News

Milford Haven: Sister hits fundraising target for brother’s new wheelchair

Published

8 years ago

February 23, 2017

Matthew and his sister, Emma: Delighted to have reached the target

A WOMAN from Milford Haven who has been raising money to buy her brother a new wheelchair has hit her target after less than a month of fundraising.

Emma Clayton began fundraising in January in order to buy her brother, 24-year-old Matthew Griffiths, a new electric wheelchair.

Matthew was born at 30 weeks and suffers with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and in in desperate need of a new chair to ensure he lives more comfortably.

Speaking to The Herald, Emma said: “Matthew is very happy to be able to have a new wheelchair, and wants to thank everybody who helped reach the target.

“We had a successful bingo evening which took place at The Royal British Legion in Milford Haven and raised £800, and we raised £230 through a raffle, with thanks to Moira Barnes. She was brilliant!”

Emma, who is a mum of three, already has a hectic life without her fundraising efforts for her brother, and intends to donate whatever money is left after buying Matthew’s new wheelchair to charity.

She said: “Thank you to everybody in Milford Haven. For a small community, everyone pulled together and helped!”

In total, Emma managed to raise a total of £4,547. Having exceeded her target of £3,000 this now means some features of the chair can be upgraded.

She said: “Matthew can’t control the chair himself, but we’ve upgraded it so he can press buttons that make the chair go left and right and spin around! The chair will be molded to his shape and there’ll be more padding, and generally more luxurious.”

Matthew lives with his parents, who are his full time carers. When asked how the new chair will impact their lives, Mrs Clayton said: “It will make the world of difference to Matthew and my parents. My Dad is 70, and he enjoys walking with Matthew but he was having difficulty doing it.

“The last chair was very bulky and heavy, and not the most comfortable. The new chair will be streamlined and so much easier to manouvre.”

Matthew hopes to have his new wheelchair by the end of April.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

8 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

21 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

21 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!