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Tragedy strikes Hook as 13-year-old boy takes his own life, inquest hears

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IN A DEVASTATING incident that has left a community in shock and mourning, a 13-year-old boy, Jai Palermo, was found dead just yards away from his home after taking his own life, an inquest has revealed. The heartbreaking incident unfolded on January 22, 2020, when Jai, a resident of Hook, Pembrokeshire, went missing, sparking an extensive search operation by the police and coastguard.

A four-day inquest into his tragic death began on October 30, 2023, where it was disclosed that Jai had been diagnosed with ADHD and sleeping difficulties at the tender age of six, leading to his continuous reliance on medication ever since. Despite the support he received, the young boy succumbed to his inner struggles, leaving his family and community shattered.

Jai, a student at Haverfordwest High VC School, was last seen on that fateful evening when he went to his grandmother’s house after school. Later that night, he was dropped off at his home, but inexplicably, he left the property alone. Frantic with worry, his family embarked on a desperate search, reaching out to his grandmother and father in the hopes of finding him safe and sound. Tragically, their worst fears were confirmed when, almost five hours after he was reported missing, Jai’s lifeless body was discovered in a grassy area off New Road in Hook, just four miles away from Haverfordwest.

During the emotional inquest proceedings, Jai’s mother, Nia Owen, described her son as a “lovely, lovely boy,” underscoring the profound loss experienced by the family. She recounted the heartbreaking moment when she received the devastating news from the authorities. “Two officers came in, and I remember thinking ‘he’s not with them, maybe he’s in the car.’ The lady said they had found him and I said ‘ok,’ she then said that they had found him and that he was dead. I fell to the floor,” she shared, capturing the immense grief that enveloped her.

Nia Owen also expressed her concerns about the medication, particularly methylphenidate, that had been prescribed to her son since the age of six, without any breaks in treatment. In her anguish, she wondered aloud if things might have been different had she taken him off the medication. This heart-wrenching revelation highlights the difficult decisions parents face when trying to navigate their child’s mental health struggles.

As the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young soul, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, support, and understanding within our society. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jai’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time, as they grapple with the profound loss of a beloved son and friend.

Community

Help shape flood prevention plans in Pembrokeshire

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking public feedback on how it manages flood risk across the County.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires Local Authorities to publish their local flood risk management strategy and flood risk management plans and request feedback from local residents.

A public consultation will help identify local knowledge about flood-prone areas, historical flooding events, and community-specific vulnerabilities.

Local residents and stakeholders can often possess unique insights about their areas that can contribute to the development of an effective flood strategy.

The consultation will allow the public to understand the rationale behind proposed measures, the potential impacts, and the overall strategy.

It will also provide information regarding flood protection measures, early warning systems, emergency response plans, and evacuation procedures.

By increasing public awareness, communities become better prepared and more resilient to floods.

More details of the consultation is available online.

You can give your views by completing the online response form.

If you would like a paper copy please call our Customer Contact Centre on 01437 764551 or email [email protected]

Please complete the survey by Monday 17th March.

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Community

Harry to represent Wales in the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef Grand Final

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A YOUNG Welsh chef has taken the first step towards winning a three day stage with Fabio Pisani, Alessandro Negrini and their team at the two Michelin starred Il Luogo in Milan.

Harry Howell, a first year Level 1 professional cookery student at Coleg Sir Gâr, Carmarthen, won the Welsh national heat of the Riso Gallo UK and Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year Competition.

The heat took place at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) held at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport.

Harry, who works at Ashburnham Hotel, Pembrey, cooked a wild mushroom risotto with crisp parmesan and truffle.

One of three gold medallists in the Wales heat, Harry will now go through to the UK and Ireland grand final at Tottenham Hotspur ‘H’ Club in London on June 2.

In addition to the three day stage, the overall winner will tour the Riso Gallo Rice Mill in Italy and experience a selection of excellent rice and oils from Riso Gallo and Filippo Berio and stocks and glacés from Essential Cuisine.

Second prize is a three day stage at The Italian Embassy in London with a selection of excellent rice and oils from Riso Gallo and Filippo Berio and stocks and glacés from Essential Cuisine.

The judging panel is chaired by renowned consultant chef Paul Gayler, MBE. Competitors must be aged between 17 and 23 and in full time education.

Coleg Sir Gâr lecturer Daniel Williams said: “Harry is a very keen, dedicated and driven young chef who was very calm and collected in his first competition. The sky’s the limit for him if he continues on this path and he’s happy to travel to gain experience.

“The Riso Gallo competition was an amazing opportunity for him to receive feedback from chefs from the Culinary Association of Wales. The Welsh International Culinary Championships opens the eyes of young chefs that the horizon is huge.”

The Welsh national heat was held over three days at the WICC and the high standard of dishes was praised by Domenico Maggi, from the Federation of Italian Cooks and a former Worldchefs continental director of South Europe.

He told Harry and two other gold medallists that their risotto had been cooked perfectly with flavour and balance. He encouraged all the Welsh young chefs to continue to cook with passion.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president, said: “We are delighted that we have once again found an amazing young chef who has the potential to do Wales proud in the UK final later this year.

“I look forward to attending the final and, hopefully, Wales will for the first time bring home the title following on from winning the runner up spot in 2024.”

Wales representative Oliver Lacey from Lledrod, Ceredigion was runner up last year.

Picture caption:

Harry Howell receives his award from Colin Gray and Arwyn Watkins, OBE from the Culinary Association of Wales and Domenico Maggi.

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Community

Milford Haven family appeals for help as eight-year-old battles cancer

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A MILFORD HAVEN family is seeking community support after receiving devastating news that their eight-year-old daughter, Darcie, has been diagnosed with cancer. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by family friend Stacey Roberts to help parents Andrew and Laura Duncan cover travel expenses for Darcie’s treatment in Cardiff, ensuring they can stay by her side while managing responsibilities at home.

The fundraiser, which has already raised over £2,300 from 70 donations, aims to alleviate the financial burden of frequent hospital visits. One of the largest contributions so far, £1,000, came from Lincolnshire Competitions, while Stacey Roberts herself made the first donation of £20.

In her heartfelt appeal, Stacey said: “I am absolutely gutted to be writing this but it is with great sadness that I am about to inform you all that two very close friends to me have been given the heart-wrenching news that their eight-year-old daughter, the beautiful little Darcie, has been unfortunately diagnosed with cancer. Please guys, let’s raise enough money to help this loving family out.”

The GoFundMe page continues to accept donations, with community members rallying around the Duncan family during this difficult time.

To donate and support the family, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-raise-funds-to-help-this-family-with-travel-cost

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