SAMUEL KURTZ, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, added a splash of pink to his usual attire to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage constituents to support Breast Cancer Now’s Wear it Pink campaign, which will take place on Friday, 18 October.

Anyone can take part in Wear it Pink, whether at school, work, or home. All you need to do is wear something pink or hold a pink-themed event and donate to Breast Cancer Now to help the charity achieve its vision that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live and be supported to live well.

Speaking ahead of the event, Samuel said: “Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words ‘you have breast cancer’. It’s the most common cancer in the UK.

“That’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging everyone in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire to take part.

“I am proud to raise awareness of the impact of the disease locally, and to support and advocate for Breast Cancer Now’s research. Breast cancer affects so many people in West Wales, so I hope that everyone will get involved this October and support this very important cause.”

To take part in Wear it Pink this October, please visit www.wearitpink.org for further details and fundraising ideas.

PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED Ascona Group has donated £25,000 to cancer support network Maggie’s. The contribution was made through Nisa’s Make a Difference Locally scheme in which the symbol group gives its retail partners a portion of the sale of certain items they sell to a charity of the retailer’s choice.

Ascona Group, the seventh largest UK forecourt operator, says that the contribution is part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and its efforts to support health and wellbeing within the communities in which it operates.

Ascona Group’s retail trading director Paul Stoddart says: “We are delighted to be able to support Maggie’s cancer care centres through the Nisa Make a Difference Locally scheme. At Ascona, we believe that we have a responsibility to give back to the communities in which we operate in, and our partnership with Nisa allows us to do exactly that.”

Maggie’s centre fundraising manager Lucia Osmond adds: “We are incredibly grateful for Ascona Group’s generous donation. Every penny donated to Maggie’s helps us provide free, practical, and emotional support to people with cancer, as well as their families.

“This donation will have a direct impact on the lives of many, allowing us to continue offering expert guidance, a welcoming environment, and much-needed emotional relief during one of life’s toughest challenges. We are grateful for Ascona’s support as it will help us make a real difference to those who need it most.”

Ascona says that it has donated over £350,000 to local, national and community organisations since 2017.

TO celebrate his 30^th anniversary of working for Ashmole & Co, Jim Cornock a Partner with the accountancy firm, will be taking on Marathon Eryri later this month to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care.

Marathon Eryri is a demanding and spectacular event which encircles Yr Wyddfa. Jim is not a newcomer to running but is more familiar with half marathon distance rather than a full marathon. He has bravely agreed to take on the 26.2mile challenge on 26 October to help raise funds for Ashmole & Co’s chosen charity for this year as it has special meaning for him personally.

Jim said, “Tenovus Cancer Care provide so much support for people with cancer. This one is personal for me as my mum passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of just 61. I have no doubt there were times when she wanted to just ‘turn around’ and go home but like thousands of others facing a cancer diagnosis, she couldn’t. That is what keeps me going during my training runs. I felt like turning back lots of times recently out on my longest runs, but I kept remembering why I am doing this.”

Jim joined Ashmole & Co in 1994 and qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor in 1999. Originally from Milford Haven, he moved to Carmarthen in 2003 and became a partner in the Ammanford office in 2004. He works out of the Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llandovery Ashmole & Co offices. Jim enjoys all aspects of his role as business adviser, particularly the satisfaction of helping clients achieve their goals.  

Jim is married to Pamela and they have two children Rosie and Owen. He has a particular love of Llandovery as his parents are originally from the town and are buried there. In his spare time, he loves cycling, swimming, running, football, reading and history. Jim is proud to have completed Ironman Wales in 2018.

Jim added, “Thank you to everyone that has supported me during my training. It means a lot. I hope Ashmole & Co’s clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible for this extremely worthy cause.”

Elin Murphy, Tenovus Cancer Care’s Regional Fundraising Manager for south west Wales, said, “Ashmole & Co are going all out to raise funds with staff signing up to do so many events out of their comfort zone. We are very grateful to Jim for choosing to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care by taking part in Marathon Eryri. Donations mean that we can continue to support cancer patients and their loved ones with our services and actively campaign to improve outcomes and give a voice to all affected by cancer in Wales.”

Tenovus Cancer Care are a Wales-based charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer. Tenovus is there for anyone affected by cancer. Together with its inspiring community of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers, the charity is determined to be there for everyone affected today, tomorrow and beyond.

Any donations to support Jim and Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care (justgiving.com)