Film star hopes call will go down a treat
Movie star Michael Sheen is calling on Evening Post readers to get behind a charity's multi-million pound fundraising drive.
He is president of Treat Trust Wales, which is planning a £10 million therapy centre in the grounds of Morriston Hospital.
Driving force Melanie Davies hopes construction will start in 2014 after the trust forged a successful partnership with Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Universoty Health Board.
The centre will be for people recovering from serious illnesses or accidents and their families, as well as the general public.
Facilities will include a gymnasium, ramped-access swimming pool, general-purpose sports hall and alternative therapies.
Fund-raising has now started in earnest, with the charity setting itself the ambitious target of hitting its first £1 million in 12 months.
The Evening Post will be bringing regular updates on the charity's progress in the months ahead.
Michael, from Baglan, said: "As president of Treat Trust Wales it is a pleasure to endorse the project. I am delighted the South Wales Evening Post is supporting our fund- raising drive.
"I want to share with readers how delighted I was to be asked to be president of a charity with such bold and ambitious aims.
"Building a world-class, state-of-the-art therapy, rehabilitation and well-being facility is no mean feat.
"Indeed, there is only one establishment remotely like it in the UK — the Aspire National Training Centre, which that I had the privilege of visiting.
"I am greatly encouraged to know Aspire is committed to helping us. Their facility is now more than 20 years old and they want to make sure Treat is developed for the 21st Century.
"The people of Wales deserve top-class and ground-breaking facilities. Treat will be paving the way to empower ourselves physically and mentally, not only to value our health and fitness, but to take responsibility for it.
"In our lives, we need drive, ambition and commitment to make headway.
"Be part of the vision and help us raise the funds to make it a reality.
"From every penny to every pound, the Treat building is something you will be able to be proud of as a legacy that will go on from now to future generations."
Melanie, who lives with husband and fellow Treat campaigner Mike, near Pontardawe, came up with the idea of the therapy centre after developing breast cancer in 2001.
She is also donating royalties from her autobiography, Never Say Die, to the cause.
"It's fantastic having Michael on board," she said.
"Whenever we see him, all he wants to do is sit down and talk about how we can move Treat on. He makes very sensible suggestion — he's very hands-on."
She also paid tribute to Michael's dad Meyrick, the trust's vice-president. "He doesn't let up for a second. He's solid and reliable, and his enthusiasm is unbeatable."
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
Want to get involved with Treat Trust Wales?
Check out the website at www.treattrust.org.uk.
Email the charity at info@treattrust.org.uk or call 07792 540466.
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