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Withybush clean–up in memory ‘staunch’ health services campaigner

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A CLEAN–UP of the grounds at Withybush Hospital has been organised for this weekend in memory of the ‘staunch’ health services campaigner Ann Doran.

Ann – up until recently Ann Harding – married her partner of 15–years Christopher Doran on ward four earlier this month; just a week before sadly passing away.

The clean–up will be taking place on Friday (June 2), Saturday (June 3), and Sunday (June 4), 10am–late, with organiser David Williams appealing for volunteers to take part.

David also highlighted how staff on ward four had been excellent and gone ‘far and above their duty’ in organising Ann and Christopher’s marriage.

Describing Ann as having been a ‘staunch campaigner’ for the return of services to Withybush Hospital, David added that, for many years Ann attended every health board and CHC meeting, as well as demonstrations and private meetings attended by senior health board figures.

She also actively collected petitions and undertook extensive research – all at her personal expense and time.

David said: “The extensive grounds outside the hospital have become overgrown and brambles/weeds need clearing, [and] very long grass/thistles need cutting etc.”

David had hoped for the event to take place at a slightly later date; however given that Withybush has an open recruitment day in mid–June, he felt that the current ‘outside appearance would not give a good first impression to potential recruits when they are in short supply’.

He added that, while several companies have agreed to donate free hire of strimmers and other necessary equipment, if anyone can help in lending equipment such as petrol lawnmowers and hedge trimmers then please get in touch with him.

David added: “This is an opportunity to do something for the community.”

The organiser is also hopeful that more regular fortnightly or monthly clean–ups can be arranged following the initial tidy–up.

Those interested in volunteering (whether for a day or just a few hours), can just turn up on the day; although if possible David has asked that you contact him beforehand on 01646 695823 / 07475 713602, or email: [email protected].com.

While some equipment will be provided, David has also asked that volunteers bring thick gardening gloves and accompanying safety gear, and if possible, rakes and garden tools.

Please note that third party damage/injury will be covered but those volunteering will have to do so at their own risk.

News

Six-month old baby girl confirmed dead after being hit by car in Pembrokeshire car park

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Police have confirmed that a six-month old baby girl has died following a collision on the ground floor of Tenby multi-storey car park on January 2.

Sophia Keleman, from the Leigh, Manchester, was taken to hospital, but died of her injuries on January 3.

Thirty-three year old Flaviu Naghi, from Wigan, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He appeared before Swansea Magistrates Court on Saturday where he was remanded in custody to appear before Swansea Crown Court on February 7. He was also arrested in suspicion of drink-driving and drug-driving.

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed that Sophia’s family is currently being supported by specially trained officers.

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News

Award-winning Welsh fashion designer stands down for health reasons

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One of Wales’ most enigmatic and successful fashion designers – Huw ‘Fash’ Rees – is to hang up his tailors’ shears for good later this year following his announcement that his bridal gown company – Huw Rees Brides – is to close.

In an announcement made on social media last weekend, Huw said his ongoing health issues leaves insufficient time for running his business in Llandeilo.  As a result, Huw Rees Brides will close by the end of March, 2025.

“It’s been a difficult decision, not taken lightly,” he said.

“But all our brides have been contacted and we will continue to work with all current brides until their weddings. There is no scandal, and no one will be left without a dress.”

Huw went on to say that later this year he will become an official celebrant.

Huw Rees Brides was launched in 2008, since when it has won no fewer than 14 national awards.  He is also a regular face on S4C’s ‘Prynhawn Da’ and ‘Heno’ magazine programmes where he presents the regular fashion slots.

Huw was first admitted to hospital in 2019, complaining of severe stomach pains. Tests confirmed that he had been suffering from kidney disease for a considerable period of time. The initial prognosis was that with medical treatment coupled with a healthy diet, he wouldn’t have to undertake dialysis nor a new kidney. But nine months later he was told that he would have to commence dialysis.

“I was worried, as I knew the effects that dialysis can have on a person’s life,” he said in a previous Radio Cymru interview.

“You have to be on the machine three times a week, for four hours a day, and to me, this felt like ‘broken heart syndrome’.

“But I knew how important it was to follow the guidance of the specialists, listen to what they had to say and start dialysis as soon as possible.”

His treatment began just two days after Christmas, 2019.

“I went in for a blood test and was told that things had got considerably worse, with the result that they decided to begin dialysis that very same day,” he said.

Throughout his treatment, Huw feared that his work would one day have to take a backward step.

“My work has always been my life, as this is what I love doing,” he said.

“But the care I’ve received from the NHS has been exceptional.

“The dialysis team has been so supportive, and not once have I been left feeling isolated.

“Also, the response I’ve had from the public since announcing the closure of the business last Saturday has been incredible and the messages of support have been pouring in.

“Those messages have meant a great deal to myself and to the girls, but the decision to close is a positive one, which will allow me some freedom to pursue other less consuming interests.”

Huw ‘Fash’ went on to say that instead of selling wedding gowns, he will soon become a licensed celebrant.

Latest Welsh government figures confirm that Kidney Replacement Therapy treatments, such as dialysis,  are currently being given to around 1,400 Welsh residents a year.

There are also almost 1,800 Welsh patients living with a functioning kidney transplant, who require ongoing clinical review, psychosocial support and immunosuppressive drug treatments. All forecasts consistently demonstrate that the need for these services for adults will grow by between 4 and 5% year on year.

The number of children reaching end stage kidney disease per annum is around two per million of the total population. In Wales this corresponds to approximately six new cases per year. There are approximately 50 children on Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) in Wales at any one time, many with a kidney transplant.

Meanwhile Huw Rees has confirmed that all stock, including current gowns, is now being sold for £350 or less.

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Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police pays out hundreds of thousands in compensation claims

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NEW figures reveal Dyfed-Powys Police has paid out £324,000 in compensation over the past five years, following nearly 200 claims made by members of the public.

A Freedom of Information requests show a whopping 186 claims were lodged against the force between 2019 and 2024, with compensation payments peaking in 2021/2022 at £138,111. Claims included allegations of unlawful arrest, financial losses, personal injury, and failure in duty of care.

In 2019/2020, 36 claims were made, with nine settled. The following year, 22 claims were lodged, with nine again resulting in payouts. Numbers rose to 38 claims in 2021/2022, with 11 settlements, before dropping slightly in 2022/2023 to 36 claims and eight payouts. However, the most recent figures for 2023/2024 show a significant rise, with 54 claims and seven settlements.

Lucy Parker, a solicitor from JF Law, said: “Claims against police forces highlight the importance of accountability. Issues such as wrongful arrest, assault, and negligence must be addressed seriously.”

Nationally, UK police forces have paid out millions in compensation, with property damage from botched raids cited as a frequent reason.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for comment.

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