Latest news with #SwanseaHalfMarathon
Metro
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Liam Davies on perfect start to season, beating a hero & snooker's rising stars
Liam Davies has made a perfect start to the new snooker season, winning his first five matches, and the teenager's results are no fluke after making significant changes from his first year on tour. The 19-year-old had the same experience as most on their first season as a professional – a testing one. There were standout moments, with a win over Barry Hawkins in the British Open the youngster's favourite, but adapting to the elite level is tough for all newcomers. Five victories on the spin is something new for the Welshman and – outside of the hours of practice – he puts it down to two big changes he has made. 'I've actually changed loads,' Davies told Metro. 'I've started running with a few friends. At Christmas I'd put on a bit of weight and I signed up for the Merthyr Half Marathon. I couldn't run to the end of the street at Christmas, but I've taken it quite seriously. 'I'd done a 5K at the end of January. Then I'd done a 10K at the end of February. I've done the Merthyr Half Marathon in March and I've done the Swansea Half Marathon in June.' On the impact improved fitness has on his game, he said: 'It makes an unbelievable difference. Even just getting dressed before you play, I just feel much better in a suit, especially when the cameras are on you, you can feel quite self-conscious. 'When you're playing somebody like Judd Trump and Jack Lisowski they look immaculate the whole time and if you don't feel quite right yourself, I think it can put you on the back foot straight away. Davies also felt it was time for a new cue having already played with his previous one for eight years. 'I changed my cue after the World Championship to a longer cue one because I had my old one since I was 11,' he said. 'It's an inch-and-a-half longer, which doesn't sound a lot, but it felt like a fishing rod when I first cued up. I'm happy with it now though.' One of Davies' five victories so far this campaign came against a man 44 years his senior in Jimmy White, with the teenager downing the veteran 4-2 in British Open qualifying. You might think that White is from such a different era to the Welsh prospect that Davies would not have the adulation that other players feel for the Whirlwind. But you'd be wrong. 'Oh, he's definitely one of my heroes. I look up to Jimmy so much,' said Davies. 'I was super nervous playing him, the first frame I couldn't stop shaking. 'He's got a massive aura, Jimmy's a legend of the game and he's someone I'd look up to massively. He's definitely one of the ones I've been watching on YouTube all the time when I was younger and even now. 'I'm quite friendly with Jimmy. He's always been really nice to me. I played him in an exhibition when I was seven in Tredegar and every time I've seen him in a venue he's always made an effort to come and speak to me and make me feel really welcome. I've done a few interviews with Eurosport with him and he was really, really nice to me. So, yeah, he's definitely somebody that I idolise.' It is actually little surprise that Davies has an affinity with older players as he seems to be a very calm, measured, mature presence on and off the table. 'I think I've always been naturally like that,' he said. 'I've just always been a pretty calm character. I don't think I try and do that. It's just the way I am. I'm super calm. 'I think it's just the people that I've been practising with since I was 13 or 14 and you just learn from them. I don't feel like I play like a 19-year-old's game. I think I have a pretty all round game for my age.' One player he has been around since a young age is Mark Williams, with Davies and the three-time world champion sharing a coach in Lee Walker. The 50-year-old legend of the game is still competing at such a level that he reached the World Championship final last season and Davies says that illustrates just how hard it is for young players to come through. The old guard do not seem to be going anywhere, but while he says that makes it difficult for the youngsters to dislodge them, there are still plenty of good young talents in snooker. 'Talking about someone like Mark, as young people we've got to beat someone like him to have a run at a tournament,' he said. 'People say there's no youngsters coming through, but it's obviously very tough to beat people like that to have any sort of run at tournament. 'I think if you look closer there are a lot of young players coming through. Maybe not so much Wales now, but I think in the UK there are still a lot of young players and in Europe as well. Antoni Kowalski, [Artemijs] Zizins, Bulcsu [Revesz]. I think there's like a lot of good young players coming through, but it's just so tough on the tour.' Davies' three wins at the Championship League last week have secured his spot in the last 32 of the competition and keeps his hopes alive of a first ranking title. More Trending It would be a huge step up for the teenager to lift the trophy, but he feels he has as good a chance as anyone. 'I think everyone's good enough to do it, it's just on the day,' he said. 'I think if any of the boys on the tour play their best game, it's good enough to beat anyone, so everyone's in with a chance of winning every tournament. 'You have just got to try your best and see what happens. I don't really set targets. I just think if you try your best, there's not really much more you can do.' Davies is back in Championship League action in the second group stage on Monday July 21. MORE: Mark Allen replaced in Shanghai Masters draw after withdrawal for personal reasons MORE: Stephen Hendry makes Zhao Xintong prediction and Ronnie O'Sullivan comparison MORE: Snooker icon warns rivals about 16-year-old rookie with huge future ahead of him
Business News Wales
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Swansea Bay Business Club Launches Art Auction to Help Local Families
Swansea Bay Business Club is calling on people to get creative this summer as part of its new inclusive art auction to raise money for children and families facing challenges such as poverty, crisis and trauma. The 'Stories of Swansea Bay Inclusive Art Auction' invites people of all skill levels – from seasoned professionals to complete beginners – to create and donate a piece of art with the theme of 'Stories of Swansea Bay'. Artwork can be in any form, from painting, prints and photography to sculpture, tapestry and pottery and more. Running throughout the summer, photos of all submitted art pieces will be uploaded to an online auction website. The auction will end on October 2nd with all funds raised going directly to Swansea-based charity, Faith in Families, which provides vital support for children and families in need including their Community Cwtches and Cwtch Mawr Multibank. Showing his support for the cause is renowned local artist, Dave Marchant, founder of Bulljam Gallery in Mumbles. Known for his expressive oil paintings of the Gower coastline and atmospheric landscapes, Dave has donated an original work, which is inspired by his deep connection to the Swansea coastline, to the auction. He said: 'When I was approached to take part in the auction, it was a no-brainer. Many of my pieces are based on reality versus idealism, and quite often we overlook what's happening on our doorstep. Money raised will go towards providing the basics for children within our communities, including many basic things we all take for granted like soap, toothpaste and clothing, so I'd urge anyone to get involved.' However, the auction is not just for established artists – anyone with a creative spark is encouraged to get involved and artwork can be submitted anonymously if preferred. Whether a contribution sells for £1 or £1,000, every piece will help to provide essentials like soap, toothpaste, and clothing to families in need right here in Swansea. Amy Seppman, President of Swansea Bay Business Club, said: 'We're truly honoured to have Dave's involvement. His artwork captures the spirit of our coastline and community and having him join this inclusive initiative sends a powerful message: art can transform lives. 'So far, we've raised an incredible £45,000 for Faith in Families with the help of our Club members, guests and local people. This has seen us take on a variety of challenges including climbing the Welsh Three Peaks, running the Swansea Half Marathon, cycling from Fishguard to London, and miles of 'netwalking'. This challenge looks slightly different and is bringing people together for a great cause, giving everyone the opportunity to not only create some artwork but to also own a piece of Swansea Bay artwork for their home or office.' Siany Martin, Fundraising Manager at Faith in Families, added: 'This art auction is a perfect example of how Swansea Bay Business Club is using creativity and community spirit to make a real difference. Their support throughout the year has been nothing short of transformative – each event, initiative and challenge has brought us closer to creating safer, more hopeful futures for children and families across Swansea. We're incredibly grateful to everyone taking part, and to artists like Dave Marchant for donating their time and work to make a difference.' To take part in the Stories of Swansea Bay Inclusive Art Auction, email There will be a £10 donation required per piece, payable to Faith in Families to cover admin costs. Submissions can be completed and delivered to Cwtch Mawr Multibank (Unit B1, Olympus Court, Mill Stream Way, Swansea Vale, Swansea, SA7 OAG) between 1st July and 1st September, with the online auction running from 1st August until Thursday 2nd October.
Wales Online
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Swansea Half Marathon best pictures as thousands of runners tackle 13.1-mile course
The Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon made its return on Sunday offering runners a scenic and fast-paced coastal course through Wales' second-largest city. Starting at 9am from the Copr Bay Bridge near Swansea Arena the race featured a fully closed-road route open to both first-timers and seasoned runners. The 13.1-mile course saw thousands of runners pass through Singleton Park, the historic Brangwyn Hall, and Swansea Castle ruins, before heading towards the National Waterfront Museum. The route continued along the Swansea Bay coastline for five miles before looping back to the finish line at Swansea Arena. Hundreds of the participants took the opportunity to run for various causes, sporting tops from and raising money for charities such as Cancer Research Wales, Crisis UK, Prostate Cymru, and Wales Air Ambulance. This year's event also featured the popular Front Runner City 5 Miler, offering a shorter, more accessible race option. Take a look at some photos from the day of the thousands of participants and spectators who came out in force in Swansea and see if you can spot yourself.
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
I was diagnosed breast cancer three years ago, now I'm running a half-marathon for charity
I was diagnosed breast cancer three years ago, now I'm running a half-marathon for charity After being cancer free and turning a new leaf with healthier lifestyle, Louise Horton is running in the Swansea Half Marathon to raise money for charity Louise with her son Leon (Image: Louise Horton ) When Louise Horton, a mother of four was given a shocking diagnosis in 2022, she wasn't sure she would live to see the birth of her grandchild. Now, three years later, she is taking part in the Swansea Half Marathon, hoping to raise money for a charity that has been like an "extended family" to them. Louise was diagnosed with Stage three breast cancer, three years ago, a diagnosis which came as a "shock" to her. Fortunately, after months of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a mastectomy, she was finally declared 'cancer free'. Louise said: "It was March of 2022. I had just washed and I discovered a lump on my breast and had to investigate it, and then I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer." The treatment was hard for Louise but she was determined to see it through for her family (Image: Louise Horton ) She added: "To be honest, it was a shock. I'm a single mother of four children, and at the time, my daughter was pregnant, expecting my first grandchild then. My main concerns were my children, and obviously how life would be… without me being in it and whether I would be around to see the birth of my grandchild." Louise is a Ward Sister at Morriston Hospital, and a mother to Leon Weaver, 10, Lucy Weaver, 21, Chloe Weaver, 23, and Amy Weaver, 25. Soon after her diagnosis, intensive treatment followed. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here Article continues below "Once I had my diagnosis I had nine months of intensive chemotherapy on a weekly basis in Singleton Hospital here in Swansea," Louise recounted. "Then on New Year 2024 I had a full of mastectomy on the left-hand side and then after that, following my operation, I had to have three weeks of everyday radiotherapy." However, before she recovered fully, the treatment itself took a toll on her, so much so that she found it difficult to do day to day tasks. Louise said: 'Obviously during the chemotherapy, which for is not easy for anybody your whole life is basically a routine of going back and forth to the hospital and things like that, feeling really tired, not being able to do what you would normally do. 'My son, my youngest, is only 10 and to take him to school, and to walk up a small hill, and day-to-day tasks were very, very, difficult. I'm quite an independent person and not to be able to do that, and relying really on my older children was very, very difficult for me. 'And not just that.. my children, as much as they were supportive, it was emotional impact on them as well watching their mum being so poorly.' Louise was supported by her family throughout her recovery. Her three elder daughters helped her with her young son who has additional needs, while her mum and father helped her by doing school runs, and her father took her to every radiotherapy or chemotherapy appointment. The National Autistic Society branch in Swansea have been like an "extended family" for Louise and Leon (Image: Louise Horton ) 'I must say the staff and everybody with the chemotherapy unit, they were absolutely fantastic and the support you get from the Maggie's Centre was unbelievable.' Louise said. "But there were like three days when I was so poorly and I honestly thought that was going to be it for me. "It was laying in bed thinking I'm not going to wake up in the morning. That was the point where I thought this is it. But I think with me, I have a really positive outlook on life and it was a case okay I need to pursue this, I need carry on, basically I need to fight not only for myself but for my family. "I tried my best on a day to day basis as much as I could. I still had to go out and about and try and do as much as I could within that time, obviously within the boundaries of what I was allowed to do, having treatment." Even thought its been over an year since she recovered, Louise still cannot believe that she is now 'cancer free'. "Even now, to this day… I'm getting quite emotional now. When they said how big the tumour was and it was stage three, I didn't think I was going to hear those words. "I went into the appointment and the doctor said to me, 'Test results have come back, you're free.' It's very hard to explain, you feel relieved but then you feel a sense of what do I do now because your life gets taken over by hospital appointments, by blood tests and it's like well where do I go now?" Her battle with cancer left a lasting impact on Louise, that she believes will "never go away". 'It's a very surreal moment when you get told that. Obviously I was elated and so happy, but it never goes away. I know people have said this, especially other people have had cancer,' Louise said. 'It never goes away. 'Even to this day, if I have a slight bump or a twinge or slight pain, I'm always aware, and it's always going to be there, it never goes away even though you hear those words. I think it's a journey that never ends. It's always going to be there.' Louise is now raising money for National Autistic Society (NAS) in a bid to thank them for the support they provided to Leon, at a point when she 'didn't know which way to turn.' 'My son has additional needs, so he needs a lot of support and I reached out to the National Autistic Society in Swansea and got in touch with them and they have been amazing with supporting him,' Louise said. 'He had a lot issues socially and didn't engage very well. 'At that point, I didn't know which way to turn so I spoke via a friend to Swansea National Autistic Society and I got involved with them. They do so much for children with additional needs and autism. So I was going to a lot of their sessions and they invited my son and he was involved with activities with a smaller group of children during the summer holidays.' It was here, that Louise learnt about the 12-week Fit Jacks program run by the Swansea City Foundation. The program helped Louise to focus on herself, and get fitter. 'I was determined that I wanted to be a fitter person.' Louise said. 'I wanted put the cancer to one side, and I thought like this is my opportunity to be a fitter healthier person as best as I can be to be there for my kids. So I did the 12-week programme, I finished that and graduated the programme. And I carried on. I carried onto maintenance classes with them, and I started running. I joined the gym. 'I started challenging myself and I think once you have that diagnosis and the all-clear, you have a different outlook on life. So I was like, right, I'm going to challenge myself.' Just two weeks ago, Louise took part in a 10k run for a cancer charity, and now she has her eyes set on the Swansea Half Marathon. 'I completed that and then I wanted to give back to NAS. They have given me so much, have been so supportive for me and my son," Louise said. 'I can't praise them enough as an organisation. I really can't. 'So, I thought why no kill two birds with one stone. I'm gonna sign up for the half marathon, I'm going to challenge myself, and also I'm going to do it for NAS and that's what I've done.' To others who are going through cancer, or any other disease, Louise advises never losing hope and remembering that there is a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' 'Just don't give up, and I've said it previously, just grip life with both hands. Take every opportunity you can, don't let it defeat you,' Louise said. 'It is life changing, it is hard, but there is light at the end. 'If you've got a goal and you are positive, the light will shine through and you will get through it. It will change you as a person, but you will be better for it in some ways. 'You just really need to fight for it and keep on fighting. Even when you get the all clear, it's still a fight, but you can do it and you can get through it.' She is now looking forward to crossing the finish line at the half marathon. Article continues below 'It is surviving, it is pushing boundaries. I'm going to be so emotional getting over that finishing line because it's achievement,' Louise said. 'I fought cancer, I've got through that. Life is a challenge no matter, whether you have cancer, whether, have issues at home, life is always a challenge. You've got to fight these challenges and get over them and you can achieve it.' You can donate to Louise's fundraiser by clicking here.
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Swansea Half Marathon 2025: All road closures to be put in place as thousands participate
Swansea Half Marathon 2025: All road closures to be put in place as thousands participate There are several road closures planned as the Swansea Half Marathon makes a return Thousands take part every year (Image: IYA ) The Swansea Half Marathon is set to take place this weekend, and with three separate events to be held in the same day, its expected to get busy. The summer running festival will be held this Sunday, June 8, and is purported to be the biggest edition yet. The half marathon will kick off in front of the Swansea Arena, with runners heading towards towards Singleton and splitting at the University campus. Those who are participating in the 5-mile rn will move towards Blackpill, turning near Clyne and make their way back through the promenade. On the other hand, those participating in the half marathon will run through the university campus, make their way towards the city centre while crossing the Brangwyn Hall and Castle ruins. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here This will be the eleventh Swansea half marathon (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) They will then move towards the National Waterfront Museum, and head out towards Mumbles, running five miles across Swansea Bay and returning to the road at Brynmill Lane for the finishing straight at Swansea Arena. To facillitate the route, and ensure the safety of those taking part in the run, several road closures are planned across the city. According to the schedule and the time they are to shut for, these are: Article continues below From Saturday, June 7 (8pm) to Sunday, June 8 (3pm) A4067 – Oystermouth Road Westbound from junction with Princess Way to West Way Sunday, June 8 (8.15am – 3pm) A4067 – Quay Parade – from Sainsbury's Store to Wind Street. A4067 Victoria Road – in its entire length – both directions Burrows Place – it's junction with Victoria Road A4067 Oystermouth Road – from its junction with West Way to Quay Parade (both directions) Somerset Place – No left turn Sunday, June 8 (8.15am – 10.40am) Francis Street – from its junction with Guildhall Road South. Guildhall Road South – its entire length. St Helens Crescent – from its junction with Guildhall Road South. The Baths Car Park St Helens Avenue – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. St Helens Road – it's entire length Brynymor Road – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Sunday, June 8 (8.15am – 10.55am) St Helens Road – its entire length. Brunswick Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Russell Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Henrietta Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. George Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Nicholl Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. B4290 St Helens Road – from its junction with Guildhall Road South. Bond Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road and junction with Oystermouth Road. Oxford Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Beach Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road and junction with Oystermouth Road. Argyle Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Richardson Street – from itsjunction with B4290 St Helens Road. Lane alongside 8a St Helens Road – its entire length Wyndham Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road Dillwyn Street -from junctionwith Oxford Street, it's entire length Glamorgan Street – it's junction with Oystermouth Road. Christina Street – it's entire length The Kingsway – it's entire length Horton Street Pell Street Northampton Lane Un-named Road from Northampton Lane to the Junction with the Kingsway Dynevor Place Orchard Street – it's entire length Cradock Street – its entire length. Bellevue Way- its entire length. B4489 High Street (southbound) – from its junction with B4290 High Street Train Station. Orchard Street – in its entire length. Kingsway – its entire length. Picton Lane – its entire length Portland Street – its entire length College Street- its entire length. Welcome Lane – its entire length. Castle Bailey Street – its entire length. Castle Street – its entire length. Lane Behind Kapsers – its entire length Castle Square – its entire length. Caer Street – its entire length. Wind Street – its entire length. Princess Way – its entire length St Marys Square – its entire length St Marys Street – its entire length St Davids Place – its entire length Salubrious Place – it's entire length York Street – its entire length. Sunday, June 8 (8.30am – 12.30 pm) A4067 Mumbles Road Guildhall Road South to Mayals Road (Westbound only) A4067 Mumbles Road MayalsRoad to Newton Road (eastbound and westbound) A4067 Mumbles Road – Westbound Guildhall Road South to Newton Road A4067 Oystermouth Road – West Way to Guildhall Road South Eastbound and westbound and all adjoining roads. Sunday, June 8 (8:45am – 12:30pm): No right turn or left turn Llwynderw Drive onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Lilliput Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Army Reserve Centre onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Fairwood Road onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Alderwood Drive onto Mumbles Road. Lane Adjacent to 308 Mumbles Road Amy Dillwyn Close onto Mumbles Road. Bethany Lane onto Mumbles Road. Palmyra Court onto Mumbles Road. Norton Ave onto Mumbles Road. Norton Rd onto Mumbles Road. A4067 Mumbles Road – eastbound from junction with Newton Road B4593 to Junction with B4436 Mayals Road. Access for residents will be there where possible and when safe to do so. Sunday, June 8 (8.45am – 12:30pm): No right turn Mayals Road onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Cwm Farm onto A4067 Mumbles Road Glyn Crescent onto A4067 Mumbles Road Sunday, June 8 (Varying restrictions) Somerset Place – its junction with Quay Parade – no left turn 8.15am – 3pm Dunvant Place onto A4067 Oystermouth Road – no left turn, no right turn. 8.30am – 3pm Brynmill Terrace onto A4067 Mumbles Road – Road Closed 8.30am – 12.30pm Ivy Place – No Left Turn 8.15am – 10.55am Gorse Lane on to A4067 – Road Closed – 8.30am – 12.30pm Sketty Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn/no left turn/no U-turn. 8.15am – 12:30pm Ashleigh Road onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn. 8.30am -12.30pm Derwen Fawr Road onto A4067 Mumbles Rd – no right turn. 08.30am – 12.30pm Mill Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn. 8.30am – 12.30pm Unnamed Rd (The Woodman Public House) onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn 8.30am – 12.30pm Newton Rd onto A4067 Mumbles Road. No left turn 8.30am-12.30pm Article continues below From Saturday, June 7 (9pm) to Sunday, June 8 (11.30am): No Parking restrictions St Helens Road Castle Bailey Street Castle Street
