Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Charity

West Wales boy’s long road back to school after rare illness

Published

on

Family thank Cardiff children’s hospital charity as figures show thousands of visits each year from Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy from Aberaeron who spent months unable to walk after a rare neurological illness has returned home and back to school following specialist treatment at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales.

Lewis was diagnosed last year with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, leaving him temporarily paralysed and unable to walk.

He spent seven months as an inpatient at the children’s hospital in Cardiff, missing Christmas at home while undergoing intensive treatment and daily physiotherapy.

Today, one year on from his diagnosis, Lewis is back in school and rebuilding his strength.

But the return to normal life has brought mixed emotions.

His mum Lizzie said: “We knew this day would eventually come. Lewis woke up feeling sad, but also happy. Happy he’s come so far, happy he’s beating Guillain-Barré syndrome and really happy to be back in school with friends. But on the flip side, he was really sad.

“He misses the hospital. He misses Bechan, the ward counsellor he played with often and had the best chats with. He misses Polly, the play specialist who took Lewis on adventures around the hospital every day. He misses Emily and Morgan from the charity, who used to make us laugh so much. I knew he would miss Noah’s Ark when we got home, because although it was hard, it wasn’t all bad thanks to all these people.”

Lewis during his recovery journey at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales (Pic: Supplied)

Thousands travel from West Wales

Figures supplied by the charity show just how many families from West Wales depend on the Cardiff hospital for specialist care not available locally.

During 2025 alone there were:

• 648 patient visits from Pembrokeshire
• 227 from Ceredigion
• 901 from Carmarthenshire
• 848 from Neath
• 1,380 from Swansea

That amounts to more than 4,000 visits from the wider region in a single year.

Across Wales, around 90,000 children receive treatment at the hospital annually.

The charity helps fund new and innovative medical equipment and facilities, supports families with emotional wellbeing services, and provides play specialists who help make long hospital stays less frightening for young patients.

It also offers practical support such as meals and comfort items for parents sleeping at their child’s bedside.

Giving something back

Inspired by the care Lewis received, his swimming teacher Martienus decided to give something back by walking from Aberaeron to Cardiff, raising £5,670.78 for the charity.

The money helped provide hot meals for parents spending Christmas Day in hospital — something Lewis’ family say can make a huge difference during the toughest moments.

Lizzie added: “Lewis’ journey shows not only his strength but also the difference a little kindness and support can make for families facing tough times.”

For more information or to support the charity, visit noahsarkcharity.org

 

Charity

Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride

Published

on

Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity

A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled 75 miles across west Wales on Wednesday (May 6) in memory of colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The annual “Chief’s Tour of Pembs 2026” saw participants travel from Fishguard to Carmarthen while raising money for the charity Care of Police Survivors, commonly known as COPS.

The force said the event raised £2,690, with funds going towards support for the families of police officers who have died while serving their communities.

Along the route, cyclists stopped at several locations to meet relatives of fallen officers and take part in moments of reflection.

In a statement shared on social media, the force said the tour was held “in memory of all Dyfed-Powys Police officers who have lost their lives in service.”

The post added: “Those we’ve lost will always remain in our thoughts.”

COPS supports the families of officers who have died on duty by organising national and regional events, helping survivors build support networks and friendships with others who have experienced similar loss.

Dyfed-Powys Police thanked members of the public who supported the cyclists during the challenge.

“A huge thank you to our community for showing our Chief’s Tour cyclists support as they passed through Pembrokeshire,” the force said.

“Your cheers, waves and encouragement kept spirits high for those taking part.”

The 75-mile challenge took riders across parts of north and west Pembrokeshire before continuing east towards Carmarthenshire, combining physical endurance with remembrance and fundraising.

Police charities such as COPS often work quietly behind the scenes, supporting bereaved families long after national attention fades following the death of an officer.

 

Continue Reading

Charity

Milford Haven Town Council Continues Support for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home

Published

on

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting local residents by awarding funding to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home following a successful application for financial assistance.

The £500 contribution will help support the ongoing delivery of vital day and night home nursing care for people receiving end-of-life care in the Milford Haven area.

The Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott, said: “It is a privilege for Milford Haven Town Council to continue supporting this important and vital service, which provides much-needed care and reassurance to residents in our community when it is needed most.

The work of Paul Sartori is incredibly important, and we thank them for all they do — not only for people in Milford Haven, but across the whole county.”

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is a registered charity providing high-quality end-of-life care and a wide range of free services to individuals and families throughout Pembrokeshire. Through an open referral system, patients, carers, and family members can access specialist clinical care, emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance, with many services delivered directly in patients’ homes.

A cheque for £500 was presented by the Mayor of Milford Haven to Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Judith Williams said: “We are extremely grateful to Milford Haven Town Council and its councillors for their continued support. Donations such as this make a real difference locally, helping us provide compassionate, dignified care to people in Milford Haven at the end of life.

Support from town and community councils not only helps sustain essential nursing services, but also reflects the strong partnership between Paul Sartori and the communities we serve. We truly value this ongoing commitment.”

The Paul Sartori nursing team currently provides approximately 150 hours of care each month within the Milford Haven area. Funding from Milford Haven Town Council will directly support local residents, enabling them to remain at home and receive professional, compassionate care surrounded by loved ones.

Alongside day and night nursing care, the charity also offers equipment loans, complementary therapies, bereavement and counselling support, and future care planning services — all free of charge and designed to maintain dignity, comfort, and independence for patients and families.

Families across Pembrokeshire living with a life-limiting illness can benefit from Paul Sartori Hospice at Home services. However, as a charitable organisation, the service relies heavily on the generosity of local communities, supporters, and fundraising initiatives to continue delivering this essential care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is encouraging town and community councils across Pembrokeshire to consider supporting the charity to help ensure high-quality end-of-life care remains accessible throughout the county.

Photo Caption:

Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, pictured with the Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott.

 

Continue Reading

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

on

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

 

Continue Reading

News13 hours ago

Plaid Cymru celebrates historic victory as Rhun ap Iorwerth arrives at Cardiff Bay

CROWDS gathered outside the Senedd as Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth arrived in Cardiff Bay following his party’s historic...

Crime14 hours ago

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old...

Crime18 hours ago

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident...

News1 day ago

Catastrophe for Labour as Plaid and Reform reshape Welsh politics

ELUNED MORGAN LOSES SEAT AS OLD CERTAINTIES ARE SWEPT AWAY THE VOTERS of Wales have delivered one of the most...

News2 days ago

Labour wiped out in Ceredigion Penfro as Plaid tops poll and First Minister loses seat

Shock result sends political shockwaves across Wales as Reform also surges in historic Senedd count LABOUR suffered one of the...

News2 days ago

Labour deputy says party ‘will not form next Welsh Government’

LABOUR FACES HISTORIC DEFEAT AS COUNTING CONTINUES ACROSS WALES LABOUR’S Deputy Leader in Wales has effectively conceded the Senedd election,...

News2 days ago

Counts underway in historic Senedd election

Wales waits for results as first election under new voting system reaches count stage COUNTING is underway across Wales today...

Charity2 days ago

Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride

Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled...

Crime3 days ago

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room...

Crime3 days ago

Milford Haven woman denies causing suffering to cat

Jury hears evidence over alleged failure to seek treatment for tumour A MILFORD HAVEN woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering...

Popular This Week