Community

Brave Teddy highlights need for ‘Gift of Life’

Published

10 years ago

May 13, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Adam Hughes: Just after his transplant.

FOR Jess Evans and Mike Houlston from Cardiff, the birth of twin boys Teddy and Noah on April 22 2014 was one of both heartbreak and hope. Teddy was born with a rare yet fatal condition – anencephaly – but his parents were determined his short life would not be in vain. Once the diagnosis was confirmed during pregnancy, the parents discussed and wanted, if possible, for his organs to be donated. The family managed to spend precious time with him before he passed away and Teddy became the youngest organ donor in the UK. In the last ten years, 39 babies younger than two years old have become organ donors helping to save the lives of strangers.

As his twin Noah celebrated his first birthday the family used the anniversary to mark the occasion when his brother Teddy became a hero. His kidneys were transplanted to help save the life of another person.

Jess, 28, said: “Knowing that part of your loved one is living on in someone else is comforting. If it stops any other person going through the same thing then this can only be good. Teddy´s life had a very important role to play. Unless you have been through the same thing or know someone affected it´s hard to understand how important organ donation is.”

Mike, 30, added: “We want Teddy´s story to inspire others and help break any taboos people might still hold regarding organ donation. Organ donation wasn´t prominent in my life growing up and while I was up for it I never got round to doing anything about it. I´m sure there are many more men like me who think the same! I want to spread the word as much as possible about how organ donation saves lives, and that we should all speak to each other about our wishes. Without that discussion it is a very difficult conversation to have when it comes out of the blue. Put simply, you should ask yourself the question “Would you take an organ if you needed it?” Everyone would do so if the truth were told so we hope what Teddy did can educate people and prompt them to get talking.”

April 22 2015, the one year anniversary of Teddy’s heroism, was also a personal milestone for myself, it marked six months to the day since I received my kidney transplant and got to experience first hand the ‘gift of life’. In April 2013 I was admitted to hospital with symptoms of cramps, breathlessness, headaches, nosebleeds and chest pains. A simple blood pressure test at the doctor’s surgery had indicated a blood pressure reading of 230/170, high by anyone’s standards, but stratospheric for a 25 year-old.

This was the start of a three week stay in hospital. I had suffered Chronic Renal Failure, my blood readings were so dangerously unbalanced that I was told I may not have survived a fortnight longer. My blood pressure had been so high for so long that my heart’s muscular walls had doubled in size, I was seriously ill. Although I knew I hadn’t been feeling right for a few months, my decline from being a fit and healthy individual to being registered on the transplant waiting list was swift.

For nearly two years I was in a daily routine of medications, injections and ten hours of dialysis which took place overnight. I was unable to eat almost all of the food I liked and travel, which had been one of my main interests, was made almost impossible through the sheer amount of equipment and supplies I would have to take with me in order to survive.

For me the only option was a transplant and with an average waiting time for a kidney of between three and five years I was incredibly fortunate to have received a match in just under two years. I am one of the lucky ones and the need for donors has never been more urgent. More than 8,000 people in the UK need an organ transplant. Despite the huge advances in medicine and the great success of transplant operations, people are still dying while waiting.

There is a critical shortage of organs and the gap between the number of people waiting for a transplant and the number of organs donated is increasing. One donor can save the life of several people, restore the sight of two others and improve the quality of life of many more. The more people who pledge to donate their organs and tissue after their death, the more people stand to benefit.

In a recent survey 90% of people said they supported organ donation and almost everyone would accept a transplant if they or their loved one needed one. Yet only a third of people in the UK have registered to be an organ donor. Last year, over 40% of families refused to allow organ donation to go ahead, sometimes even when their loved one was a registered donor.

In September 2013 the Welsh Assembly passed what it described as it’s ‘most significant’ legislation to date. From December 1, Wales will be the first UK country to introduce a soft opt-out system for organ and tissue donation. The new law aims to make it easier for people in Wales to become organ donors. From this date, if you have not registered a decision to opt-in or opt-out of organ donation, you will be treated as having no objection to being an organ donor. This is called deemed consent. Thus meaning that if you did not want to donate your organs then you would have to ‘opt-out’.

In 2012/13, 36 people died in Wales whilst waiting for an organ transplant as a donor could not be found. In 2011/12 30,000 people died in Wales. Around 250 of these died in a way that would have allowed them to become a potential organ donor. But only 67 people became organ donors. Through the ‘opt out’ legislation it is hoped that waiting times for people requiring organ transplants and the number of preventable deaths can be reduced significantly.

It is rare for families to be in the awful situation where their loved one could be a potential donor. In 43% of cases where organ donation is possible, families say no to donation because they don’t know whether their loved one wanted to be a donor. When the new system is in place, families will know their loved one could have opted out if they didn’t want to be a donor. Therefore by proceeding with organ donation, they can be reassured that they are carrying out the decision of their loved one.

The law will mean if you support organ donation but simply haven’t got around to signing the Organ Donor Register, you won’t need to. As someone who has experienced first hand the positive impact organ donation can have upon a person’s life, the law change is an extremely positive move. Despite this I would still encourage people to sign up to be an organ donor. My message is a simple one: if you would accept an organ, surely you should be prepared to be a donor. Sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your relatives that you want to donate. You can do this online by following the links on http://www.organdonation. nhs.uk or by calling 0300 123 23 23.

Community

Family’s heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ 19-year-old takes his own life after night out

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night. He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A legacy of love and hope

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford—one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

***The Hooper family raised more than £1,000 in memory of Sam’s ‘vibrant’ life (Pic: Clare Sturman)***

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available.

You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org for more support.
CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066.
Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.
Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Community

Loved and lost baby remembrance service to be held in Carmarthen

Published

10 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE ANNUAL Hywel Dda ‘Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service’ will take place at midday on Saturday (Apr 26) in Carmarthen.

The service, organised by Hywel Dda University Health Board and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy), is intended to offer comfort and reflection for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby.

It will be held at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton Terrace, SA31 3BT. The chapel is behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre, with parking available nearby.

Senior Chaplain Euryl Howells said the service is an opportunity for people to come together and remember babies who have passed away, regardless of when the loss happened or at what stage of pregnancy.

A parent who attended a previous service said it meant a great deal to them in remembering their child.

Cerian Llewellyn, interim head of midwifery, said the service also allows health professionals to show support for grieving families and to honour the memory of the babies who have died.

Parents are invited to bring a photograph or a small item such as a blanket, toy, or something bearing the baby’s name to place on a memory table during the service.

Refreshments will be provided by Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church.

Those unable to attend but who wish to commemorate their baby can email a message to [email protected] by Tuesday (Apr 22).

Further information is available by calling Euryl Howells on 01267 227563 or by email at [email protected].

Community

West Wales millionaire on the move: Dad drove for months with £1m winning ticket

Published

11 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A ROUTINE trip to the car to grab a half-eaten bag of crisps turned into a life-changing moment for one west Wales family – when dad Darren Burfitt discovered a forgotten EuroMillions ticket worth £1 million.

Darren, 44, a greenkeeper at Langland Bay Golf Club, Swansea, had kept a handful of lottery tickets in the central console of his grey Citroen DS4 – a place he thought was safe but hadn’t checked in months.

“I kept meaning to scan them, but just never got around to it,” Darren said. “That Sunday morning, my son asked for some crisps and I remembered there was a bag in the car. While I was there, I grabbed the tickets and scanned them on the app.”

One ticket returned a modest £3.60 win, but a crumpled one wouldn’t scan at all.

“It was so scrunched up I had to manually check it against the results,” he said. “When I saw the date and matching Millionaire Maker code, I couldn’t believe it. I just kept checking it over and over.”

It then dawned on him: the winning ticket had been sitting in his unlocked car for four months.

“My car is basically a shed on wheels, held together with mud,” Darren laughed. “I never lock it – there’s nothing of value in there. I dread to think what could have happened!”

His wife Gemma, 34, a teaching assistant, was away overnight at the time. “When I called her, my voice was shaking. She thought something terrible had happened to the kids. When I finally blurted out that we’d won £1 million, she just wouldn’t believe me.”

The couple, who have a four-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter, are now planning to buy their first home. Darren also hopes to swap out the unreliable Citroen for a family pick-up truck.

“I’ve always dreamt of seeing the Ashes in Australia,” he added, “but first up is a truck that can get us out on even more adventures.”

Gemma added: “It still doesn’t feel real. I keep pinching myself. We’ve always loved our family caravan holidays, but this changes everything. It gives us real security for our future – and for the kids’ future.”

Darren bought the winning EuroMillions ticket at Morrisons Daily in Penllergaer on the way to a caravan break. The winning draw took place on October 18, 2024, and the ticket matched the Millionaire Maker code JDDF38095, securing the £1 million prize.

Every EuroMillions ticket played in the UK includes a Millionaire Maker code, creating a new millionaire in every draw.

Beyond the chance to win, playing the National Lottery also helps support good causes. Around £30 million is raised each week, funding arts, sports, community groups, and heritage projects across the UK. Since its launch, more than £50 billion has been raised for Good Causes nationwide.