News
Newport: Family raising money for Eliza’s cancer battle
A NEWPORT family have turned to crowdfunding to secure the funds needed to help their 2-year-old daughter, Eliza, who has severe stage 4 Neuroblastoma – a rare and dangerous infant cancer which has spread through her body into the bone marrow.
On the JustGiving campaign her parents have said: “When we first came into hospital she was in a serious condition and in severe pain arching her back to stop the tumour pushing against her organs, it was horrific.
“My heart was broken into a thousand pieces and I spent the first few weeks desperately trying to make a plan to fix Eliza in between completely falling apart. The more I researched the more I came to realize that even cancer as aggressive as this can be treated as she is so young especially if given a helping hand at every stage of the treatment, so at this stage nothing is a foregone conclusion.
“Specialists have told us that there is a clinic in Germany that can offer Eliza post chemo 3 week immune building treatment to give her every chance possible. There are also new developments in the field of neuroblastoma in the US, currently unavailable on the NHS, such as targeted chemotherapy and immunotherapy techniques that are being carefully considered at every stage.
“For now we are starting with a specialist diet, supplements and equipment that helps her immune system fight the cancer and limits the damaging effects of ‘Rapid Cojec’ one of the most intensive front-line chemotherapy protocols in modern medicine. It is expensive but together with her cheeky determination it seems to be working! Eliza has developed a great sense of humour, is happy and laughing as she has not done for many months.
“We want to do everything we can to give her the best chance. With this treatment, the chemo and Eliza’s amazingly positive character, she has made huge strides forward in her overall health. The battle is not won, but we feel we are on the right track. We cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read Eliza’s story and if you can help so Eliza continues to shine a positive light on this world.”
The campaign has a target of £60,000, and as of this morning (Sep 6) has raised over £5,200 with 183 donors.
You can donate to the appeal on the JustGiving page.
Crime
Police issue update following incident at Tenby multi-storey
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed this morning that they are investigating a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby, at around 4pm on Thursday, January 2.
The collision, police said, involved a grey Nissan Qashqai and a young child.
The child remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The family are being supported by specially trained officers.
One man, aged 33, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, drink driving, and drug driving. He remains in police custody.
Police issued a statement saying: “This is a tragic incident and is a live investigation.
“We ask that you do not speculate the circumstances and allow our officers to carry out their enquiries.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to us, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
Quote reference 25*6238”
News
Milford sex offender’s child abuse images ‘most disturbing imaginable’
A 40-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after being found with nearly 40,000 indecent images of children, including some of the most disturbing nature imaginable. Jason Church, a father of young children, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he faced multiple charges related to child exploitation.
The investigation began when police traced suspicious online activity linked to Church’s home in Milford Haven. On August 23, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at his residence, during which Church admitted to having incriminating material on his mobile phone. He explicitly stated to the police, “It’s on my phone, what you’re looking for” when questioned about the nature of the images.
Upon examination of his Samsung device, authorities uncovered a staggering collection: 2,688 images classified as Category A (the most severe), along with 4,160 Category B images and an alarming 32,205 Category C images. Among these horrific images were videos depicting the sexual abuse of very young children, including a baby. Additionally, officers discovered a 170-page manual that provided detailed guidance on how to exploit children and evade detection.
In court, prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton highlighted the graphic content of the material found and emphasised the seriousness of Church’s offences. Despite his previous clean record, Church pleaded guilty to all charges against him. His defence barrister noted that Church was aware of the severity of his actions and had sought help from organizations aimed at preventing child exploitation.
Judge Huw Rees condemned Church’s actions as “unhealthy” and a significant danger to children. He stated, “These are not just images; they represent real victims,” reinforcing the gravity of Church’s crimes and the impact they have on real lives.
In addition to his prison sentence, Church is required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years following his release.
Community
Welsh Water distribute free cold weather lagging kits
AS the winter season is in full swing and the temperature drops, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is offering free winter lagging kits to help households across Wales prepare for the colder months. With over 2,500 kits available, the initiative aims to assist residents in protecting their homes against frozen pipes and costly bursts.
Frozen pipes can lead to unwanted damage and unnecessary stress during the winter season, but with the right preparation the risks can be minimised.
The winter lagging kit includes pipe insulation and a tap jacket – with lagging designed to protect exposed pipes and a tap jacket to prevent outdoor taps from freezing and bursting.
“We understand how challenging winter can be for many people, which can be made worse should the unexpected happened – such as a experiencing a frozen or burst pipe,” said Euan Hampton, Water Demand – Delivery Manager at Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. “To help ease the pressures winter can bring, we’re offering free pipe lagging kits and tap jackets as part of our ongoing commitment to helping communities stay safe, warm, and secure throughout the colder months.”
In addition to distributing free lagging kits and tap jackets. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water recommends the following tips to help residents prepare their homes:
Locate your stop tap: Knowing the location of your stop tap is essential in the case of an emergency. If your pipes freeze or burst, you’ll want to shut the water off to minimise damage.
Clear your gutters: Blocked gutters can lead to excess water accessing your home, especially during a storm.
Insulate pipes: Not only outdoor pipes need preparing, think of areas that may be at risk to cold weather – attics or uninsulated cupboards.
Fix those drips: Dripping taps can increase the risk of frozen pipes. Fixing it will also save you litres of water every day, saving both energy and money on your water bill.
Away from home? Empty buildings are at particular risk. If you’re leaving your home for a prolonged period, turn off your stop tap and drain down the system – so there is no water in the system to freeze. If you’re away for a short time, if you can, we suggest keeping your heating on low to help keep your home warm and prevent pipes from freezing.
The free kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a free winter lagging kit or tap jacket, customers can visit: www.dwrcymru.com/en/winter-ready
Alongside the helpful tips to prepare your home this winter and advice on how to manage any issues should they arise. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water are also offering free water efficiency home visits to all domestic customers – and the free lagging kit and tap jackets can be installed as part of the visit.
If you would like to find out more ways you could start saving, visit: www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-advice/cartref/water-efficiency-home-visit
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