Young woman, 23, from Ammanford remembered as “a miracle” following tragic collision near Rhayader

THE FAMILY of a young woman who died following a road traffic collision on the A470 have paid an emotional tribute to her life.

Ellé Claire Evans, aged 23, from Ammanford, died after the incident which occurred between Doldowlod and Rhayader at around 2:30pm on Tuesday (March 24).

In a statement released through police, her family described her as a “beautiful, amazing, intelligent” young woman whose loss has left them devastated.

They said: “Our beautiful, amazing, intelligent, miracle of a daughter, Ellé Claire Evans, was involved in a road traffic collision at 23 years of age and has now departed from this realm to spend eternity with her Lord & Saviour.

“Ellé gave her all to help those around her in every way she could and as a family, we are devastated at this loss.

“Ellé has always been a bright and shining light everywhere she has ever been and was very much the centre of every gathering.

“We as a family are still processing our loss, pain and sorrow, but also rejoicing in the gift we had in Ellé and the joy she brought to our hearts.

“We miss you already, we love you always and you’ll be in our hearts and memories forever.”

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone who saw the incident, or who may have dash-cam footage from the area at the time, is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, via email, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Quote reference: DP-20260324-197

Families invited to reflect, remember and find comfort at Hywel Dda event

THE ANNUAL Hywel Dda Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service will take place in Carmarthen on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Organised by staff at Hywel Dda University Health Board and led by its Spiritual Care (Chaplaincy) team, the service has long offered comfort to bereaved parents and families, providing a space to reflect and come together in remembrance.

The service will be held at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton Terrace, Carmarthen (SA31 3BT) at 12:00pm. The chapel is located behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre, with ample parking available nearby.

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at the health board, said the service recognises the many forms loss can take.

He said: “We know that the journey of grief can be slow and painful, and that the experience of loss can be wide — from early miscarriage to the death of a baby or a child.

“Our remembrance service is for anyone who has experienced loss, no matter when it happened or where you were living at the time.

“We offer a space for quiet reflection, as well as the chance to come together with others who have experienced similar loss. Being surrounded by support and love can provide comfort at a difficult time.”

This year’s service will include readings, poems and reflective music, including performances by a staff choir, alongside quotations from Winnie the Pooh.

Parents are invited to bring a photograph, a named item, or a keepsake such as a blanket or toy to place on a memory table during the service.

Refreshments will be provided thanks to the support of Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church.

Donation bags aim to ease pressure as foodbank demand remains high

WELSH families struggling to afford food during the school holidays are being offered extra support this Easter through a nationwide initiative launched by Tesco.

Customers visiting Tesco stores across Wales can buy pre-packed donation bags, priced between £2 and £5, to help families facing financial hardship during the Easter break. The scheme will run from Sunday (Mar 30) until April 12.

The bags contain essential long-life food items and will be distributed to charities including FareShare, The Felix Project and Trussell, helping provide vital supplies to those most in need.

Holiday periods can place added pressure on families who rely on free school meals during term time. Without that support, many parents struggle to ensure their children have access to regular, nutritious food.

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco said: “Holiday periods can be really tough for families who miss out on free school meals, making it harder to ensure children get healthy food.

“These donation bags are a simple way for customers to make a real difference, helping provide vital support to families over the school holidays.”

Figures from Trussell show foodbank demand remains significantly higher than before the pandemic, with usage 45% above 2019 levels. In 2025 alone, the network distributed the equivalent of one food parcel every 12 seconds, with families accounting for nearly two-thirds of support.

FareShare and The Felix Project, which have recently merged to form the UK’s largest food redistribution charity, now support more than 8,000 community groups—83% of which work with families and children.

Tesco says it will continue its year-round efforts to tackle food poverty through schemes such as its Community Food Connection programme, which redistributes unsold food from stores, and its Fruit and Veg for Schools initiative, which supports healthier eating in schools with high levels of free school meals.

Matthew van Duyvenbode, Co-CEO at Trussell said: “No one should face hunger. These donations make a real difference, especially during the school holidays when families face increased costs.”

Charlotte Hill, CEO at FareShare & The Felix Project, added: “The school holidays can be especially difficult for parents already struggling. Initiatives like this help ensure more families can access the food they need.”

Tesco customers can also donate additional long-life items in store, including tinned meat and fish, pasta, rice, cereals, soups, and long-life milk.

Critics argue the scheme places the burden on customers at a time when supermarkets are reporting strong profits, while supporters say it provides vital, immediate help to struggling families.