News

Tragic teenager committed suicide

Published

10 years ago

March 13, 2015

THE DEATH of 19-years old Chloe Rose Bygate of Haverfordwest on April 30 2014 was ruled a suicide by Coroner, Mark Layton, on February 26.

Jeremy Davies, the Coroner’s Officer, said that Chloe had been 19 years-old when she died and lived in a flat on Haverfordwest’s High Street. She was one of three children to Mrs. Leslie Griffiths and soldier, Trevor Bygate, who separated. Chloe went to Sir Thomas Picton School, and moved to Germany with her father after her GCSEs, returning soon after to do her A-Levels in Pembrokeshire. She worked at Holland & Barrett for less than six months, leaving of her own accord. Chloe was fit and well, but often went without food and had lost a lot of weight. Chloe had been prescribed anti-depressant tablets and had dizzy spells.

Mr Davies told the court that Chloe had last seen her mother on April 25, and she had not had any concerns. On April 30, Chloe’s mother received messages from friends of Chloe saying that they had not heard from her. When Leslie Griffiths went to her daughter’s flat, she could not get a response. She reported her concerns to the police. The police gained access, despite the fact that Chloe had blocked the front door with a fridge. Chloe was inside the living room, with a blanket up to her neck, dead. There was no evidence of drug use, but there was an empty tablet container and vomit in a plastic bag. There were no signs of forced entry or disturbance.

Jamie Pearson, whose friend lived in the flat above Chloe, had his statement read out by Mr Layton. He said that he had seen Chloe on the stairwell and commented on how she looked on April 30. Chloe had thanked him and he went into his friend’s flat. He did not know anything was wrong until a disturbance outside the flat when Chloe’s mother and the police gained entry into the flat, later.

The doctor who conducted the autopsy said that the level of Paracetamol in Chloe’s blood at the time of recording was 98mg per litre. This was potentially much higher as the level would have lowered between the time Chloe took the tablets and the sample had been taken. The level of Paracetamol in Chloe’s blood was significantly higher than that associated with therapeutic use. The doctor described it to be an acute level of Paracetamol overdose. There were also traces of Diazapan and an anti-depressant in Chloe’s blood, but the levels were within the prescribed level. Chloe had been only 39kg, and the doctor could not say for sure how many tablets she would have taken, but presumed it would have been about twenty. Chloe suffered from depression and the doctor said that there were recent marks of self-harm on her body. The cause of death, said the doctor, was drug intoxication by Paracatemol. Chloe’s liver and kidney, and possibly heart, would have failed. The circumstances show that it was purposeful. Mr Layton concluded that Chloe had killed herself and had intended to do so, and the matter was formally concluded.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

17 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.