News

Tanni calls for bold action to get more girls into sport

Published

11 months ago

August 7, 2025

ONE of Wales’ greatest-ever athletes and Chair of Sport Wales, Tanni Grey-Thompson, is calling on the next Welsh Government to adopt several policies which would, amongst other things, help to keep more girls engaged in sport and physical activity from a young age.

Tanni said: “We’re enjoying a massive summer of women’s sport with so many major events that are gripping the nation. There will be countless numbers of girls across Wales feeling inspired by new role models this summer, and that’s really exciting.

“Women’s sport is gaining more recognition, respect and momentum, with progress certainly being made in terms of exposure and visibility for women’s elite sport. But participation inequalities still exist.

“The simple fact is that fewer women and girls participate in sport than men and boys in Wales, and that has been the case forever.

“The gender gap begins in childhood, so it’s vital that we get more girls enjoying sport and physical activity from a young age and keep them coming back for more.

“At Sport Wales, we want this summer of women’s sport to be a watershed moment,” Tanni continued. “In the run up to the Senedd elections next spring we are urging political parties in Wales to include policies in their manifestos which will help to level the playing field for women and girls as well as supporting other groups of people who are currently under-represented in sport.”

One recommendation is to increase funding for sport in Wales so that it is comparable with similar countries.
Another recommendation is for Wales to have a completely new approach to young people’s engagement in physical activity in, and around, the school day, which in turn will support more girls to be engaged in sport.
Tanni said: “There’s a huge opportunity to ensure that not just women and girls, but the people of Wales as a whole are healthier and happier, simply by adequately funding sport to its full potential.

Tanni added: “It isn’t just about throwing extra money at the problem. It’s about using the funding wisely. We’re really enthused by the way our partners who deliver sport in Wales are working to break down the barriers that hold women and girls back and are creating sporting environments where everyone can thrive – whenever, wherever, however and for life. Increased investment would support even more of this work.

Moving on to discuss Sport Wales’ plans for schools, Tanni said: “We know we have a specific issue with girls not being active enough, but many boys aren’t getting enough exercise either. Kids need to be moving more and we must create a better infrastructure which allows that to happen.

“We’re developing an initiative to support schools in creating more opportunities for young people to be active throughout and around the school day, increasing skills and confidence in physical activity, and providing better connections with their local communities. This is particularly important for girls as our insight tells us that girls can lack the confidence to try new sports.

“The initiative would integrate sport and physical activity into young people’s daily routines, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.”

Tanni concluded: “Having a fitter and healthier nation would also naturally create a bigger talent pool for nurturing elite success. If we want more success for our female athletes on the world stage, that begins with investment in grassroots opportunities.

“This summer of women’s sport has been amazing. Let’s build on this momentum and make lasting change.”

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

4 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

4 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.