Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

A cheque for £1,000 has been presented to the stroke and rehabilitation unit at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, by fundraisers the ‘Sospan Road Runners’. Bernadette Martin, Bethan Hopkins and Viv Jones, representing Sospan Road Runners, recently had the pleasure of presenting the generous donation to Sister Ann Robins of Ward 9 stroke and rehabilitation unit at Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital. Viv Jones said: “We hold a multi-terrain 10 mile race in Pembrey Country Park each November and each year the club nominates different charities who will benefit from proceeds of the race. “The race, in November 2015, was a sell-out and the club was able to make several donations to three local charities: Ward 9 - stroke and rehabilitation ward - at Prince Phillip Hospital, Llanelli Guide Dogs and Llanelli food bank, who each received £1,000.” Sister Ann Robins added: “We really appreciate the donation made by The Sospan Runners to the ward and the effort they made to fundraise on our behal...

Zumba lovers in Carmarthen will be showcasing their dance moves for charity. On Saturday, March 26, it is hoped that as many people will turn out as possible to Carmarthen Leisure Centre and raise money for Cancer Research UK. The Zumbathon is part of an open day at the centre with multiple free activity sessions for adults and children delivered throughout the day. These include netball, hockey, basketball, actif storytime and multi-skills session from 9am-3pm. The local tennis club will also be on hand. For those feeling energetic can jump on the smoothie bicycle maker and fill up those glasses. The council’s area activity coordinator, Gareth Davies said: “The day is all about having fun and keeping fit and healthy as well as raising money for a great cause. It also provides us with an opportunity of showing customers what the centre has to offer from juniors to seniors and best of all it’s free.” Anyone wishing to enter the Zumbathon from 10.30-11.30am can pick up a sponsor form b...

A Carmarthen man got together a team of ‘rebels’ to tackle a 55 mile cycle to say thank you to a unit which helped save his life. Rhodri Reynolds formed part of the Rhodri’s Rebels group of friends who cycled 55 miles from Aberaeron to Saundersfoot to raise funds for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen. Rhodri said “I was treated at Glangwili Hospital in 1996 for Hodgkin Lymphoma when I was 19 years old. I have been fortunate to make a full recovery and wanted to give something back in return for the marvellous care that I was given by the doctors and nurses. “I am pleased that we were able to raise £2,106.10 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit as it provides such an excellent service. Having visited the unit today for the first time since my treatment I am amazed to see how charitable donations have helped to provide above and beyond what the NHS is able to offer.” Rhodri added: “I would like to thank my family and friends for all the support they have given me ...

Latest news from the Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales -  ONE WEEK TODAY! Thursday 21st August, 5pm for Pre-Race Dinner @ Vesuvius, Landore £15 for a 2 course meal followed by Race Night 8pm @ The Globe HOST WITH THE MOSTEST! Mr Mark Wilkes HOW IT WORKS Click here  To book - Email:  paulpophamfund@gmail.com  or  joanne@coden.co.uk Call: 0333 2001 285 or 07896369977 Paul Popham Fund Renal Support Wales Telephone: 0333 2001 285 Email:  paulpophamfund@gmail.com

The Red Kite Law team has backed the popular ‘Myrddin’ appeal in Carmarthen. The campaign to support the Myrddin Special Needs and Autistic Unit has taken the town by storm in recent months. The unit won the Times Education Supplement competition for a new £80,000 Clearspace Buildings classroom. And local campaigners have been busy raising fund for equipment for the new classroom. In the vanguard of the fund-raising campaign has been Andrew Bassett, a director of Basmac Homes Limited and Bassett and Macgregor Construction Limited. Andrew, his wife Bridget and their daughters Rachel and Rebecca walked parts of the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Myrddin unit. Red Kite Law staff rallied around to raise cash to support the appeal and their donations were cash-matched by the firm’s partners to the value of £300. To date, the Bassett family has raised an incredible £42,000 for the unit. Mrs Morris said: “Red Kite Law believes in playing its part in the local community and we ...

The Aberystwyth Tarannau Cheerleaders have raised £400 for Angharad Ward, Bronglais Hospital. Aberystwyth Tarannau Cheerleaders is a group of around 45 active members which provides a fun, active sport for the students of Aberystwyth. The group also represents Aberystwyth University on competitions and through community work. The money was raised by the members doing a bag pack at the local Cooperative Store, a showcase for friends to see their competition routines and a bake sale at the university where over 200 cakes were sold! Cassi Adelmann, Captain of Aberystwyth Tarannau Cheerleaders, said: “We decided to raise money for Angharad ward as it provides a vital service to the community of Aberystwyth and further afield. We are proud to be supporting such a worthy cause.” Junior Sister, Sian Southgate, Angharad Ward said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this donation money from Aberystwyth Tarannau Cheerleaders. It is extremely kind of them and we very much appreciate the...

A Llanelli mother is raising awareness of meningitis and raising money for the ward her son was treated on. Claire John’s son Liam was struck down with meningitis in April 2014 but luckily has made a full recovery. Her friends and family have helped her raise £555 for Cilgerran ward in Glangwili Hospital after her son was treated on the ward. This amount is also being match-funded by Barclay Bank’s Community Investment Programme bringing the total raised to £1,100. Claire and her family are also keen to raise awareness of the illness. Claire said: "The word Meningitis is a word all parents dread to hear. Liam was rushed to Glangwili Hospital where the team were fantastic and sorted Liam out. They kept updating us in what they were doing and we stayed at Liam’s side the whole time." Following his admission to Glangwili Hospital Liam was moved to Paediatric Intensive Care at the Heath Hospital Cardiff where he spent three days before being moved onto a ward. Liam then re...

Funnyman Phil Evans and his friends are getting together this weekend for a special show to raise money for a Porthcawl woman who needs a life-extending operation in Germany. The show, at the Hi Tide Inn, Porthcawl, on Saturday, May 24, is being organised as a massive ‘Cwtsh’ (Welsh hug) for Beth Margetson. Beth is a victim of the so-called ‘postcode lottery system’ that currently exists in the UK. The type of treatment Beth needs to treat her cancer is currently unavailable in Wales, but is available in England. Her latest plan to attack the cancer involves her travelling to Germany in June for a life-extending operation. “Beth is a wonderfully warm and giving person who has contributed a huge amount to her community over the years,” said comedian Phil, who is known throughout Wales as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. “Beth worked tirelessly as a community midwife serving Porthcawl, Bridgend and the surrounding communities. Along the way, we reckon she has delivered 2000...

The countdown is on to one of the social events of the year in Llanelli, the annual Rotary Club Ball. This autumn's ball will be at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, on Friday, November 1 (7 for 7.30pm). Llanelli Rotary Club president Ken Abban said: "The ball is always recognised as one of the social highlights of the year in Llanelli - and it also raises a huge amount of cash for charities. "There will be entertainment, a charity raffle and auction and plenty of fun during the course of the evening." Tickets are £35. Llanelli Rotary Club is actively engaged with local charities, community groups, schools and individuals providing charitable donations and support. Llanelli Rotarians also support international causes including the End Polio Now Appeal , Shelter Box and the provision of a 'Hark' Land Rover mobile audiology field clinic for Ghana. Llanelli Rotary Club recently provided funding towards a Rigid Inflatable Boat for the Llanelli Sea ...

Staff at Jenkins Bakery shops in Llanelli and the rest of South West Wales have collected a magnificent £2,500 for Cancer Research UK. The money was raised during a special fundraising fortnight when pink cup cakes were on sale at Jenkins Bakery shops. The company made a charity donation for every cake sold and customers added to the sum by making their own contributions. “The Pink campaign in our shops was a huge success,” said Jenkins Bakery area manager Fiona Snook. “Last year, more than £1000 was raised for the charity. But we more than doubled that total this year – and the staff had great fun doing it all. Many members of staff dressed up in a pink theme and the shops were decorated to add to the party spirit. “Our loyal customers were, of course, fantastic and hugely supportive of the campaign with generous donations to Cancer Research. The Jenkins bakery has 27 shops across South Wales and employs more than 280 people, full and part-time, with headquarters in Trostre...

Special jazz concert and cabaret evening planned in Llanelli to support charity Carmarthenshire Youth and Children's Association | This is South Wales A special jazz concert and cabaret evening will see bands from across Llanelli unite to raise funds for the Llanelli Star's charity of the year next week. Carmarthenshire Youth and Children's Association (CYCA) are to benefit from the Diplomat Hotel's annual Music and Jazz festival this year — an event which has been a hit since it was set up by saxophonist Alan Williams in 1977. The free concert, which takes place on August 25, will feature a variety of musical styles from acts including Memphis 7, Tommy Harries Quartet, Afternoon in Paris, Dawn Sandell and The Numbers Racket during the day, and a lounge appearance from regular Diplomat musicians Aled and Friends. Story link to Thisissouthwales website.

Llanelli's Boom Productions sketch night success for Youth Mission Project Africa | This is South Wales : Llanelli's Boom Productions sketch night was a big success for Youth Mission Project Africa. Compere and organiser Wynne Seaborne introduced a show covering comedy classics like Monty Python's dead parrot sketch and The Two Ronnies' four candles sketch. Link to Thisissouthwales story.

The Mayor's Charity Appeals Committee is a committee of volunteers who organise a number of events throughout the year including raffles, coffee mornings, a vintage tea party and other events such as the Annual Mayor's Ball. The Committee's aim is to raise funds which are awarded annually to deserving causes in the town of Carmarthen. At St Peter’s Civic Hall Carmarthen, the Committee organised a ‘get-together’ for the organisations which were to receive donations from monies raised during the Mayoral year of Councillor Phil Grice. Both the current Mayor Councillor Doug Rose and Councillor Phil Grice were in attendance and distributed cheques on behalf of the Committee to the 15 local deserving causes, detailed below. Canolfan Elfed Mini Bus Fund Johnstown United Football Club, Shop Mobility Hafan Cymru Just Good Friends Air Ambulance Papur Priordy Carmarthen and District Hospice Appeal Myrddin Special Unit Towy Salmon Swimming Club Girl Guiding Carma...

Staff at Jenkins Bakery shops in Llanelli and the rest of South West Wales are in the pink for their latest charity campaign. The summer fund-raiser for Cancer Research UK was launched today (Monday, July 15) at the company's Sosban shop in Stepney Street. For the next fortnight, the spotlight will be on pink cup cakes at the Jenkins Bakery shops as the company makes a charity donation for every cake sold. Last year, more than £1000 was raised for the charity. "This year, we have extended the campaign to run for two weeks, so we are hoping to raise a lot more for a very worthwhile charity," said area manager Fiona Snook. Jenkins Bakery Operations director Russell Jenkins said: "Throughout the year, we try and support as much charitable activity as we can. For the next fortnight, the ladies in our shops will be bearing pink T-shirts and other fun items to help Cancer Research UK. "The pink cakes are a big hit with our customers every year. Our customers are ...

Staff from South Pembrokeshire Hospital will be taking part in a sponsored bed push to raise money for charity. The nursing staff at the hospital came up with the idea to raise money for Sunderland Ward through the health board’s Support for Life charity. Sunderland Ward is a joint venture with the health board and Pembrokeshire County Council providing integrated services which work together to provide a happy and safe environment to aid recovery and rehabilitation. The bed push will take place in Pembroke Dock on August 10, leaving the hospital at 11am along route 9, London Road, up Ferry Lane, down Bush Hill in to Main Street, along the commons and back up Bush Hill and along High Street. Julia McQuillan, who is organising the event, said: “We are looking forward to the push and hope people will come out and support us on the day. A cheery wave will be very welcome especially on the hills. There is a collection already started on the ward for people who want to donate but we w...

Clay Shaw Butler accountant Amanda Russell completed the Cardiff half marathon. She joined a team of six other runners raising money for a small country in west Africa called Burkina Faso. Amanda said: "I finished in 1 hour 57 minutes and so far we have raised more than £3000 for the Burkina Faso project, although we are still pushing to reach our group target of £5000 and there’s still time to give at  http://www.justgiving.com/teams/BurkinaFaso "You can also donate by texting FASO50 £5 to 70070. You can change the amount to any sum you want to give. "There was an amazing atmosphere in Cardiff on what turned out to be a dry and fresh morning. There was plenty of hustle and bustle before we started and I bumped into numerous well-known faces on the journey up to the start line. "The crowd of runners was daunting and the water stations were eventful, ducking, diving and jumping over bottles! Everyone was in high spirits around the course and the spectator...

Carmarthenshire County Council Housing staff have been pulling out all the stops to raise money for cancer support charity Macmillan. They chose the charity at a staff conference last year and set a target of £2,000. In the last 18 months, they have held numerous events, including dress-down days, bake-off competitions, cake stalls, quiz nights and auctions. Their final event was a coffee morning and cake stall, which was held at the end of September during Macmillan’s national coffee morning fundraising event. Council Chair, Cllr Siân Thomas, congratulated the team during this week’s full council meeting.

The Blitz Charity Winter Ball is being held at the Orangery in Margam Park on December 8. The event will be supporting the charity Welsh Air Ambulance . Owing to its widely scattered population and diverse landscape, many in Wales live in isolated locations far from an accident and emergency service. Also, the ever increasing problem of traffic congestion and collisions in more urban areas causes delayed response times for land ambulances. For these reasons, there is a recognised need for three helicopters on active duty 365 days a year. The charity needs to raise more than £6 million per year to operate the service. The charity raises all the funds required for the day to day running of missions, with each mission on average costing £1500. The tickets for this year exclusive Blitz Winter Ball are £150 per person which includes: Champagne Reception with Canapés hosted by Master Of Ceremonies Mr Huw Sullivan (website) A Three Course Reception with wines Sponsored by ND Joh...

Cor Meibion Llanelli will be performing at Hersham in Surrey on Saturday to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Charity.

Burry Port RNLI supporters have organised a fund-raising golf day at The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club on Friday, September 14. Entries are invited from teams of four to compete on a Stableford competition basis. Prizes will be awarded to the first eight teams. There will also be prizes for the longest drive, nearest to the hole and hole-in-one. The entry fee is £120 per team. Tee-off times are between 9.30am and 1.30pm. Call Roger Bowen on 07890 728584.