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Charity

Community unites to honour the memory of Zac Thompson

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AS SUMMER approaches and the county prepares for another holiday season, the community of Pembrokeshire stands determined to ensure that the tragic passing of 11-year-old Zac Thompson on West Angle beach last year does not become just another statistic.

One year has passed since Zac, described as “cheeky, mischievous, and loyal,” lost his life in a devastating drowning incident.

His family and friends, joined by a small group of coaches and parents, have established Forever11, a charity aimed at finding solace and promoting sea safety awareness in Zac’s name.

On that fateful evening in July, Zac, a pupil at Pembroke Dock Community School, had no intention of venturing into the sea. Accompanied by his elder brother and their 11-year-old cousin, they had gathered on the beach to witness the beauty of the sunset. Tragically, an unexpected “freak wave” swept the boys off the rocks, and Zac found himself caught in a powerful whirlpool.

Although his two family members managed to scramble to safety on nearby rocks, Zac succumbed to the water’s grasp.

A vigilant member of the public brought him to the shoreline, where emergency services were waiting. He was swiftly airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, but tragically passed away the following day.

This heartbreaking incident had a profound impact on the close-knit community, particularly Zac’s rugby team.

In response to this senseless loss, a dedicated group of coaches and parents formed Forever11, aiming to bring forth positivity in the face of tragedy. Natalie John, aged 35, and Lucy Cawley, both trustees of the charity, refer to their group as “one big family.”

Since its inception, Forever11 has managed to raise £11,000 through a family fun day held last August, as well as an additional £5,000 from various events.

The charity’s simple yet powerful mission is to educate the local community about sea safety and awareness.

This message carries profound significance in Pembrokeshire, a region marked by one of the highest rates of water-related fatalities in Wales. Natalie highlighted that a significant portion of these incidents involve individuals who had no intention of entering the water.

Lucy, a mother of two boys herself, struggles to comprehend the loss: “You just can’t imagine living without your children.” Zac was an enthusiastic sportsman and a capable swimmer.

Lucy described him as “cheeky, mischievous, very, very loyal to his mates, incredibly kind and compassionate.” Natalie, a mother of four boys whose husband coached Zac’s rugby team, added that he was protective, ensuring fairness and kindness towards others. He possessed a gentle and caring nature.

These sentiments echo the heartfelt tribute shared by Zac’s mother, Carli Newell, a journalist at The Pembrokeshire Herald. During the inquest she said: “Zac was a complete one of a kind. He was funny, cheeky, kind, caring, courageous, and a big ball of fun with mischief running through his bones.”

Zac’s magnetic charm, coupled with his striking features and piercing blue eyes, left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Natalie and Lucy fondly remember how he had the innate ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face. “He was one of those kids who could walk into a room not knowing anyone but he would walk out with 100 new friends,” they remarked. “You were just drawn to him.”

A talented sportsman, Zac excelled in various disciplines, with football being his greatest passion. He played at county level and represented the Swansea City academy. Lucy attests that he possessed the talent to pursue a professional football career.

Additionally, he demonstrated his sporting prowess in rugby, where he was regarded as a superstar within his team. In August following his passing, Zac’s teammates organized a memorial football and rugby match to honor his memory and facilitate healing through open conversations.

Zac’s circle of friends had been together since the age of four, and their memories of him are cherished. Reflecting on the tragedy,

Natalie emphasised that it struck a chord with everyone, as it could have happened to any of them. Determined to ensure Zac’s memory endures, she intends to make this year’s fun day, scheduled for July 22 to coincide with Zac’s funeral anniversary, even more significant than the previous one.

Image credit: RNLI David Barrett

Originally intended as a one-off event, the inaugural fun day garnered overwhelming support from the community, raising over £10,000, which was split between the Wales Air Ambulance and Angle RNLI, organizations that provided aid during Zac’s rescue. Subsequently, Forever11 attained official charity status, enabling them to focus on water safety and drowning prevention in Pembrokeshire.

The charity’s efforts thus far have included identifying and replacing broken or missing life-saving equipment, such as life rings and throw ropes, along the coastline.

Additionally, they conducted their first free water safety awareness course for 32 schoolchildren. However, their ambitions extend further, recognizing the importance of educating children in real-world beach scenarios.

Natalie observed that despite living in a coastal region, many children have not experienced the beach. While it is impossible to shield children from all dangers, raising awareness and providing knowledge about tides, winds, and water conditions can make a significant difference.

Natalie shared, “Living on the coast, it’s surprising the number of children who haven’t been to the beach.” Through their initiatives, Forever11 aims to instill a sense of vigilance and preparedness among young beachgoers.

Reflecting on the establishment of Forever11, the team stated, “Forever11 started out as a saying by Zac’s school and teammates. It’s something that resonated across the community as a symbol of our love and heartache – a loss that impacted and shocked everyone who knew him. We often talk about the rugby family, and for us, Zac was part of that family.”

This year’s fun day promises to be an engaging event, featuring a samba band, performances by the Kelly Williams school of dance, axe-throwing and archery by Paddle West, and music by Honey Fungus. Traditional stalls, a display by the Pembrokeshire fire spinners, and various inflatable attractions will also be available for attendees.

More details can be found on the Forever11 website as the community rallies together to honor the cherished memory of Zac Thompson and prevent future tragedies in the waters surrounding Pembrokeshire

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Charity

Bluestone announces exclusive prize for winners of the Child of Wales Awards

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AS ANTICIPATION builds for the upcoming Child of Wales Awards 2024, to be held at Swansea Arena on September 27, 2024, Bluestone National Park Resorts, the sponsor of the event’s Environmental Champion Award, has unveiled an extraordinary gesture to further elevate the event’s significance.

In a move aimed at celebrating the outstanding achievements of the children and young people nominated, Bluestone National Park Resorts has generously offered all winners from the awards’ 11 categories an unforgettable holiday experience for them and their families at their prestigious resort.

The Child of Wales Awards – an event dedicated to honouring the remarkable accomplishments of young individuals across Wales – is set to recognise extraordinary achievements in various categories, including bravery, community leadership, environmental stewardship, and more. Bluestone National Park Resorts’ commitment to supporting environmental conservation aligns perfectly with the spirit of the awards, making them an ideal partner for the Environmental Champion Award.

The announcement of Bluestone National Park Resorts’ generous prize offering adds a new level of excitement to the Child of Wales Awards 2024 and is expected to further inspire nominations from communities across Wales. Nominations for the awards are currently open, and individuals are encouraged to nominate deserving young individuals who have made a positive impact in their communities.

Bluestone National Park Resorts, known for its breathtaking scenery, family-friendly accommodations, and commitment to environmental sustainability, will provide the perfect backdrop for winners and their families to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories together. With a wide range of activities and amenities, including nature trails, adventure parks, and wellness facilities, Bluestone promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Rebecca Rigby, Director of Operations at Bluestone National Park Resorts, said: “This partnership with the Child of Wales Awards aligns closely with our values at Bluestone National Park Resorts. We are honoured to support the incredible young individuals being recognised at the awards and offer them and their families an opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break at our resort as part of their prize. We look forward to welcoming the winners and creating unforgettable memories for them.”

Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, said: “We are thrilled to partner, once again, with Bluestone National Park Resorts for the Child of Wales Awards 2024. Their generosity in offering all winners and their families a holiday at their renowned resort is truly exceptional. This gesture not only adds an extra layer of excitement to the awards but also serves as a testament to Bluestone’s dedication to celebrating and supporting the achievements of young individuals.”

For more information about the Child of Wales Awards 2024 and to submit nominations, please visit https://www.nationalchildrenofwalesawards.org/nominate-now/

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Charity

Pembrokeshire County Show gala raises over £5,000 for charitable causes

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  • Rugby legend Jonathan Davies charms attendees at the Annual President’s Lunch

THE ANNUAL President’s Lunch unfolded in grand style on Sunday (Mar 17), raising over £5,000 for several cherished charities. The event, marked by the presence of Welsh rugby legend Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies, captivated guests with engaging anecdotes from his illustrious career in sports.

Mr. Davies, who made a special journey to attend, was the guest of honour at this much-anticipated event. His compelling storytelling and warm engagement with the audience were the highlights of the afternoon, eliciting widespread appreciation and thanks from the attendees.

The gastronomic offerings, prepared by Cwm Gwaun Catering, were of exceptional quality, living up to the high expectations set by previous events. Guests were treated to a variety of delectable dishes, showcasing the culinary team’s expertise and commitment to excellence. In tandem, the Absolute Event Bars team ensured that the revelry was well-accompanied by a selection of fine beverages, maintaining a high spirit of conviviality throughout the occasion.

A pivotal element of the day’s agenda was the popular auction and raffle, which, along with generous donations from supporters, culminated in a substantial fund exceeding £5,000. The proceeds are earmarked for the President’s chosen charities: Tir Dewi, The DPJ Foundation, and RABI, all of which are dedicated to supporting communities within the agricultural sector.

The success of the event owes much to the relentless efforts of the President, Mr. Brian Jones, and the President’s Lady, Mrs. Helen Jones, alongside their team of dedicated helpers. Their commitment to celebrating the essence of Pembrokeshire farming and its robust community spirit was evident in the meticulous planning and execution of the event.

The generosity and enthusiasm of the bidders, supporters, and attendees were highlighted as key to achieving the fundraising goal, underscoring the community’s unwavering support for the invaluable work of the chosen charities.

The Pembrokeshire County Show’s President’s Lunch has once again proven to be a beacon of charitable giving and community cohesion, setting a commendable example of how collective efforts can yield significant contributions to worthwhile causes.

Diolch was the resonating message of the day, echoing the profound appreciation for every contribution made towards the success of this remarkable event.

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Charity

Wales’ winter of woe: Daily deaths due to cold homes

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A RECENT shocking report by Greenpeace UK has unveiled a grim statistic: three lives are lost daily in Wales to the bitter cold of inadequately insulated homes. This harrowing figure comes in the wake of the Conservative government’s drastic reductions in home insulation funding, a decision made in 2013 that has since cast a long shadow over the nation’s public health and energy efficiency.

The report, which scrutinizes official data, points to an alarming toll of over 4,000 excess winter deaths in the last decade attributed to cold, damp living conditions. This spike in mortality coincides with former Prime Minister David Cameron’s contentious move to “cut the green crap,” effectively gutting subsidies for loft and wall insulation. The aftermath was immediate and severe, with government-backed installations plummeting from 2.3 million in 2012 to a mere 300,000 in 2013 across the UK, marking a nearly 90% decrease.

Despite the clear and present danger of cold homes, successive Conservative administrations have yet to adequately address the funding shortfall for energy efficiency measures. Last year’s figures are particularly damning, with only 160,000 installations taking place, a far cry from the needed numbers to combat this silent crisis.

In a dramatic display of protest and remembrance, Greenpeace activists transformed Victoria Tower Gardens, adjacent to the Houses of Parliament, into a symbolic cemetery. Hundreds of headstones, crafted from insulation boards, bore the names of the 70,463 individuals who have succumbed to cold-related deaths since 2013. Accompanying this poignant memorial was an eight-meter-long funeral wreath, starkly declaring, “Cold Homes Cost Lives.”

Paul Morozzo, a leading voice in Greenpeace UK’s campaign against fuel poverty, condemned the government’s inertia, highlighting the dire consequences of failing to upgrade the nation’s cold, damp, and draughty housing stock. The call to action is clear: an annual investment of at least £6 billion is imperative to end this national disgrace and stem the tide of avoidable deaths.

The UK’s housing, notorious for its lack of energy efficiency, stands as the least effective in Western Europe, exacerbating the plight of low-income families and contributing significantly to fuel poverty. Current estimates suggest 3.17 million UK households are ensnared in this predicament, with poorly insulated homes also imposing a staggering £850 million yearly burden on the NHS in England alone.

The environmental implications are equally dire, with residential housing accounting for approximately 14% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. A comprehensive national retrofit insulation scheme emerges as a crucial strategy in the battle against the climate crisis and the quest to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The protest also saw participation from representatives of Fuel Poverty Action, echoing the urgent need for government intervention to lower energy bills and combat fuel poverty through significant funding for home insulation.

In a twist of political irony, the Labour Party, once vocal in its commitment to investing the £6 billion annually advocated by Greenpeace, has recently dialed back its insulation funding promises by over 70%. Greenpeace now demands a reinstatement of these commitments in Labour’s forthcoming election manifesto, underscoring the critical role of political will in addressing this multifaceted crisis.

As the insulation boards from today’s protest find a second life in retrofitting an uninsulated home, the message is clear: the cost of inaction is measured in human lives. The time for decisive action and comprehensive policy overhaul is now, lest the cold homes crisis continues to claim its silent victims.

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