Going the Extra Mile for Cancer aims to raise £200,000 to support patients, relatives staff at the South West Wales Cancer Centre.

Swansea legend Kev Johns, who has fought his own battle against cancer, is backing the appeal and is urging everyone to get involved.  

He said: “Maybe you could organise a tea party, a coffee morning, maybe do a 10k or 5k run or a sponsored walk – anything to support the appeal. 

“It’s a remarkable centre, without doubt the best. Let’s make it better and give them the support they need to do the job to help us.”

The South West Wales Cancer Centre, SWWCC, is run by Swansea Bay University Health Board and provides a range of lifesaving NHS treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

It was the brainchild of now-retired consultant oncologist Salah El-Sharkawi, who became clinical director of cancer services in 1996. 

His vision of developing services locally led to the launch of a £500,000 fundraising campaign in partnership with the South Wales Evening Post to mark the turn of the millennium.

It ended up raising £1 million, triggering a £30 million investment by the health authority and Welsh Office that led to the SWWCC’s establishment. 

The spirit of public generosity that was so evident more than 20 years ago has continued unabated ever since. Donations are regularly received from grateful patients, families and other supporters.