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Withybush Ward 10 Flag appeal has hit £190,000

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Elly proudly wearing her CBBC Diamond Blue Peter Badge

MAY marks the fourth anniversary of Elly’s Ward 10 Flag appeal which started on May 1, 2015.

The appeal started as a winning entry for a St David’s Day competition at Pembroke Dock Community School by Elly Neville, then aged 5.

The Neville family then went on to use the flag to raise vital funds for the refurbishment and upgrade to services on Ward 10 at Withybush General Hospital.

Elly Neville with her prize winning St David’s day competition entry, where it all began

The cause Is very close to the family’s heart, after Elly’s father, Lyn, received a Bone Marrow transplant in 2005.

He received fantastic treatment at the hospital’s Ward 10.

Elly’s Ward 10 Flag just giving page says “Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital has been an incredibly important haven for cancer patients in Pembrokeshire.

“Lyn was a patient at the Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU) and Ward 10 himself after a bone marrow transplant in 2005. It was the dedicated staff and facilities of the CDU and Ward 10 was a safety net to us during Lyn’s treatment and recovery. Staff were always on hand to provide reassurance and support at an anxious and frightening time.

“That great care, support and advice were only a short trip away as a family we will never forget the care we received.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities made the campaign an official appeal in October 2015. This ensured that all donations that were made to Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal will be ring-fenced to improve the experiences of patients accessing palliative care, oncology or haematology services at Withybush Hospital.

Elly and her proud dad Lyn outside the Senedd

After four years of relentless fundraising and campaigning, the appeal has hit a staggering £193,608 (correct at the time of print) raised for Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care services at Withybush General Hospital.

The Facebook Campaign page said of their achievements “Today, 1st May 2009 is the fourth anniversary of the official start of the fundraising for Elly’s Ward 10 Flag.

“So much has been done over those years and Elly has changed a bit!

“It has taken all of those four years to get to “192,000 raised for Ward 10.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported us and helped in anyway, we appreciate all your support and encouragement!”

Elly, now aged 9, is highly decorated for her campaigning efforts.

She has done many interviews in both local and national media, more recently Heart Wales Radio and has even featured on ITV News.

Her efforts have seen her receive the prestigious CBBC Diamond Blue Peter Badge.

Through hard work, determination and the generosity of the people and businesses in Pembrokeshire, the dream has started to become a reality for Elly and her family.

Celebrating reaching a huge £150,000

The Ward 10 Flag appeal’s Facebook page has confirming that the refurbishment has commenced at Withybush.

They said “Elly’s Ward 10 Flag can confirm that all the patients were moved out of Ward 10 on Monday, into the new Ward 9, and work has started on the full refurbishment of Ward 10.

“We are so pleased after many years of campaigning and four years of fundraising we will now have a designated Haematology, Oncology and Palliative Care Ward at Withybush Hospital. We will keep you up to date with all that is happening, but this is great News for Pembrokeshire Cancer patients!”

 

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The gentle giant behind the tattoos

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Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

 

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150 years of Mothers’ Union marked at St Davids Cathedral

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A SPECIAL service has been held at St Davids Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and officials gathered for the anniversary celebration on Sunday (Jun 21), where Bishop Dorrien welcomed those attending and spent time speaking with the Provincial Chaplain.

The occasion had particular significance for Bishop Dorrien, who is the third generation of his family to be a member of the Mothers’ Union.

The organisation, founded in 1876, continues to support families, communities and church life across Wales and around the world.

Those attending said the celebration was a fitting tribute to the work of generations of members, with hopes expressed for the next 150 years.

Caption:

Celebration: Members and officials gathered at St Davids Cathedral to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union (Pic: Diocese of St Davids).

 

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Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

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Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.

Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).

 

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