Swansea Sea Cadets and the British Red Cross are the latest good causes in West Wales to receive the backing of a major housebuilder.

The two groups have received £1,000 each from the regional office of Persimmon Homes through the business’ Community Champions scheme.

Across the UK Persimmon awards 64 grants of up to £1,000 each month – a total of up to £768,000 a year.

Swansea Sea Cadets, based in the town’s Maritime Quarter, is fundraising for new emergency lights which will enable cadets to stay overnight.

Meanwhile, the British Red Cross, which has its regional office in Llansamlet, will put the money towards its Support at Home scheme.

Commanding Officer CPO Tom Cowles, of Swansea Sea Cadets, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this generous funding from Persimmon Homes.

“Our aim is to help young people towards responsible adulthood by encouraging valuable personal attributes and high standards of conduct using a nautical theme based on the customs of the Royal Navy.

“We are fundraising to replace emergency lights in our headquarters. These are required to enable us to run residential courses where the cadets can stay overnight in the building. This will allow us to offer training not only to our cadets but also to cadets from other units.”

Jessica Burden, of the British Red Cross, said: “It’s great that Persimmon has chosen to support the important work we do to support local communities. The Support at Home service forms part of our Independent Living service, which in 2020 supported 2,262 people across West Wales.

“It's been a challenging and lonely time for the people we support. Many are struggling with loneliness and the British Red Cross is there for anyone who needs practical support or would benefit from a conversation with someone kind and compassionate, who can provide emotional support."

Sharon Bouhali, sales director at Persimmon Homes West Wales, said: “In West Wales alone in 2020 we donated £23,258 to charities and good causes. It’s brilliant that we are able to support the areas in which we are building.

“The scheme remains open in 2021 and we look forward to helping more worthy organisations.”

Persimmon is currently selling stunning new-build homes in Llanelli at Parc Brynderi and will shortly have a range of new properties for sale at its Llys Ystrad and Tir Y Bont developments in Bridgend.

Visit www.persimmonhomes.com for more information.