A familiar face to generations of shoppers in Sketty has sadly died following a fire at his home in Townhill.
Liam Harmer, 51, who sold The Big Issue outside Tesco on Gower Road for many years, died on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, after a fire broke out in his first-floor flat at Elphin Gardens.
Emergency services attended the property during the afternoon, but despite their efforts, Liam was pronounced dead at the scene. South Wales Police subsequently confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
For many people in Sketty, Liam was someone they had come to know through their regular trips to the village. Having sold The Big Issue on and off for more than 15 years, he had become a familiar presence outside the supermarket, building friendships with customers and members of the local community.
Following his death, The Big Issue published a touching tribute to Liam, describing him as a gentle and kind man who was held in great affection by those who knew him.
Liam was born in Stepney, London, and after losing both of his parents as a child, he and his sister were adopted when he was nine. He later lost his adopted mother and, several years afterwards, his sister too. It's hard to imagine the amount of loss and trauma he experienced so early on in life.
He spoke openly about his struggles with alcohol and the decision to stay sober because he knew life was better without it. He found a home again after difficult times and reconnected with family he never knew he still had. He looked forward to simple things like decorating his flat, reading a good science fiction novel, watching Star Trek and Doctor Who, or going for a walk.
Liam was a profoundly resilient person and a friend to all of us in Sketty. I, like everyone here, will very much miss our chit-chats.
