Charity
Sue Ryder calls on public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts
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NATIONAL palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder is urging the public to support its end-of-life care and grief services by donating unwanted Christmas gifts.
Whether it’s a scarf that’s not your colour, a gadget you don’t need, or a novelty item gathering dust, Sue Ryder hopes people will consider donating these items to their local charity shop.
Not only will this help declutter homes after the festive season, but it will also ensure those facing bereavement or a terminal illness in the New Year can access vital support.
To donate, people can drop goods off at their nearest Sue Ryder shop. For larger items such as furniture, free collections can be arranged through the charity’s website.
Sue Ryder operates almost 400 shops across the UK in high streets, retail parks, and shopping centres, with proceeds funding hospices, palliative care hubs, and bereavement services.
Anthony Barlow, Senior Regional Manager at Sue Ryder, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time for exchanging gifts, but the reality is that many of us end up with items we don’t need. If you’re still in the gift-giving spirit and want to declutter, you can regift unwanted presents to Sue Ryder.
“By donating, you’ll not only help the environment but also support people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives—all while creating space for a fresh start in 2025.
“This New Year, we’re welcoming quality clothes, household goods, electricals, books, toys, accessories, and collectibles.”
Donations can be made at local Sue Ryder shops or via sueryder.org/shop.
Charity
Stronger Starts grant opens riding opportunities for Dinefwr children
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CHILDREN and young people of all abilities in Dinefwr now have the chance to experience horse riding, thanks to a £1,500 grant from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme.
Dinefwr Riding Group in Carmarthenshire received the funding to help children and young people learn to ride, regardless of disability or background. The initiative, voted for by local shoppers at Tesco stores, allows the charity to subsidise lessons, making them accessible to all.
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Ellen Gladders, a volunteer at Dinefwr Riding Group, said: “Seeing the smiles on the faces of these children as they connect with the horses is truly heartwarming.
“We are incredibly grateful to the local community for voting for Dinefwr Riding School to receive this grant. Their support means we can now offer riding lessons to everyone, no matter their age or abilities.
“It’s amazing to see how horse riding helps children with physical challenges build strength, while those with autism often find it incredibly calming and engage more easily afterwards. This wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our local residents.”
Founded in 1989, Dinefwr Riding Group operates on over 140 acres of farmland in the foothills of the Black Mountains. The charity runs sessions every Wednesday during school term time, welcoming children from special needs schools and local council referrals. A team of 13 volunteers works with children facing various challenges, from muscular conditions to autism.
Claire de Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We are delighted to support Dinefwr Riding Group in their incredible work providing riding opportunities and fostering positive experiences for people of all ages and abilities.
“Supporting groups like Dinefwr through our Stronger Starts grant reflects our commitment to building stronger, healthier communities together.”
Tesco shoppers in Carmarthenshire can continue supporting local schools and children’s groups by placing their Stronger Starts blue tokens into the relevant voting box at store exits. The scheme, run in partnership with the charity Groundwork, funds community projects across the region, helping to make a lasting impact.
Charity
Freddie the ginger cat seeks a loving home
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SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE CAT RESCUE is looking for a new home for Freddie, a confident and affectionate seven-month-old ginger male.
Freddie has been neutered, flea-treated, wormed, microchipped, and vet-checked. He has also received his first vaccination.
Having only lived as a house cat, Freddie is young enough to transition to a home with outdoor access or remain an indoor pet. However, all adopted cats must be kept indoors for at least three weeks to allow them to settle and bond with their new family.
Freddie is both cat and dog-friendly, making him an ideal family pet. Playful and affectionate, he has a charming personality and is very people-orientated, making him a wonderful companion.
Adoption details
Anyone interested in adopting Freddie can message South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue on Facebook or comment on their post. If a home check is successful, adoptions usually proceed the same day.
All rescue cats are vet-checked on their adoption day for peace of mind. The adoption donation is £60, which goes directly towards helping the next cat in need.
Successful adopters must bring a secure cat carrier for transport. South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue does not rehome on Sundays or bank holidays.
Charity
Paul Sartori and Shalom House celebrate successful ‘Light up a Life’ concert
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THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION and Shalom House are delighted to announce the success of their recent ‘Light up a Life’ concert, held on January 25th, 2025, at the historic St Davids Cathedral. This annual event, part of the national hospice initiative, brought the community together for a beautiful evening of reflection and remembrance, honouring loved ones who are no longer with us. The event also raised a staggering £3,795 to share between these two important Pembrokeshire charities.
The concert featured captivating performances by the amazing female group, Bella Voce, the fantastic Paul Sartori Community Choir, the talented Cwm Cerwyn Ensemble, and clarinet soloist Julie Conybeare, accompanied by Margaret Blackledge. Attendees were treated to a diverse musical repertoire by candlelight, creating a serene, contemplative, and unforgettable atmosphere within the cathedral’s hallowed walls.
The event was made possible through the generous support of local businesses, including Richard Brothers, A Way with Flowers, St Davids Bookshop, The Retreats Group, Topp Tyres, Chilton Cars, Nex Media, and Syncro Motor Factors. Their contributions ensured the concert’s success and underscored the community’s commitment to supporting vital hospice care services in Pembrokeshire. Thanks, too, to the fantastic team at St Davids Cathedral. Rosalind Raymond, Trustee at The Paul Sartori Foundation and Sam Wilson-Croft, Business Manager at Shalom House, echoed their gratitude for the support of the community and local businesses on the night.
Both the Paul Sartori Foundation and Shalom House Palliative Care Centre are dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care to individuals and families across the county. The funds raised from the ‘Light up a Life’ concert will directly support these essential services, enabling both organisations to continue their mission of delivering hospice care to those in need.
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