Community

Pembrokeshire says thank you to local carer

Published

11 years ago

June 13, 2014

A FORMER electrician from Pembroke has been chosen as one of five winners of the inaugural National Carers Awards launched by pharmacy chain LloydsPharmacy and Carers UK. Following a nomination from a close friend his moving story was picked from among hundreds of entries.

Bill Smith, aged 55, has devoted his life to caring for his two adult children, a son who has cerebral palsy and spina bifida, and a daughter with complex behavioural problems and learning difficulties. Bill gave up his full time job as an electrician to provide the 24 hour care they need, and nine years ago Bill’s wife was also diagnosed with a rare form of dementia, Pick’s disease, that has led to her needing the same level of care. Although Bill receives help from paid carers during the day, he cares for his family alone at night, despite having health problems himself. Bill has kidney disease, eye thyroid disease and several other health problems. Last October he was diagnosed with lymphoma but managed to beat the cancer and was given the all clear in March. Despite all of these challenges, Bill continues to provide compassionate and loving care in order keep his family under one roof. Bill is being recognised for a lifetime of unpaid work caring for loved ones and represents one of more than 15,000 people in the Pembrokeshire area who provide unpaid care on a daily basis. It is also estimated that those caring for loved ones who are older, seriously ill or disabled save the UK economy £119billion a year. The awards, launched by pharmacy chain Lloyds Pharmacy in partnership with Carers UK, are designed to recognise the hugely important role that thousands of unpaid carers play in society. In April people around the country were asked to nominate someone who they felt should win a National Carers Award. A panel of judges then chose five winners, one of whom is Bill Smith. On the 10th June he was awarded an all expenses paid break in London, staying at a five star hotel and attending a gala dinner where he was presented with a trophy. He also received £1,000 worth of high street vouchers. Speaking about his nomination, Bill said: “I feel deeply honoured to have been nominated for this award and I feel happy that through this initiative carers like me all around the country may get a little more help and understanding.” Cormac Tobin, managing director of Lloyds Pharmacy said: “Many of our customers around the country are carers. Managing the medication of a loved one is a huge responsibility and is just one of the challenges carers face on a daily basis. I am so pleased that Bill has been recognised for all his hard work and that we are able to celebrate him as well as raise awareness of the tireless work that people like Bill undertake every day, all around the country .” Heléna Herklots Chief Executive of Carers UK said: “Looking after an older or disabled loved one is part and parcel of life, but these carers show just how hard caring can be. Their stories echo the experiences of so many other carers across the UK and set down a challenge for all our society – to recognise carers’ contributions and ensure they get the support they need so they aren’t pushed into isolation or crisis as they care for their loved ones.” Earlier this year Lloyds Pharmacy became one of the first UK businesses to sign up to the ‘Dementia Friends’ initiative, encouraging its staff to learn how to support customers who have dementia in the best possible way.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 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.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”