Community

Young Cancer survivor gets post-lockdown lift with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust

Published

4 years ago

September 27, 2021

Callan Glass sailing with the Trust

A 26-YAER-OLD from Haverfordwest, who is living through and beyond cancer, admits “It’s given me a silver lining!” after enjoying five days of sailing from the Isle of Wight with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust last week (13-16 September).

Callan Glass was 20 when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He was among 9 young people from across the UK that spent last week sailing from the Isle of Wight, as the Trust gets back to bringing young people together, having been off the water in 2020.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust inspires young people aged 8-24 to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer. For many young people, picking up where they left off before their diagnosis isn’t possible. So, when treatment ends, the Trust’s work begins.

The isolation, loneliness and anxiety experienced by young people with cancer has been massively amplified by COVID and lockdown. That is why they need the Trust more than ever right now.

Callan Glass chilling onboard with crewmate Tom

Callan first sailed with the Trust in 2016. He explains: “The last years been really tough for everyone. Being back at the Trust has been better than I thought it would be, like being able to meet new faces and familiar faces and have that place to de-stress and not worry about the rest of life and just sail on by.”

Through the Trust’s sailing and outdoor activities, young people meet others who have had similar experiences – often for the first time, rediscover independence away from home, experience an increased sense of purpose and self-worth, and begin to realise what they are capable of again. Most importantly they stop feeling like the ‘only one’.

The young people are inspired to believe in a brighter future as they feel valued, accepted, optimistic and independent. They can start to re-establish their place in the world by getting back into education or employment and reconnecting with their friends and families.

Callan adds: “I was diagnosed when I was 20, I was living in London and I was working at the time, so it completely changed my life direction. It’s been a roller-coaster, but I always feel like I’m so privileged because with these charities like the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, it’s turned something really negative and given me a silver lining, so I really appreciate it.”

The Trust’s Founder and Patron Dame Ellen MacArthur

Dame Ellen MacArthur, the Trust’s Founder and Patron, concludes: “We hear it a lot, that for many young people what happens after treatment can be as difficult as, if not even more so, than the treatment itself. Receiving funding from People’s Postcode Lottery has been a gamechanger in enabling us to reach and have a positive impact on the lives of many hundreds of these young people over the past decade.

“We know the impact the Trust has on the mental wellbeing of young people living through and beyond cancer. Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, more and more will get the support they need to believe in a brighter future.”

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was founded by the record-breaking round-the-world yachtswoman in 2003. It is there for anyone who is struggling or could simply do with a bit of support, however long off treatment they are. Visit ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org or follow @emctrust on social media.

Community

Haverfordwest Carnival to make a comeback after six-year hiatus

Published

2 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MUCH-LOVED Haverfordwest Carnival, which has been absent from the local summer calendar for six years, is set to return in 2025. The event, which last took place in 2019 before the pandemic caused large gatherings to be cancelled, is eagerly anticipated by locals who are hopeful for a vibrant revival.

The carnival, known for its bright floats, marching bands, and community spirit, will once again fill the streets of the county town next year. It is being organized by Pure West Radio in partnership with Haverfordwest Town Council, and they are now reaching out to the public for input on key details, including the theme, preferred date, and ways to support the event.

Pure West Radio shared the exciting news on social media, announcing, “After six years, Haverfordwest Carnival is back for 2025! We’re partnering with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back this iconic event, and we want to hear from you. What theme would you like to see? What day works best for you? And how would you like to get involved? Share your thoughts with us here.”

The announcement has been met with excitement from the community. Emma Flan reminisced, “The carnival was always the highlight of the summer when I was growing up. The town would be buzzing, with everyone out enjoying the day and night. So happy to see it returning, and I hope everyone gets involved.”

Others, like Michelle Dukes, agreed, saying, “It’s great news – the town really needs an event like this,” while Lucy Lulu Eagles fondly recalled, “I loved the carnival! I’d always look forward to the band playing and seeing the floats with the kids.”

One memorable edition of the carnival took place in 2006, when it was held at the Picton Playing Fields, featuring a Queen tribute act and a junior talent show. The 2018 carnival marked a major revival of the event after a few years’ absence, with a maritime theme celebrating the ‘Year of the Sea.’ Despite the wet weather, the procession, which started from County Hall, drew a big crowd and made its way through the town to Bridge Meadow.

The 2019 carnival saw the event moved to a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week, and the sunny weather ensured a wonderful day out for all involved.

While the weather remains unpredictable for 2025, local input is highly encouraged to help make the event one to remember. If you have ideas or feedback, you can share them via the survey linked above.

Community

Classic motorcycles roar into Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

5 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CLASSIC bike enthusiasts are gearing up for a spectacular event at Haverhub this Saturday (May 3), as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club hosts its eleventh annual Classic Bike Show.

The event, which runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, is free to attend and promises a stunning display of 55 classic motorcycles, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1990s.

The show supports a range of worthy causes, including Milford Haven Sea Cadets, VC Gallery, Blood Bikes Wales, the Welsh Air Ambulance, road safety initiatives, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Liver Transplant Centre – which serves patients across Wales – and Haverhub itself.

Crowd favourite Becket “The Bullet” Thomas will be providing live entertainment during the afternoon, adding to the festival atmosphere.

Although entry is free, organisers are encouraging visitors to make donations to the supported charities, all of which provide vital services both locally and nationally.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We are really excited to showcase these wonderful machines and to support so many good causes at the same time. It’s a great day out for all ages.”

The event takes place at Haverhub, Quay Street, Haverfordwest. All classic bikes are welcome.

For more information or to register a bike, contact Glyn on 07795 485724 or email [email protected].

Community

Milford Haven pays tribute on ANZAC Day

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A COMMEMORATION service was held on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, on Sunday (Apr 27) to mark ANZAC Day and to honour those who fell in all conflicts, especially at Gallipoli and Normandy.

The event also paid tribute to the crew of the Wellington bomber that crashed near the site during the Second World War.

A strong turnout gathered for the moving service, with local groups including the Sea Cadets, Royal British Legion, and military representatives in attendance. Milford Haven’s Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, laid a wreath on behalf of the town.

The service, organised by the Royal British Legion Club – Milford Haven, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the ANZAC forces and others over the years.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Town Council said: “A lovely turnout for the ANZAC Day memorial service. We will remember them!”

ANZAC Day is observed annually in Australia and New Zealand, and across the world, to commemorate the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli during the First World War, as well as those who served and died in all wars and conflicts.

(Images: MHTC)