News
Milford Haven: Sister hits fundraising target for brother’s new wheelchair

Matthew and his sister, Emma: Delighted to have reached the target
A WOMAN from Milford Haven who has been raising money to buy her brother a new wheelchair has hit her target after less than a month of fundraising.
Emma Clayton began fundraising in January in order to buy her brother, 24-year-old Matthew Griffiths, a new electric wheelchair.
Matthew was born at 30 weeks and suffers with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and in in desperate need of a new chair to ensure he lives more comfortably.
Speaking to The Herald, Emma said: “Matthew is very happy to be able to have a new wheelchair, and wants to thank everybody who helped reach the target.
“We had a successful bingo evening which took place at The Royal British Legion in Milford Haven and raised £800, and we raised £230 through a raffle, with thanks to Moira Barnes. She was brilliant!”
Emma, who is a mum of three, already has a hectic life without her fundraising efforts for her brother, and intends to donate whatever money is left after buying Matthew’s new wheelchair to charity.
She said: “Thank you to everybody in Milford Haven. For a small community, everyone pulled together and helped!”
In total, Emma managed to raise a total of £4,547. Having exceeded her target of £3,000 this now means some features of the chair can be upgraded.
She said: “Matthew can’t control the chair himself, but we’ve upgraded it so he can press buttons that make the chair go left and right and spin around! The chair will be molded to his shape and there’ll be more padding, and generally more luxurious.”
Matthew lives with his parents, who are his full time carers. When asked how the new chair will impact their lives, Mrs Clayton said: “It will make the world of difference to Matthew and my parents. My Dad is 70, and he enjoys walking with Matthew but he was having difficulty doing it.
“The last chair was very bulky and heavy, and not the most comfortable. The new chair will be streamlined and so much easier to manouvre.”
Matthew hopes to have his new wheelchair by the end of April.
News
Flood alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast
Residents urged to prepare as flooding possible between St Dogmaels and Amroth
A FLOOD alert has been issued for the Pembrokeshire coast by Natural Resources Wales.
The alert covers the coastline between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth, where flooding is possible.
Residents are being urged to be prepared, check flood plans, and make sure family members, pets, vehicles, livestock and important belongings can be moved to safety if needed.
Natural Resources Wales is also advising people to keep mobile phones charged, know how to turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, and prepare a small emergency bag with essential items including medication, chargers, warm clothing, baby and pet supplies, sanitary items and insurance documents.
People are warned not to drive or walk through floodwater. Just 30cm of water can carry a car away, while 15cm can knock a person off their feet.
For more information, visit the Natural Resources Wales flood warning service or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188, using quick dial number 503013.
Entertainment
Tony Christie brings farewell show to Torch Theatre
LEGENDARY singer Tony Christie is coming to Milford Haven as part of his Great Farewell tour.
The veteran performer, best known for hits including Is This the Way to Amarillo and I Did What I Did for Maria, will appear at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, June 25, at 7:30pm.
Christie, born Anthony Fitzgerald in Yorkshire in 1943, began performing as a teenager and went on to enjoy a career spanning more than six decades.
His breakthrough came after signing with MCA Records in 1969, with the 1970s bringing huge success and more than 10 million record sales.
He later enjoyed renewed fame when Peter Kay helped introduce Amarillo to a new generation, making the song one of the best-known British pop hits of the modern era.
The Great Farewell show will celebrate Christie’s long career, taking in his classic hits and the songs that made him one of Britain’s most enduring entertainers.
A limited number of VIP packages are available, including the best seats, access to Tony’s sound check from 4:15pm to 5:00pm, a meet-and-greet with Tony and his wife Sue, and a goody bag containing a personally dedicated signed CD and 10×8 photograph.
Tickets cost £30, with VIP tickets priced at £80.
Bookings can be made at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.
News
NHS leaders welcome First Minister’s pledge on joined-up health approach
NHS LEADERS in Wales have welcomed the new First Minister’s commitment to taking a whole-government approach to improving health and wellbeing.
The Welsh NHS Confederation said the focus on prevention, public health and care closer to home was a “strong and positive starting point” for the new Senedd term.
Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said ministers working together across government would be essential because many of the factors affecting people’s health sit outside the NHS.
He said: “We welcome the First Minister’s focus on a whole-government approach to improving health and wellbeing in Wales.
“The recognition that ministers must work together across government is a strong and positive starting point for this new Senedd term, reflecting the wider factors that shape people’s health and the need for joined-up action to improve it.”
Mr Hughes said the emphasis on prevention, public health and shifting more care into primary and community services was vital to helping people get support earlier, improving care and easing pressure on hospitals.
But he warned that the ambitions must now be supported by clear priorities, realistic plans and honest communication with the public about what can be delivered and when.
He added: “Over the next four years, building trust and strong relationships with NHS leaders will be essential.
“NHS leaders in Wales stand ready to work with the Welsh Government and partners across public services to turn this whole-government ambition into real improvements in health and wellbeing.”
The Welsh NHS Confederation represents all organisations making up the NHS in Wales, including the seven local health boards, three NHS trusts and two special health authorities.
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