STAFF at the Development Bank of Wales have raised more than £88,000 for mental health charity bigmoose during a record-breaking year of fundraising.

The money raised by the bank’s 280-strong team, including colleagues from subsidiary FW Capital, will help fund fast access to therapy and counselling for more than 170 people experiencing mental health challenges across the UK.

The partnership was the Development Bank’s tenth charity partnership and has become its most successful fundraising year to date.

Colleagues took part in a range of fundraising activities during the year, with the final total reflecting what the bank said was the commitment of staff across the organisation.

The Development Bank has now announced Maggie’s as its new charity partner for 2026/27, in memory of Dr Carl Griffiths, a much-loved colleague who died in autumn 2025 following a short battle with cancer.

Maggie’s provides free expert cancer support to people living with cancer, as well as their family and friends, through centres based alongside NHS hospitals across the UK.

Support includes psychological, emotional and practical help, benefits advice, coping strategies and one-to-one counselling.

Fundraising for Maggie’s will run throughout the year, with staff from the Development Bank and FW Capital taking part in activities to raise money and awareness for the charity’s work.

Jeff Smith, CEO and co-founder of bigmoose, said: “176 people will now receive a full course of therapy because of the support from the Development Bank of Wales and FW Capital. That’s the power of partnerships like this – people getting the support they need, when they need it.

“With mental health services stretched to breaking point, bigmoose exists to disrupt how people access support by providing fast, effective therapy before people hit crisis point. Support from the Development Bank of Wales and FW Capital allows us to keep delivering that service to the people who need it most.”

Rachael Davies, Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Development Bank of Wales Group for choosing Maggie’s as their Charity of the Year for 2026/27. Partnerships like this play a vital role in allowing us to keep our doors open and ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.

“We’re really looking forward to working with colleagues over the coming year and are thankful for their commitment to supporting people affected by cancer.”

Andrea Richardson, Chair of the Development Bank of Wales Charity Oversight Committee, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what our colleagues have achieved in support of bigmoose. Raising more than £88,000 over the past year is a record for us and reflects the generosity, commitment and energy of teams across the organisation.

“As we move into our new partnership with Maggie’s, we’re excited to build on that momentum and continue supporting charities that make a real, tangible difference to people and communities across the UK.”

Representatives from the Development Bank of Wales present a cheque to bigmoose.

ORGANISERS of the Child of Wales Awards have been recognised for their work supporting and celebrating young people across Wales after attending a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

Mark and Blanche Sainsbury, from Swansea, founders of the Ascona Group Child of Wales Awards, were invited to the royal event this month in recognition of the positive impact the awards continue to have on children, families and communities.

The awards were established five years ago to celebrate the courage, resilience and achievements of young people across Wales.

Each year, the event recognises children and young people who have overcome adversity, supported others, raised awareness for important causes, or made exceptional contributions to their communities.

Speaking after the garden party, Mark and Blanche said the invitation had been both humbling and emotional.

They said: “It was an incredible day and everything you’d expect from enjoying afternoon tea at the King’s home, but we really were just representatives of our team.

“This invitation belonged to the amazing young people, families, supporters and partners who make the Ascona Group Child of Wales Awards what they are.

“Every year we hear stories of courage, kindness and determination that remind us just how remarkable young people in Wales truly are. Representing the awards at Buckingham Palace was a proud moment not just for us, but for everyone involved.”

Now in its fifth year, the awards have become one of Wales’ leading celebration events, bringing together families, sponsors, celebrities and supporters from across the country.

This year’s ceremony will take place on Friday, October 2, at Swansea Building Society Arena. It will be hosted by BBC presenter Gethin Jones and will feature a live performance from The Brand New Heavies.

Organisers say the event sold out seven months in advance, reflecting its growing profile and the strength of the stories at the heart of the awards.

The awards also raise funds for Welsh charities supporting children and young people.

Headline sponsor Ascona Group, which is headquartered in Pembrokeshire, is one of the UK’s fastest-growing forecourt operators, employing more than 900 people across more than 70 sites.

The company’s Ascona Giving Foundation supports community projects, children’s sports teams and foodbank charities, and has donated more than £800,000 since 2017. Ascona Group has also pledged to donate £1m to Wales Air Ambulance over the next ten years.

Photo caption:

Mark and Blanche Sainsbury attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May.

AN ASSAULT case involving five Pembrokeshire residents is expected to last five days when it comes before Swansea Crown Court next year.

The case relates to an alleged incident outside the Castle Inn in Pembroke following a funeral gathering on July 6, 2024, where Tonicha Jones was allegedly assaulted and knocked unconscious.

Emma Birch and Chloe Birch have already admitted assault, while Samantha Birch, Daisy Bianchy and Sam James deny the allegations.

The three defendants who deny the allegations remain on bail ahead of a trial listed for February 8, 2027.

During the latest hearing, the court was told that an original four-day trial estimate was “no longer tenable” and that the case was now likely to last five days, partly because Mr James will be representing himself.

Two witnesses are expected to give evidence, including Dr Ahmed, who treated the complainant after she arrived at A&E by ambulance.

The court heard the complainant reported being thrown to the floor and having her hair pulled. Medical evidence is expected to refer to swelling to the mid-scalp area.

Mr James is expected to challenge how his alleged actions caused those injuries.

The court also heard there had been an issue over Samantha Birch’s representation, after her solicitor became unavailable because of another trial.

The case will return to Swansea Crown Court for trial next year.