Tributes for 'miracle man' shops boss Vernon Lloyd-Jones

A SWANSEA health food professional, dubbed the miracle man after beating cancer 50 years ago, has passed away aged 82.

Vernon Lloyd-Jones was well known in Swansea after setting up Health & Herbs in Picton Arcade over 25 years ago.

His interest in health foods came about after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in the 1960s and being told by doctors that he only had weeks to live.

He changed his lifestyle and beat the disease.

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Soon after he opened the first of seven shops across South Wales and was one of the first people to market Royal Jelly brands.

His partner David Slatter said: "He was always careful not to say he cured cancer, but his story attracted a lot of interest and the national press got hold of the story, and from there he became very well-known. They called him the miracle man in the press and it just took off."

Vernon, who wrote three books on health, was even interviewed by Terry Wogan.

He also became close friends with the late romantic novelist Barbara Cartland who, as president of the National Association of Health, loved his story.

Tim Rusbatch, who has been manager of the Swansea Health & Herbs store for 22 years said: "He also did radio broadcasts for years and used to have a column in the Evening Post.

"He was one of the biggest characters that I ever met, that's the big loss, he was such a massive character. He was one of the pioneers of the health food trade.

"So many customers have been shocked by his death, even though he was 82, we have had lots of them breaking down in tears in the shop."

Mr Rusbatch vowed to keep Vernon's memory alive, saying: "David Slatter and I are going to run the shop together, basically, in memory of Vernon, he was so well-known.

"Vernon would have insisted on keeping going for the staff and for all the loyal customers we have."

VisageSteve John, owner of Visage hairdressers in Picton Arcade, said: "He was a real character who just loved life. He was very well-known and will be missed."