Charity

Greenacres Rescue nominated for prestigious award

Published

1 year ago

November 1, 2023

Greenacres Rescue has been nominated for the prestigious Petplan’s Animal Charity Team of the Year Award, 2024. The recognition comes as a resounding endorsement of the centre’s tireless efforts to rescue and rehome animals in need, even in the face of financial challenges and a rising number of abandoned and poorly animals.

The awards, organised in collaboration with the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, aim to acknowledge outstanding contributions made by individuals and teams within the animal charity sector. Judges will be looking for exceptional levels of care and compassion, outstanding knowledge, expertise, and communication, as well as individuals who go above and beyond their duties to improve animal welfare.

Greenacres Rescue Limited, established in 2008 by Pembrokeshire resident Mikey Lawlor, has emerged as a beacon of hope for animals in distress. The centre, located in Pembrokeshire, is unique in that it caters not only to cats and dogs but also extends its care to livestock including pigs, horses, goats, sheep, ferrets, and reptiles.

Despite financial constraints, the centre’s commitment to its furry and feathery residents has remained steadfast. Mikey Lawlor, the founder, expressed, “It’s been a relentless year, particularly with the number of abandoned and poorly kittens that we’ve been receiving, plus all the dogs that are being picked up from the streets. But our aim is to do everything we possibly can to look after each and every animal that comes into our care until we can find a suitable and loving home for them to move on to.”

One of the heartwarming success stories from this year is Ariel, a six-legged spaniel puppy found abandoned in Pembroke Dock, whose story captured international attention, including a feature in the New York Times. Ariel, currently in foster care, is awaiting further assessments from her vet concerning her treatment. Despite her challenges, she has shown remarkable progress, attending puppy classes and even visiting Broad Haven Community Primary School, where children raised funds for her operation.

“We have a medical review booked this week to assess if we are any closer to booking the operation that’s needed, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that things will go well and Ariel can continue her recovery,” Mikey Lawlor shared, reflecting on Ariel’s journey.

The nomination for the Petplan’s Animal Charity Team of the Year Award serves as a testament to the exceptional work carried out by Greenacres Rescue Limited. Mikey Lawlor expressed the centre’s pride, stating, “Yes, it’s been a difficult year, but receiving a nomination like this makes Greenacres Rescue very proud to have such a fantastic team on board.”

As the panel of judges faces the daunting task of narrowing down the shortlist, Greenacres Rescue Limited stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the extraordinary lengths to which individuals and teams within the animal charity sector go to ensure that animals in need find the love, care, and compassion they deserve. The award nomination not only honours their past efforts but also serves as an inspiration for the future, reminding us all of the importance of kindness and empathy towards our fellow creatures on this planet.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

3 days ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Charity

NHS staff take on Parkrun for charity

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2024

Richard Lewis

STAFF from the Frailty Unit at Withybush Hospital took part in the Haverfordwest Parkrun and raised a fantastic £1,478 for the unit.

The staff took part in the 5k Parkrun in August at the Haverfordwest cricket club, whilst others volunteered, sold refreshments and held a raffle.

Lisa Marshall, Senior Sister, said: “I am so proud of Estelle and the team for organising a successful fundraiser and helping to raise money for our unit.

“It was a great team building day and we all had lots of fun. We are as always grateful for the support and donations we receive, and we look forward to our next fundraiser!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Estelle, Lisa and the Frailty Unit team for completing their Parkrun fundraiser.

“Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raising funds for your amazing unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to the Hywel Dda Charities website.