Charity

Young Pembrokeshire sailor’s solo voyage for mental health awareness

Published

6 months ago

May 11, 2024

FREYA TERRY, a 21-year-old yachting instructor from Pembrokeshire, is embarking on a solo sailing adventure around Great Britain and Ireland, covering an impressive 2,300 nautical miles. If successful, she will become the youngest and first female sailor to achieve this feat. However, Terry insists that her voyage is far more than just a record-setting challenge; it is a profound journey intertwined with her personal battle with mental health.

Having started sailing at the tender age of 11, the same period her mental health challenges began, Terry has found solace and identity on the water, away from her struggles with isolation and trust during her formative years. “Sailing has given me a personality outside of my mental health struggles,” Terry believes. This journey represents not just a physical challenge but also a culmination of a decade-long battle with her mental health.

Throughout her adolescence, Terry experienced significant difficulties during her transition to secondary school, which were compounded by issues in forming friendships. “It was lots of little things, and then I struggled with the transition into secondary school as well as making friendships,” she recounted. The challenges escalated to more severe problems, leading her to isolate herself and retreat from conversations with family and health professionals.

Now, as she prepares her boat at Neyland Marina, Terry reflects on the darker times, including nights she ran away from home, self-harmed, and struggled in silence. Her turning point came with the support from the Amethyst Project in Cardigan, Ceredigion, which helped her realize she was not alone in her struggles. “It showed me that I wasn’t on my own in this and that it kind of was a real thing, that other people were struggling with as well and that it wasn’t my fault that this was happening, which was huge for me,” she explained.

The support has not only helped her but also stunned those close to her, including her mother, Julie Campbell. The 60-year-old expressed both pride and apprehension about her daughter’s daring venture. “I mean, I do have confidence in her as a sailor, but as a mum, I am just terrified,” Campbell admitted. Despite the fears, she acknowledged the growth and unexpected confidence in her daughter, who was once overwhelmed by day-to-day survival.

For Terry, the challenge ahead is daunting not just because of the physical demands of the journey, but also because it involves opening up about her mental health struggles—a topic she finds particularly tough to discuss. “The bit I’m most scared of or most nervous about is talking to people and talking about mental health because it’s really difficult and I think that’s okay to say but I’m doing it anyway,” she courageously stated.

As Terry sets sail, her story is not just about setting records but also about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, showing that personal challenges can transform into powerful narratives of hope and resilience.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

5 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

5 days ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Charity

NHS staff take on Parkrun for charity

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

Richard Lewis

STAFF from the Frailty Unit at Withybush Hospital took part in the Haverfordwest Parkrun and raised a fantastic £1,478 for the unit.

The staff took part in the 5k Parkrun in August at the Haverfordwest cricket club, whilst others volunteered, sold refreshments and held a raffle.

Lisa Marshall, Senior Sister, said: “I am so proud of Estelle and the team for organising a successful fundraiser and helping to raise money for our unit.

“It was a great team building day and we all had lots of fun. We are as always grateful for the support and donations we receive, and we look forward to our next fundraiser!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Estelle, Lisa and the Frailty Unit team for completing their Parkrun fundraiser.

“Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raising funds for your amazing unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to the Hywel Dda Charities website.