News

Young woman’s plea to public: Don’t film crash scenes – show compassion instead

Published

12 months ago

July 2, 2025

Trauma campaign launched following father’s near-fatal accident

A YOUNG woman whose father was left with life-changing injuries after a crash has joined a powerful new campaign urging people in Pembrokeshire and beyond to stop filming at the scene of serious incidents.

Eve Thomas, who was just 17 when her father Nigel was struck by a car while cycling home from work, said the trauma of the crash was made significantly worse by people filming the aftermath on their mobile phones and uploading the footage to social media.

The campaign – It’s not your story to tell – is being led by the South Wales Trauma Network and is supported by emergency services and hospitals across Wales, including Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest, which forms part of the network’s rural trauma response.

Speaking about the day of the incident, Eve said: “I was on my school bus when we were stopped due to a crash. I saw my dad’s bike – I recognised it immediately because I had put the stickers on it. Students started filming on their phones, and I knew deep down it was him.”

Nigel, then 65 and a delivery driver, was left in an induced coma and spent nine months in hospital. Eve said the family endured intense pain not only from his injuries but also from the circulation of speculation and graphic footage online.

“My godmother called us after seeing a post on social media – she thought Dad had died,” said Eve, who is now 25 and her father’s primary carer. “No family should have to go through that. The ways things were filmed and shared became a big part of what I had to work through in therapy.”

Pembrokeshire’s emergency responders are all too familiar with the dangers of mobile phone use at incident scenes – not only for the dignity of those involved, but because it often interferes with the work of ambulance crews and firefighters.

Andrea Bradley, a senior nurse and Operations Manager at the South Wales Trauma Network, co-produced the campaign alongside Eve. “We’re incredibly proud of Eve’s bravery,” she said. “Filming crash victims not only affects those individuals and their families – it can hinder our ability to save lives.”

The trauma network includes local response from Withybush General Hospital, as well as Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, both of which serve rural communities like Pembrokeshire where long-distance travel times can already complicate emergency care.

Welsh Government Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy MS, added: “What might feel like a moment of curiosity – a quick photo or video – can have devastating long-term effects on those involved. I commend Eve for speaking out.”

The Herald understands this is part of a wider push across Wales to challenge public attitudes towards crash scenes, with a focus on education, dignity and the importance of calling for help rather than capturing content.

Eve concluded: “That person in front of you is someone’s parent, child, or best friend. Would you want someone filming your loved one when they were at their most vulnerable?”

With Pembrokeshire’s roads often busy in the summer and a growing number of cycling and motorbike incidents reported annually, the campaign hopes to influence behaviour across the region and beyond.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

10 minutes 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

10 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

11 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.