The Power of Community: Supporting Joseph’s Smile

Tuesday 2nd June 2026

At Trade Centre Wales, community engagement isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a core part of who we are. Through meaningful partnerships and ongoing support for local initiatives, we are proud to play a role in making a real difference to families across Wales.

One such partnership is with Joseph’s Smile, a remarkable charity founded by Katie, alongside her sister Emma Rees. The charity was created in memory of Katie’s son, Joseph, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and tragically passed away later that year.

Drawing on her experience as a textile teacher and her journey as a mother navigating her son’s treatment, Katie developed an innovative solution to improve the comfort of children undergoing chemotherapy. The result was the “wiggly vest”—a specially designed garment that safely and discreetly secures Hickman lines, which are inserted into veins close to the heart for treatment.

These vests allow children to move freely, play, and experience a greater sense of normality during an incredibly difficult time. Beyond improving quality of life, they also help prevent damage to the lines, which in turn reduces the need for additional procedures, easing distress for young patients, and ultimately saving valuable NHS resources.

Since its launch, Joseph’s Smile has provided over 1,500 wiggly vests to children in need, with new baby-sized versions now also available—extending support to even the youngest patients. Katie and Emma have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Trade Centre Wales for its continued support and commitment to raising awareness of the charity’s work. Trade Centre Wales are proud to recognise our community engagement ambassador Mike Doyle who has recently become a patron of this charity alongside Steve Balsamo and Lee Mead.

Mark Bailey, Founder and Director of Trade Centre Wales, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Joseph’s Smile and to have our ambassador Mike Doyle as a patron for this charity, who feels so passionately, as we all do—seeing the direct impact Katie and Emma have had on people’s lives—is what it’s all about.”

Looking ahead, the Wales vs Europe Charity Football Match at Swansea Stadium promises to be another fantastic opportunity to come together in support of great causes. We encourage everyone to get involved and show their support by attending the event.

By working together, we can continue to raise awareness, provide practical support, and make a meaningful difference—one family at a time.

You can purchase your tickets here.