Swansea’s popular Quadrant Shopping Centre is backing the appeal to raise funds for the families of the victims of the Gleision Mine disaster.
A collection point for donations has been set up at the centre of the busy centre which is at the hub of the city’s retail district.
The Manager of the Quadrant Centre, Alan Wallace, spent part of his early working career underground and he said the tragedy had struck a chord with so many people in the area.
“We’ve had a collection box out there in the centre of the Quadrant this week and the response has been really good,” he said.
“This tragedy has hit hard in the area where so many families have their own close links to the mining industry, particularly in the villages around the city.
“I’ve spoken to the miners’ representatives and told them that every penny we get will be turned over to them.
“It’s something we have done for severalworth y causes and this one comes very close to home.”
The manager of Clarks Shoes in the Quadrant, David Carter, said: “We all feel very supportive of the appeal here and it’s good that the Quadrant which is so much part of the community is doing something for the families of those who died so tragically.
“I can see the collection box from our store and while times may be difficult financially I’ve seen so many already putting their hands in their pockets for the appeal here and it’s mostly notes that are going in.”
James Kane, deputy manager of Superdry, added: “We feel that as a centre it’s good that we should be involved in the appeal and it shows we are trying to support the local community.
“Our hearts really go out to the families affected and it’s good that we can do something for them here.”
Alan Wallace said: “It has really hit people. I worked underground for a year when I left school. I trained at Cai Duke in Gorseinon and then went to work at Brynlliw Colliery.
“I was 16 and worked with a man called Emlyn who made the step-in safety shelters along the tunnels.
“I enjoyed it but Emlyn never stopped telling me to leave the industry from day one. He was 63 and he’d worked down the mines all his life.
“I eventually took his advice and joined the Royal Navy but there are thousands like me who spent part of their working lives underground and many more who had relatives and friends who worked in the pits.
“Many families in this area will have some link with mining and can feel a connection with the victims and their families.”
Alan Redmore, from Cwmddu, Swansea, put a £10 note in the box and said: “I’m retired now but I used to work for the Coal Board at the King’s Dock in Swansea. My wife spotted the box and we always like to support appeals like this.”
