Homecoming concert set to complete charitable cause in memory of Gulliver

When Mal Pope takes to the stage at the Swansea Building Society Arena next month, he hopes to finally push a fundraising cause which is close to his heart over the finish line.

The talented singer-songwriter and broadcaster has been championing Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos Appeal for the past 18 months.

The appeal is raising £160,000 to help refurbish five two-bedroom homes, which are used to accommodate families with babies in Singleton Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Now, in a lovely display of altruism, Mal will donate 10 per cent of the profits from his Homecoming gig, on Wednesday, 8th October, to the cause.

With Cwtsh Close’s running total currently standing at around £145,000, the more than generous offer is expected to help the charity achieve its target.

Unfortunately, Mal’s involvement in the appeal came about through personal heartbreak and family tragedy.

He explained: “I never wanted this job, to represent the health board with the Cwtsh Clos appeal.

“My little grandson, Gulliver, was born at 21 weeks and was taken into the NICU unit. They were wonderful with him. They tried their very best but he didn’t survive. However, I was so blown away by their care – not just physically, but emotionally. They looked after the whole family so I said, ‘if there’s ever anything I can do to help?’

“A couple of weeks later I got a call saying they needed to raise £160,000 to refurbish the five two-bedroom houses. I gulped! It’s a lot of money. And we’ve been on this journey ever since.”

Mal drew on his many contacts, built up over decades in the entertainment industry - he was first discovered by legendary Radio 1 DJ John Peel and mentored by Elton John in the 1970s -, to further the cause, despite still grieving.

He said: “It’s hard, as every time I talk about Gulliver it brings back all those memories.

“I always say before I do a talk, and I’ve done lots of talks to lots of different organisations, ‘Don’t worry about the tears, the more tears I shed the more money we make.’”

Aside from music, Mal’s other big love is football – he once played for Swansea schoolboys alongside Vetch Field favourite and Wales international Jeremy Charles and is a Swansea City AFC match day host.

When the Swans heard of the appeal, they repaid the support Mal has offered the club down the years, in spectacular fashion.

He said: “I’ve been blown away by the support I’ve had from so many different people.

“The Swans have been fantastic. They took it on as their charity of the year because I’m involved with the Swans. That was overwhelming.

“And then they asked me if I thought the family would be happy if they renamed one of the houses Ty Gulliver (Gulliver’s House)?

“The first thing I did was burst into tears. And the second was check with my daughter and son-in-law because, obviously, I’m acting on their behalf. They were delighted.

“We have been there with Gulliver’s brother and sister – they want to know if it has bunkbeds and if they can stay there.

“It’s a really lovely legacy for all the hard work that so many people have put in.”

Mal, who will be joined on stage by several special guest artists, will include on his set list his new single, Best of Times, which was inspired by Gulliver.

He explained: “This world is going to bring hard times, it’s going to bring sad times, but they are actually the only times that we will have. So how we present this world to our children and grandchildren is really important.

“Do we roll over and say that we can’t do anything? Or do we fill this world with love? It sounds a bit naïve, but let’s fill the world with love. Let’s raise a symphony of harmony.

“As a songwriter, all I can do is try to put some positivity into this world with my songs.”

Left: Mal and his daughter outside the newly named Ty Gulliver

And nothing could be more positive for Mal right now than to finally cross that fundraising finish line – so please buy a ticket and join in what is sure to be a celebration.

He said: “It’s a celebration of something that’s been really sad, but something unique has come out of it. Out of great sadness, great things can happen.

“Tickets are still available – it’s a big space so I’m sure there will be tickets available when you see and read all about this.

“In many ways this is a great way to celebrate the end because I think we would have raised the money by the 8th October, and we’re hoping to present a cheque to the charity for £160,000 on the stage.”

Swansea Bay Health Charity Support Manager, Lewis Bradley, said he was incredibly grateful to Mal for choosing to dedicate his Homecoming Concert to the Cwtsh Clos Appeal.

He said: “Mal’s story has touched so many of us. His support over the past 18 months has been an enormous asset to our appeal, and we’re nearly there!

“With just £15,000 left to raise, every ticket sold brings us closer to creating a cosy, private and dignified space for families in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“The difference this will make for generations to come is immeasurable, and we’re so proud to have Mal standing alongside us on this journey.”

By joining Mal for this special night of music, reflection and celebration, you’ll not only enjoy an incredible performance but also help Swansea Bay Health Charity make the Cwtsh Clos vision a reality for families across Wales.

Tickets for Mal Pope’s Homecoming Concert are available now:

https://bit.ly/MalPopeSwanseaArena2025

About Swansea Bay Health Charity

Swansea Bay Health Charity is the official charity of Swansea Bay University Health Board, managing diverse charitable funds that support a wide range of departments and services. Donations go beyond core NHS funding to support pioneering research, high-tech equipment, improved facilities, patient and family well-being, and staff development. These initiatives directly enhance care quality and improve patient outcomes.