Strength and spirit combine to support the South West Wales Cancer Centre
A show of strength has pulled in more than £4,000 for the South West Wales Cancer Centre in Swansea.
Stephen and Helen Morgan, co-owners of haulage firm A.T. Morgan & Son, are big supporters of the SWWCC at Singleton Hospital.
They swapped their usual haulage duties for something a bit more unusual but just as heavy-duty – a charity truck pull.
Teams of four were challenged to pull one of the company’s trucks across a set distance. It was the highlight of a family day that ran for around five hours at the firm’s yard in Crymlyn Burrows.
“The competition itself was fierce and surprisingly fast,” said Helen.
“Teams dug in, gripping the ropes with determination to pull a truck that definitely didn’t want to move. Some pulled with power, others with strategy, but everyone gave their all and had fun at the same time.”
Like so many other people, the couple’s lives have been touched by cancer. Daughter Megan sadly died in 2011 aged just 12 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Helen, whose father-in-law Alun Morgan founded the company 49 years ago, herself has a rare blood disorder that wipes out her immune system.
She has been cared for on Ward 12, the oncology and haematology ward which is part of the SWWCC at Singleton Hospital.
As a result, Helen and her work colleagues completed a sponsored walk to raise £2,500 for Ward 12. The company has also donated selection boxes to the children’s wards at Morriston Hospital.
The truck pull event was the couple’s latest fundraising venture, with Helen describing it as an epic show of strength and community spirit.
“It wasn’t just the truck pull that made the day memorable. We were fortunate to have two fantastic food stalls, Zak in the Box and Bocs Bwyd.
“Ospreys in the Community brought inflatable games that kept the kids and some adults entertained throughout the day. They added that extra layer of fun, making the event a real family day out.
“And what would a charity event be without a raffle? Businesses from across the region donated incredible prizes, creating a raffle that was as exciting as it was generous.
“It was a great way to wrap up the day, with some very lucky winners walking away with truly impressive goodies.”
But, Helen said, the best part was the more than £4,000 raised for the South West Wales Cancer Fund, part of Swansea Bay Health Charity, the health board’s official charity.
It raises money for pioneering research, cutting-edge equipment, enhancing buildings and spaces, patient and family well-being and staff training not covered by core NHS funding.
“What struck us most about the day wasn’t just the amount raised but the sense of community that made it happen,” Helen added.
“Local businesses, families, sports teams, and friends all came together to support a cause that touches so many lives.
“Thank you to everyone who pulled, cheered, ate, donated, and volunteered. It’s events like this that prove when a community comes together, we can achieve amazing things.”
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