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Charity

Child swept out to sea rescued by kayakers as lifeboat launches

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THE KATHLEEN ANN, embarked on its second call-out of the day at 3.55pm on Sunday, 28th May, following reports of a child being swept out to sea near Amroth.

The distressing incident prompted the immediate launch of the lifeboat, with its dedicated crew racing to the scene.

However, as the lifeboat made its way towards the location, reassuring news arrived that the child had been successfully rescued by alert kayakers and was now safely back on the shore.

With the child out of harm’s way and in the capable hands of the kayakers, the lifeboat crew received the stand-down order.

Grateful for the swift response and the fortunate outcome, the lifeboat returned to its station.

Angela Thomas, who witnessed the entire event, took to Facebook to share the remarkable tale of heroism. Delme Thomas, affectionately known as Del by many in the community, was the unsung rescuer who stepped forward without hesitation to save the day. Despite being unaware that the coast guard had already been alerted and the challenging conditions of the sea, Delme took it upon himself to ensure the young girl’s safe return.

Equipped with a life jacket and a commendable sense of bravery, Delme powered through the tumultuous waters towards the stranded girl, who was perilously far from shore. The distance between them only grew as time passed, but Delme’s determination and unwavering resolve never wavered. Reflecting on the incident, he humbly remarked that he would willingly embark on a similar rescue mission in the future. However, he also issued a plea to beachgoers to remain vigilant, emphasising that the outcome could have been vastly different.

Fortunately, the girl emerged from the ordeal shaken, frightened, and chilled to the bone, but physically unharmed. As she was brought back to safety, the gathered crowd erupted in applause and offered shouts of appreciation.

The RNLI said that this incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present dangers posed by the sea and the importance of remaining vigilant while enjoying coastal activities. The quick actions of the kayakers, who selflessly intervened and rescued the child from the perilous situation, are commendable and a testament to their vigilance and competence.

They said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Delme for his selflessness and wish him well as he continues to be an inspiration to us all.”

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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