Cricket club and charity’s help in virus fightback

TWO good causes based in Swansea – a cricket club and a mental health charity – have received grants to help in their coronavirus fightback.

Persimmon Homes West Wales is currently focussing on giving money to groups that benefit people aged 70 and over in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

Persimmon is giving away up to £1,000 each to two groups every month.

The latest groups to receive money are Gowerton Cricket Club and Hafal.

Gowerton Cricket Club, which has a thriving veterans team, will put its £1,000 towards a new artificial pitch, while Hafal has received £900 to buy PPE to provide domiciliary care to older people.

Matthew Jones, of Gowerton Cricket Club, said: “This money is a tremendous boost for our club.

“Over the past 12 months we’ve delivered coaching and cricket matches for over 150 participants in our local area. We also provide facilities for local schools to train and play cricket.

“Our veterans team provides an outlet for these members of our club and community to stay active and be part of a social setting.

“We are currently raising money for a new artificial cricket pitch to help us grow as a club and this money is a huge help.”

Rhiannon Luke, director of registered services at Hafal, said: “This money will go towards urgently needed PPE which will enable us to continue to deliver safe services to the people we support across Wales.

“It will help us provide domiciliary care to older people who require support. The care that we deliver to these individuals is essential and involves a high level of personal contact including bathing and dressing.”

Persimmon Homes gives away up to £744,000 a year through Community Champions.

Sharon Bouhali, sales director at Persimmon Homes West Wales, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to support these two groups. They really are both vital to the people they work with and their need is greater than ever during the Covid-19 crisis.” ■ Visit www.persimmon homes.com/charity to apply for funding.