News

Dispute erupts over missing veterans’ funds as CAMP BATH leadership splits

Published

1 year ago

May 28, 2025

A ROW has broken out over thousands of pounds raised for an unregistered veterans’ support group, with serious allegations of financial misconduct, unauthorised fundraising, and internal fallout between those involved.

The controversy centres around CAMP BATH, an informal veterans’ community operating without registered charity or company status. The group has recently come under scrutiny following a viral Facebook post by campaigner Eddy Cooper, who accused Darren Edmundson, also known as the “Pembrokeshire Patriot”, of taking £4,000 raised for the camp while controlling its donation accounts.

The post was shared over 2,000 times on social media and led to widespread public concern. However, it has since been described as “unauthorised and irresponsible” by Steve, a 73-year-old former Royal Marine who serves as second in command at the camp. Speaking anonymously to The Herald on April 17, Steve said: “The post put out by Eddy Cooper was done without authorisation from the camp. He did this of his own volition.”

Steve also denied claims that he had been “ripped off” by Edmundson, stating: “That accusation is false — because that is me.” He added that at the time, he remained in contact with Darren, who he said was “in Pembrokeshire on welfare business.”

However, Jo Drayson, who co-runs the camp with her husband Dion, alleges that more money may be missing, but did not provide specigics.

She claims Edmundson removed her as a signatory on the camp’s SumUp fundraising account and changed the login details, locking out other members.

In a series of private messages seen by The Herald, Darren defended his actions, insisting the funds are still there and that he could not access the account himself without a valid passport. He stated: “I was the only one with qualifications. All the funds were raised by my show — The Late Night Veterans Show.”

Company records confirm that Late Night Veterans Show Ltd was registered by Edmundson and used to open the business account that controlled donations. This arrangement was described by Darren himself as “a loophole”, since CAMP BATH is not a registered charity, company or CIC, and therefore has no formal legal standing.

Jo, meanwhile, says that she contacted Avon and Somerset Police, who advised that the dispute might be a civil matter, as Darren was legally authorised to access the account at the time. Nevertheless, she has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, particularly as the funds were solicited from the public for what donors understood to be a veterans’ cause.

The situation has been further complicated by personal tensions between key figures. Jo has accused campaigner Eddy Cooper of physical assault, which he denies. Darren, for his part, claims he left the camp temporarily due to family court proceedings and returned to find himself publicly vilified.

“The truth is I ran that place well,” he wrote. “I left, and it all went tits up.”

The Herald understands that access to the disputed SumUp account remains unresolved. Jo and her daughter have reportedly been unable to regain control of it since Darren allegedly changed the details, and there has been no formal audit of where the funds have gone.

A spokesperson for SumUp did not respond to a request for comment at the time of going to press.

The case has highlighted the dangers of operating community support groups without legal registration, safeguards, or financial oversight. Without charity or company status, there is no regulatory body overseeing CAMP BATH’s finances, leaving donors, volunteers, and vulnerable veterans exposed.

Pictured:

Darren Edmundson, also known as the “Pembrokeshire Patriot”

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.