News

Pembroke cancer sufferer given major lifeline by international drug company on compassionate grounds

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2024

Pembroke cancer sufferer Josh Carter-Hewins has been given a major lifeline following international drug company – Roche Pharmaceutical’s – decision, to grant him the Glofitamab drug on compassionate grounds.

Josh, who suffers from the rare and exceptionally aggressive Burkitt’s Lymphoma, was told by his consultants that he wasn’t eligible for further treatment.

But this week, Roche agreed to grant the Glofitamab drug to the 27-year-old on compassionate grounds.

“It’s absolutely fantastic that we have been heard,” Josh’s wife, Beth, told The Pembrokeshire Herald.

“What Roche has decided to do is exceptionally rare and has come as a huge shock to us all.”

The couple will now be travelling to London where Josh will commence his treatment which is expected to last between five and 12 months.

“Obviously there’s no guarantee that this drug will work, but this is our best hope,” said Beth.

Josh first began feeling unwell in 2021 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. He later developed chronic liver disease and in 2023, underwent a liver transplant.

He made a good recovery, however earlier this year, he once again began feeling unwell.

“His symptoms were very similar to that of his ulcerative colitis with stomach pain, bloating and a general fatigue so initially, this is what we believed it was,” explained Beth.

But further analyses showed that Josh, who is employed as a CAD technician and account manager for the traffic light company, CORE highways, was suffering from the extremely rare post transplant lymphoma – Burkitt Lymphoma. Three weeks ago he was given a scan that showed his intensive chemotherapy had failed and his cancer was showing up in more places than before. He was also told that the only option available to treat the cancer is CAR-T cell therapy.

“But unfortunately Josh wasn’t eligible because his lymphoma is driven by being immunosuppressed,” said Beth.

“He wasn’t going to accept this, so he did his own extensive research and found the drug – Glofitamab – which has been used to treat a very small number of Burkitt’s Lymphoma cases across Canada, Copenhagen, Sweden and the USA. And all those cases have gone into remission.”

Sold under the brand name Columvi, this bispecific monoclonal antibody is used for the treatment of large B-cell lymphoma. However, because it isn’t licensed for use on Burkitt’s Lymphoma, the drug can only be administered through private hospitals.

“Josh and his consultants have made a huge effort researching, contacting other Burkitt’s Lymphoma survivors all over the world, holding discussions with doctors across the globe, meeting private consultants, holding meetings at the Senedd and more. We’ve also had extensive media coverage and every like, share, message and donation has made such a huge difference. We’ve been totally blown away by the way the community has come together to help us through this very difficult time.”

Meanwhile Josh and Beth are preparing themselves for the next chapter in their fight to combat Burkett’s Lymphoma.

“The gift from Roch doesn’t include the second drug, Polituzmab Vedotin, nor any other treatment which Josh may need, so we may still need to access private treatment along our journey. So all the donations we’ve received will be used to support his treatment and other potential options, if they become available.

“What Roche and NHS England are doing is fantastic, and they’re doing all they can to give Josh a chance.

“But we still want people to spread the word of Josh’s story, and help bring some light to people like him who are suffering from Burkitt’s Lymphoma.”

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

12 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

12 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

13 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.