News

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

Published

2 years 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.”

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

5 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.