Swansea Bay Health Charity has launched the final phase of its Going the Extra Mile for Cancer Appeal as it looks to reach its £200,000 fundraising target.
Since launching in September 2024, the appeal has raised more than £160,000 to support improvements at the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital.
The campaign will fund the transformation of the former chemotherapy unit into a modern outpatient department, creating a more welcoming environment for thousands of cancer patients and their families from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
The redevelopment aims to bring key cancer services together in one location, making it easier for patients to access consultants, nurses, pharmacists and therapy teams while improving the overall experience of care.
Plans also include reopening a volunteer led tea bar to provide additional comfort and support for patients and their loved ones.
Lewis Bradley, Charity Manager at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said: “Cancer touches the lives of so many. We can see this from the passion of our community across South & West Wales, including fundraisers, donors, local businesses and ambassadors who have championed the Going the Extra Mile for Cancer Appeal so far. This next chapter, The Final Mile, will allow us to implement our plans to transform local cancer care and bring the appeal to life.”
Russell Banner, Clinical Director at the South West Wales Cancer Centre, added: “At the South West Wales Cancer Centre, we all strive to provide high-quality cancer care delivered with compassion, dignity and expertise. We recognise the key importance of the environment in care is delivered in. These improvements will create a more welcoming and supportive space for patients and their families, bringing services closer together and helping us provide more coordinated, patient-centred care. This Appeal is a much-welcomed investment in the experience and wellbeing of patients receiving cancer treatment across South West Wales and I am so grateful for all the time and effort that the community has put into raising these funds.”
Among those supporting the appeal is Rachel Cole, who completed the Swansea Half Marathon in memory of her mother, Sandra, who received treatment at the South West Wales Cancer Centre.
Rachel said: “I’m delighted to hear that the target has nearly been met and I have helped a little towards it. When your loved one is having cancer treatment it’s a really difficult time and as a family member you just hope that they will be well looked after and as comfortable as possible during their time spent in hospital. Having improved facilities and a comfortable and welcoming environment can make all the difference to those individuals going through such a hard time in their lives as it’s such an emotionally draining experience.”
The charity is now calling on people across South West Wales to help complete “The Final Mile” by supporting fundraising events, making donations or organising their own activities, such as bake sales, bingo nights or sponsored runs.
With the campaign entering its final weeks, Swansea Bay Health Charity hopes the community will come together to help deliver improved facilities for current and future cancer patients across the region.
