News

Come clean over cancer cash

Published

11 years ago

July 11, 2014

Tom Sinclair

ADAM’S CHARITY SHOP, HAVERFORDWEST

A LOCAL charity, Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, has asked the Local Health Board to refund money given to it to fund cancer treatment at Withybush Hospital.

During his treatment for leukaemia, Adam Evans-Thomas campaigned vigorously to persuade the then government to pay the costs of DNA tests for bone marrow donors and, through his campaigning zeal, also helped enlist 3,000 people on to the bone marrow register. During the later stages of his illness, Adam established the Bucketful of Hope appeal, to raise money to refurbish Ward Ten at Withybush Hospital and support the construction of a new Cancer Day Unit (CDU). Adam died of leukaemia in 2004 but his campaign was continued by his mother, Chris. The charity has raised just under £650,000 towards the costs of refurbishing and building cancer facilities at Withybush Hospital. But now Chris Evans-Thomas is asking for the money back. Gross delay in the Health Board even agreeing the location of a new CDU over the last ten years has exhausted her patience. In an interview, she said that she had been given several dates for the works to start on a CDU but that nothing had ever been done to realise those plans. As a result, of the Health Board’s failure to act, she has now asked for the money back so she can crack on with fulfilling Adam’s wish to provide cancer services within Pembrokeshire. The Herald understands that the Board is unlikely to agree to her request. The Local Health Board has claimed, as it has in relation to cutting other services at Withybush Hospital that staff shortages and recruitment problems have delayed refurbishing Ward Ten and building a CDU. The Board has, however, been widely and repeatedly criticised for its apathetic recruitment practices and has been alleged by some campaigners to have engineered staff shortages to justify its plans to shift essential services away from Withybush to Glangwili, where the Chemotherapy Day Unit was refitted in 2011. The situation has been muddied by the failure of the Board to ring fence money raised to provide services in Pembrokeshire. The Board amalgamated its various charitable funds into the Hywel Dda General Fund in March 2012, with a pot for cancer treatment ACROSS the Health Board area, and now touts for donations to this charity. Hywel Dda claims that £550,000 has been dedicated to refurbishing Ward 10 at Withybush and to building a Cancer Day Unit. A spokesperson for the Board said: “The capital build is only part of the challenge as all service/units that we provide require a review of staffing to ensure that they are sustainable in the long term. “We continue to work hard with colleagues, partner organisations and stakeholders, including our charitable fundraisers, to ensure we provide the best care possible for cancer patients and will continue to work closely with them on the development of the new chemotherapy day unit.” Local campaigner Lyn Neville is unimpressed by the Board’s stance: “A Hywel Dda Charitable Funds Committee Summary Report written in 2010 stated that a decision could not be made until after the clinical review had concluded in Summer 2011. Assurances were given that the Cancer Day Unit was NOT under threat and the Chairman, Mr Chris Martin, agreed to issue a statement to provide assurance to the local population. The statement never happened and three years on still nothing happens with the CDU and Ward 10. “As it happens, Board minutes from September last year say that the announcement of £550,000 of funding in Pembrokeshire is intended to ‘appease’ local sentiment.” If that was the Board’s plan, it has spectacularly backfired. As the Herald previously reported, a further review of Cancer Services – initiated only in the last few months – is now not scheduled to report until the end of 2014. In relation to that review, a Health Board spokesperson said: “This process is not about reducing the service we offer but is about creating a more sustainable, high quality service. This may mean the way we deliver cancer services may change.” The failure to update oncology services at Withybush are rendered even more shocking in light of the Herald’s recent revelation that the Board had not advertised in good time for a replacement for cancer specialist Dr Anne Barnes MBE, who earlier this year told the Board she was retiring. A check carried out on the Health Board’s jobs website shows that while a recruitment advert for a number of general medical posts is online, the closing date for applications is July 6, with new staff unlikely to be in post much before this September. In November 2013 it emerged that outpatient appointments at Withybush Hospital for cancer sufferers had been capped. As a result, instead of attending in Haverfordwest, some patients and staff were required make a three and a half hour round trip to Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli twice a month.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.