We are delighted to continue our partnership with Prostate Cymru as our Charity of the Year for 2026, building on a successful year of fundraising, awareness activity and community engagement across Wales in 2025.
Our Society raised more than £25,000 for the charity during 2025, with colleagues taking part in a wide range of initiatives designed to promote prostate health awareness and support vital services. Staff completed seven races throughout the year — including the Swansea Half Marathon, which alone raised £605 — while proudly wearing Prostate Cymru’s blue running tops to spark conversations around early diagnosis. Teams also participated in charity walks and supported awareness campaigns aimed at improving understanding of prostate cancer across local communities.
A key element of our partnership has been supporting access to early detection through subsidised PSA blood test days. During 2025, our Society sponsored screening events in Cowbridge, Swansea and Carmarthen, enabling 1,134 men to be tested. Of those, 63 received urgent ‘red letter’ referrals requiring immediate medical follow-up. Across six PSA testing days held to date — including those supported by the Society — 114 red letter results have been issued, highlighting the importance of accessible screening opportunities.
We will continue this work in 2026 by supporting further PSA testing events in Neath, Llanelli and Cardiff, with dates to be confirmed, helping extend access to potentially life-saving checks for men across South Wales.
The partnership carries particular personal significance for our organisation. In April 2024, Martin Lewis, our Area Manager for England, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after attending a Prostate Cymru testing event delivered in conjunction with Swansea City Football Club. Martin had not experienced any prior symptoms, reinforcing the importance of early testing and awareness.
Alun Williams, our Chief Executive, said:
“We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Prostate Cymru into 2026. The past year has shown the real difference that collective effort can make — not only through fundraising, but by raising awareness and encouraging important conversations around men’s health. Knowing that these initiatives are helping people access early diagnosis makes this partnership especially meaningful for everyone at the Society.”
Tina Tew, Chief Executive of Prostate Cymru, added:
“Swansea Building Society’s support has had a tangible impact, helping us reach more communities and provide access to testing that can genuinely save lives. Partnerships like this allow us to expand our work across Wales, raise awareness of prostate health and ensure more men have the opportunity to seek early advice and support.”
In recognition of our efforts, our Society was named Corporate Fundraiser of the Year at the Prostate Cymru Blue Tie Ball in Cardiff. We will continue supporting fundraising and awareness campaigns throughout 2026 as part of our ongoing commitment to improving prostate health education and access to services across Wales.