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Charity

Classic car events raise £2,335 for local hospice at home charity

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SINCE 2007, Pembroke resident Mal Powell has been bringing together classic car enthusiasts through annual events aimed at celebrating automotive history and supporting local charities. From May to August each year, Mal organises one to two classic car meets per month across various local venues, allowing car lovers to showcase their prized vehicles. The season culminates each September with a Classic Car Run from the Plough Inn, Sageston.

Each event welcomes donations from participants, with proceeds supporting local charities. Over the years, these gatherings have benefited organizations like the RNLI, Wales Air Ambulance, and Macmillan For the last eleven years, Mal has chosen to direct the funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Hospice at Home charity that offers essential hospice-at-home services to those in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting illnesses. Over the years, these gatherings have benefited organizations like the RNLI, Wales Air Ambulance, and Macmillan. For the last eleven years, Mal has chosen to direct the funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Hospice at Home charity that offers essential hospice-at-home services to those in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting illnesses.

Together with a small team of dedicated friends, Mal’s incredible efforts have raised around £100,000 for various charities, helping them to continue their vital work.

This year, Mal presented a donation of £2,335 to Sandra Dade, Charity Manager at Paul Sartori, along with volunteers Val Harrold and Mair Evans, and Trustee Phil Thompson. Reflecting on his motivation, Mal shared, “I love organising these events for such a good cause. While the classic vehicle events depend on the weather, we’ve only had to cancel one event over the years. The Paul Sartori Foundation is a wonderful charity that provides outstanding support to our community, and I believe it deserves 100% support.”

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator for the Paul Sartori Foundation, expressed deep appreciation for the contributions, saying, “Without the fantastic funds raised by Mal Powell and his friends who support these events, Paul Sartori would face a significant shortfall in reaching its fundraising targets; currently, our vital hospice at home services cost around £3,000 per day. We give our thanks to Mal and the classic car community for their continued and invaluable support.”

The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home offers comprehensive services to individuals in the later stages of a life-limiting illness, including home nursing care, equipment loans, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, and future care planning services. These critical services empower people in their final stages to remain at home with dignity, independence, and comfort, surrounded by loved ones, should they wish. Available 24/7 and free of charge, the services are made possible through the generosity of people like Mal, the classic car groups, and the Pembrokeshire community.

Charity

Guide dogs campaign highlights access challenges during festive season

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THE FESTIVE season brings joy for many but poses challenges for guide dog owners, who often face stress and exclusion due to illegal access refusals. Despite laws protecting their rights, an alarming 90% of guide dog owners report being denied access to businesses and services, including taxis, shops, and hospitality venues.

Sue Canham, a guide dog owner from Tenby, has experienced such discrimination firsthand. Recently, six taxis at Cardiff train station refused to transport her and her guide dog. Sue has also faced refusals at restaurants and pubs, raising serious concerns about the treatment of visually impaired individuals.

Widespread discrimination

Research from Guide Dogs, a leading charity for individuals with sight loss, highlights a significant lack of awareness. Only 42% of the public are aware that guide dogs are legally allowed in most businesses. In the past year alone, 72% of guide dog owners reported access refusals, with 41% of these incidents occurring in food and drink establishments.

Such refusals not only violate the law but also take a toll on the mental and social well-being of those affected. Nearly 80% of guide dog owners admitted altering their plans or avoiding certain venues due to fear of refusal.

Ruby Jay, a guide dog owner from Colchester, shared her experiences: “I’ve been illegally refused service about 25 times this year. It’s humiliating and stressful. I’m even skipping my Christmas party to avoid facing another rejection.”

A call for inclusion

Guide Dogs is urging businesses to prioritize education and staff training, especially during the festive season, to foster a more inclusive environment for guide dog owners.

Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy at Guide Dogs, said “Access refusals are almost always illegal and deeply isolating, particularly during a time meant for celebration. We’re calling on businesses to ensure their staff are aware of the law and to make inclusion a priority this Christmas.”

Key statistics

  • Discrimination remains prevalent: 90% of guide dog owners have faced access refusals.
  • Awareness is low: More than 70% of customer-facing staff report receiving no training on the rights of assistance dog users.
  • Well-being impact: Half of those refused access report being treated disrespectfully, and some have encountered aggression.
  • Public support for inclusivity: 64% of people would avoid businesses that discriminate against guide dog owners.

Steps toward change

The “Open Doors” campaign by Guide Dogs aims to bridge the awareness gap by encouraging businesses to educate their staff about the legal rights of guide dog owners. By taking these steps, businesses can ensure a more inclusive and welcoming festive season for everyone.

For more information, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/opendoors.

Caption: Tenby resident Sue Canham is among many guide dog owners advocating for equal access this Christmas season (Pic: Herald).

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Charity

RSPCA reports large rise in pet neglect cases in Wales

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The RSPCA has revealed a distressing 12% increase in animal neglect reports in Wales during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. With 3,163 cases reported between January and September, up from 2,822 in 2023, the charity fears the situation will worsen as financial pressures mount during the festive season.

Counties hit hardest
Rhondda Cynon Taf recorded the highest number of neglect reports (266), closely followed by Cardiff (262) and Swansea (237).

Across England and Wales, the RSPCA’s emergency cruelty line logged 48,814 incidents of neglect during the same period, marking a 25% increase from 2023’s 38,977 cases. On average, one incident is reported every four minutes, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

Festive fears
The RSPCA, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, attributes the rise in neglect and abandonment to the surge in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis.

Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “A 12% rise in neglect calls in Wales is deeply concerning, especially as winter brings increased financial pressures. With energy bills, Christmas costs, and other challenges, we fear the trend will continue.”

She added: “Every four minutes, we receive a report of neglect. Coupled with a 30% rise in abandonment cases over the last three years, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges pets and their owners face. But together, through our Join the Christmas Rescue campaign, we can make a difference.”

Heartwarming rescue: Patsy Pancake
One of the year’s most remarkable rescues involved a Shih Tzu affectionately named Patsy Pancake. Found abandoned in Bridgend in January, Patsy was in a critical condition, with a matted coat contaminated by faeces and sepsis threatening her life.

Thanks to prompt veterinary care and RSPCA foster support, Patsy made a miraculous recovery. Now officially adopted by her foster carer, Jayne, Patsy is thriving alongside another rescued Shih Tzu, Ruby Bish Fingers.

Jayne shared: “Patsy Pancake has transformed into a sassy, vocal, and loving dog. She’s settled wonderfully with my other pets, including Ruby, and I couldn’t let her go after fostering her.”

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper praised the community’s role in Patsy’s rescue. “It was touch and go, but thanks to incredible veterinary staff and a caring finder, Patsy has a second chance at life.”

Help for struggling pet owners
The RSPCA has launched a cost-of-living hub offering advice and support for those in financial difficulty. In Wales, the charity’s branches have established the Wales Pet Food Bank, distributing donations to food banks across the country.

To locate your nearest pet food bank or seek assistance, visit the RSPCA website: Wales Pet Food Bank.

As the festive season approaches, the RSPCA urges the public to support its life-saving work through donations and by joining the Join the Christmas Rescue campaign.

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Charity

Family thank Tenby RNLI for giving their daughter the gift of life this Christmas

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A WELSH family have been reunited with Tenby RNLI volunteers who saved their daughter after she was swept a mile out to sea whilst paddleboarding.

On Thursday 5 December, David, Kiki and Lilly Evans visited Tenby Lifeboat Station to bring festive cheer and thank the volunteers who saved Lilly’s life earlier this year.

It was a summer’s day, Saturday 30 July 2024, when the Evans family headed to Pendine Beach to enjoy the evening. 14-year-old Lilly was paddleboarding in the shallows when the wind picked up and began to blow her out to sea.

Her parents noticed immediately. In a state of panic, Lily’s dad David entered the water to try to reach his daughter whilst her mum Kiki called 999 and asked for the Coastguard. Lilly was swiftly being blown further out to sea, David tried to swim after her but was unable to reach her.

David said: ‘I was shouting out to her to come back in and she was screaming that she couldn’t. I was in pure panic when I realised I couldn’t get to her. I looked back at my wife, who was on her knees screaming.’

HM Coastguard tasked Tenby RNLI lifeboat to the scene. The volunteer crew launched the All-Weather lifeboat and made their way to Pendine. On arrival, they located Lilly a mile offshore.

Lilly was helped onboard the lifeboat and checked over before the crew safely returned her to her family who were waiting on the beach.

Kiki, Lilly’s mother said: ‘When the lifeboat arrived, we couldn’t even see Lilly as she had been blown so far out to sea.

‘It was the longest wait of my life, not knowing if Lilly was alive. Somehow, she managed to stay on the paddleboard, I think a few people were looking down on her that day.

‘Hearing that the lifeboat crew had her and that she was safe, it was an indescribable feeling.

‘Lilly says she couldn’t have held on much longer. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be reunited with the crew. We can’t thank the RNLI enough for saving Lilly’s life.’

Dan Thomas RNLI Deputy Coxswain at Tenby RNLI said: ‘It was an absolute pleasure to be reunited with Lilly and her family. They’re gratitude is well received by us all.

‘We’re all so pleased to see the Evans family before Christmas. At this time of year, it means so much to see the impact our lifesaving work has on families like the Evans.

‘If you spot someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, just as Lilly’s mother did. That quick action can be the lifesaving difference.

‘Without that 999 phone call and our crew launching the lifeboat on the 30 July, the outcome could have been very different. Thank you to everyone who supports and donates to our lifesaving charity. We can’t save lives without you.’

David will be running both the Newport and London Marathons to raise funds for the RNLI. His Gofundme page has already received more than £2000 in donations, it can be found at: https://gofund.me/27de8c2cl

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