when I became Lord Mayor were to raise as much money as possible for the South West Wales Cancer Centre, and to help promote our brilliant indoor market. I’m delighted to combine both for the launch of the Just a Pound appeal. If each of Swansea’s 250,000 residents gave £1, we’d reach our target in no time.”

Lewis Bradley, Swansea Bay Health Charity Manager, added:
“We’re so excited that the Lord Mayor is supporting the Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal through the Just a Pound campaign. Swansea Market is at the heart of the community, and this campaign is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and raise vital funds for cancer care.”

Upcoming fundraising events

The Lord Mayor’s fundraising drive is set to continue with a series of major events. This will include two exclusive invite-only events, as well as the Lord Mayor’s Civic Reception Variety Performance on 22nd April 2026, Swansea Grand Theatre. This will be a large-scale public event with up to 850 tickets available, featuring performances from local acts with proceeds supporting the appeal.

In addition, iconic Swansea landmarks including the Swansea Arena will be lit in the charity’s colours to show solidarity with the appeal.

About the appeal

Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal aims to raise £200,000 to transform the old Chemotherapy Day Unit at Singleton Hospital into a modern, welcoming outpatient suite. This new space will provide a warm, supportive environment for patients and their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.