News
Overwhelming support for Abbie
THERE has been an overwhelming reaction to a campaign to raise treatment money for a 22-year-old Pembrokeshire girl, Abbie Dunn, who is suffering from a very rare type of cancer.
In May 2013, Abbie Dunn from Fishguard was diagnosed with Craniopharyngioma, an uncommon brain tumour, and in October of the same year was forced to undergo a 10 hour surgical procedure which removed a part of the large, walnut-sized tumour.
However, on her 22nd birthday in February this year, Abbie received the horrifying news that the cancerous tumour had begun to grow again.
She was advised by a specialist that her best course of treatment for the cancer would be proton beam therapy.
The revolutionary new cancer treatment, proton beam therapy, is a fairly new type of radiotherapy, but unfortunately there are no facilities which currently provide the procedure in the UK, and the nearest places which provide Abbie’s treatment are in Florida and Oklahoma.
Abbie previously worked as a waitress at the Fishguard Bay Hotel but has now moved on to begin her new job in a pharmacy, which she is enjoying.
Abbie’s mum Helen who works as a dental nurse in Cardigan said: “Abbie has learnt to accept what has happened and copes well with everything that is thrown at her.”
“We have put in an application to the NHS to fund Abbie’s medical expenses. However, like many other families in this situation, the financial pressure we are facing is huge,” Helen continued.
To try and ease their financial pressure, on February 28 the family launched a JustGiving fundraising page with an initial goal of £10,000.
However, that amount was soon surpassed due to the generous contributions from local businesses, fundraising events and also from the public, with Fishguard and District Round Table donating £5,000 alone.
Helen said that Abbie and the rest of their family are overwhelmed with the support and compassion that has been shown in the donations they have received to put towards Abbie’s treatment.
Abbie added: “Your generosity will not only benefit me directly but hopefully go on to make a huge difference for many other people going through the same. Thank you all for being so thoughtful. It means a lot.”
Helen said: “We set up the JustGiving page for three reasons; firstly to raise awareness for this rare disease, secondly to raise money to support Abbie on her journey, and finally we are hoping to raise enough money to support other families who are also heading out to the USA for proton beam therapy.”
“The financial support has been a huge help, but while all this is going on we must not forget that Abbie is still a very poorly young lady with a huge battle ahead,” Helen concluded.
Abbie and her family are hoping to fly to the United States in May.
To leave a message of support for Abbie or donate money towards her proton beam therapy, visit her JustGiving page at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/abbie.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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