Charity

Call for universal childcare to tackle poverty in Wales

Published

2 weeks ago

October 29, 2025

Charity urges next Welsh Government to create a simpler, fairer system

A LEADING Welsh charity has called for childcare to be made universally available in Wales to help reduce poverty, boost employment, and support children’s development.

In a new report published today, the Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales says the next Welsh Government must create a flexible, streamlined childcare system that works for all families. The charity argues that childcare in Wales has become the most expensive in the UK following the recent rollout of a new offer for working parents in England.

Parents told researchers that the current system is “disjointed, complicated and difficult to access.” Funded childcare for children under three remains limited, particularly for low-income families.

WEN Wales says that simply copying England’s model would not solve the problem. Instead, it is calling for “a uniquely Welsh solution” that delivers high-quality, sustainable and flexible childcare, alongside fair pay and working conditions for staff.

The report draws on research involving more than 780 parents and childcare experts. It recommends targeting investment where it will make the biggest difference — helping families on low incomes. The charity proposes a universal entitlement of at least 15 hours a week for all children, with means-tested support of up to 35 hours for those on the lowest incomes.

According to WEN, this approach could lift families out of poverty and give disadvantaged children a better start in life. Crucially, the universal element would apply regardless of whether parents are in work.

The report also highlights the gender inequality caused by the current childcare system. Women in the UK spend an average of 45 hours a week caring for children — twice as much as men — limiting their ability to work. Some parents told researchers they were skipping meals because they had to give up employment to care for their children.

WEN Wales is also urging better support for providers to deliver flexible childcare options that fit around parents’ working lives. The charity recommends integrating childcare with wider family support services, offering a single point of contact within easy reach of disadvantaged communities.

Providers, it says, should be funded at a level that reflects the real cost of delivery, particularly in rural or deprived areas, and for children with disabilities or additional needs.

Victoria Vasey, Director of WEN Wales, said: “Childcare is at a crossroads, and now is the time for a transformation. This report proposes a new approach that can lift families out of poverty, give children a better start in life, and increase economic activity in Wales — especially for women.

“A universal core entitlement to childcare, combined with a means-tested element, would target investment where it has the greatest impact. All political parties should consider this carefully as they develop their plans ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.”

Steffan Evans, CEO of the Bevan Foundation and contributor to the report, added:
“This report provides yet further evidence that the current approach to childcare in Wales is not fit for purpose. A well-designed and functioning childcare system is a key tool in tackling poverty and inequality.”

Sean O’Neill, Deputy CEO and Policy Director of Children in Wales, said: “We have long called for a childcare system that puts the rights and developmental needs of babies and children at its heart. Quality, affordable, child-centred childcare delivered by a well-paid, valued workforce should be a top priority for the next Welsh Government.”

Charity

Milford Haven student aims high with Kilimanjaro climb for Amnesty International

Published

1 day ago

November 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Oxford University student Lily Walters to tackle Africa’s tallest mountain in 2026 charity challenge

A MILFORD HAVEN student, formerly a pupil at Haverfordwest High, is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime as she takes on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Amnesty International UK.

Lily Walters has signed up for the UK Kilimanjaro 2026 Student Challenge, which will take place from August 25 to September 3, 2026. She is aiming to raise £4,970 for the human rights charity, which campaigns for justice, equality and freedom across the world.

Lily said: “This challenge isn’t just about pushing myself outside my comfort zone — it’s about making a difference too. Every donation, big or small, will help me reach my target and support Amnesty International UK’s important work.”

So far, Lily has raised £145 from seven supporters, with donations continuing to come in through her JustGiving page. Messages of encouragement have included: “Go for it, girl!”, “Fantastic news, Lily — wishing you all the very best,” and “We are so proud of you!”

The nine-day trek will see students from across the UK journey to Africa to climb the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, reaching an altitude of almost 6,000 metres (19,000 feet). The challenge tests both physical endurance and mental strength, and participants are expected to train for months before departure.

Funds raised will go directly to Amnesty International UK (RCN 1051681), whose campaigns focus on issues such as refugees, children’s rights, women’s rights, and conflict-affected communities.

Those wishing to support Lily’s fundraising can visit her JustGiving page at:
👉 justgiving.com/fundraising/uk-kilimanjaro-25th-august-2026-student-choseachallenge-690a50b1eff9e

Determined student: Milford Haven’s Lily Walters, who studies at Oxford University, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 2026 to raise funds for Amnesty International (Pic: JustGiving).

Charity

Fly-in raises funds for lifesaving air services

Published

5 days ago

November 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A RECORD-BREAKING seventy-five aircraft flew into Haverfordwest Airport for a special fundraising weekend in August, raising hundreds of pounds for two lifesaving Welsh charities.

Wales Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes were the beneficiaries of the event, which drew pilots and enthusiasts from across the UK and Ireland.

Airport Director Charlotte Rees said: “It’s been a very special year for us. We took over the airport lease from Pembrokeshire County Council in April, and we wanted to mark the occasion with an event that would raise awareness and funds for two causes that mean a lot to our family and community.

“This was the first time we’d organised anything like this, and we were absolutely blown away by the turnout. We witnessed 155 aircraft movements over two days, with 100% of the landing fees going to Wales Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes. It was a pleasure to meet so many pilots, aviation enthusiasts and supporters — both familiar faces and new connections.”

Family legacy takes flight

The Rees family has been connected to Haverfordwest Airport for three generations. Charlotte’s grandparents founded a flying school there in 1976, and in April this year the family secured the lease from the county council.

The 28-year-old said: “It was a very special moment for us. I really want to spread the word about what we do — I’m amazed that even some people living locally don’t realise we’re here.”

The airport is also home to Fly Wales, which provides air charter flights across the UK and Europe, including repatriation and medical transport services in partnership with the NHS.

Charlotte added: “We transport patients between hospitals, repatriate people from abroad, and even assist with organ transfers and neonatal movements for specialist care.”

Helping the helpers

Blood Bikes Wales, based at the airport, provides 24/7 medical transport for the NHS, delivering urgent supplies, blood, and equipment to hospitals across Wales.

Haverfordwest Airport is also a vital fuel supplier for Wales Air Ambulance, which delivers critical care to patients across the nation. The charity relies on public donations to raise £13 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The service is delivered in partnership with the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), whose NHS consultants and critical care practitioners can perform anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions, and carry out minor operations at the scene of an incident.

Looking to the future

Charlotte said: “It’s in my nature to want to help people, whether through my work at Haverfordwest Airport or by supporting charities that save lives.

“I was originally training to be a pharmacist, but nine years ago my uncle — who ran the air charter with our Chief Pilot, Gwyndaf — sadly suffered a fatal heart attack. My dad, who runs our dairy farm next to the airport, stepped in to help, and I decided to take a year out to learn the ropes. I got my pilot’s licence, passed my commercial exams, and never looked back.”

Now expecting her first child in January, Charlotte says the family is “very excited” — and already planning next year’s event.

“It’s only been a few weeks since our open day, but we’re already talking about what we can do in aid of Wales Air Ambulance in 2026. We’d love to raise even more to help save lives.”

The open day and BBQ at Propellers Café raised over £693, divided equally between Wales Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes.

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone at Haverfordwest Airport for their hard work during the Fly-In weekend. Over 75 aircraft travelled from across England, Scotland and Ireland — a fantastic way to bring the aviation community together and raise vital funds. Every pound makes a huge difference and helps save lives.”

Photo caption:

Haverfordwest Airport Director Charlotte Rees with Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire (Pic: Supplied).

Charity

Retired Carmarthenshire GP cycles Britain to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK

Published

6 days ago

November 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A RETIRED Carmarthenshire GP living with stage four bowel cancer has almost completed an extraordinary 874-mile cycling challenge to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.

Dr Mark Boulter, from Llandovery, has been cycling the virtual distance from Land’s End to John o’ Groats by tackling the hilly roads around his home. A keen cyclist for many years, he decided to take on the challenge after his diagnosis, determined to make a difference while he still could.

All the money raised will support Bowel Cancer UK’s work to save lives and improve the quality of life for everyone affected by the disease.

At the time of writing, Mark has raised over £10,000 — smashing his initial target of £1,000 each for Bowel Cancer UK and Llandovery Hospital League of Friends.

“I was a GP and saw many people suffering from bowel cancer, and now I’m dealing with stage four cancer myself,” Mark said. “Knowing the cancer has spread, I realised that I had only limited time left and wanted to do something positive.”

Mark was first diagnosed in 2022 and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy before having a permanent stoma fitted in March 2023. When the cancer returned in his pelvis, surgery in December 2024 left him with severe damage to his right sciatic nerve.

Now unable to use his right foot, he rides an electric bike with a step-through frame and a special ankle brace for stability, using his left leg to power through the steep Carmarthenshire terrain.

“I was a keen cyclist growing up and helped set up a cycling club in Llandovery many years ago, so this challenge came naturally to me,” he said. “The hills make it tough, but I’ve built up from ten miles per session to more than fifty. My aim is to raise awareness as much as money, and to encourage people to stay active for as long as they can. Hopefully, I’ll finish this weekend with a 60-mile ride to visit my two grandchildren in Raglan.”

Michael Locke, Wales Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Mark for choosing us as one of his charities. Nearly 2,400 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in Wales — it’s the country’s fourth most common cancer. The money Mark has raised will help us to raise awareness, fund research, and support families affected by the disease. Every mile he’s cycled brings us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.”

You can support Mark’s fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/team/marks-fight-for-bowel-cancer.

Feeling inspired? Start your own fundraising challenge at www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/fundraising.