Siblings raise £2k for charity after starting coffee company in their father’s memory

A brother and sister who launched a coffee company in their late father’s memory have raised £2,000 for charity.

Simon Smallwood, 37, and Steph Kelsey, 39, set up Rob’s Roast in memory of their father, Robin Smallwood – a former deputy head teacher at St Cenydd Comprehensive School in Caerphilly.

Robin passed away last year aged 76 following a short battle with a rare, aggressive cancer.

A percentage of the coffee business’ profits are being donated to charities close to the family’s heart.

Simon and Steph recently presented a £2,000 cheque to St David’s Hospice, which cared for Robin during his final days.

Robin was otherwise fit and healthy when he began experiencing back pain towards the end of 2024. After a series of tests, he was told his illness could not be treated. He passed away just five months later.

But his strength and determination meant his family were able to spend precious time together – talking, reminiscing, and putting the world to rights over countless cups of coffee.

It was during those conversations they created a ‘legacy list’ together – and at the top of that list was the idea of creating a coffee in Robin’s name.

Robin helped taste-test the different coffee beans and gave his thoughts on the branding and logo, meaning the final product is very much a reflection of the man known to so many in the community.

He was a rugby coach at both St Cenydd Comprehensive and at club level, and an anti-bullying ambassador who was passionate about giving back and supporting others.

Simon explained: “Losing dad has been absolutely heartbreaking, but we were determined to turn something so awful into something positive.

“Dad loved nothing more than sitting down with a coffee and having a proper chat. Because of his strength, we were lucky enough to have lots of those conversations, and that’s where the idea of Rob’s Roast really came from.”

Simon continued: “I don’t think he ever imagined it would turn into a business, but what started as a small, heartfelt idea has grown into something much bigger – a way to celebrate him, give back, and hopefully make a difference.”

Speaking about the care their father received, Steph said: “Dad spent the last week of his life at St David’s Hospice, and the care, compassion and dignity they showed him, and all of us, meant everything.

“Dad loved to travel – that’s where I get my passion for travelling from – and some of my happiest memories are from the holidays we had growing up. In a strange but very special way, his last few days at St David’s felt like our final holiday together as a family.”

She continued: “We wanted to give something back, so donating a percentage of profits from Rob’s Roast is our way of saying thank you. 

“Dad always said, in true Rob fashion, ‘celebrate my life, do not mourn my passing – keep smiling and farewell.’ That’s exactly what we’re trying to do with this.”

Abigail Hughes, community fundraiser at St David’s Hospice Care, said the charity was “incredibly grateful” for the family’s support.

“Rob’s Roast’ is a truly special tribute to Robin,” she said.” The funds raised will help us continue providing our free-of-charge, compassionate, comprehensive care to patients and families facing a life-limiting illness.

“On behalf of everyone at the hospice, we extend our heartfelt thanks for such wonderful generosity and kindness.”