Bookworm starts new fundraising chapter
A BOOKWORM from the village of Bancyfelin, Carmarthenshire, has so far raised over £300 for the Wales Air Ambulance in her first-ever fundraising effort.
Six-year-old Isla Wilson is taking part in the Charity’s My20 challenge and has chosen to read 20 books in 20 days during March.
The Wales Air Ambulance celebrates its 20th anniversary on March 1 and to acknowledge the milestone, the charity has created a new fundraising event called My20.
My20 allows people to set themselves a challenge, task or activity that relates to the number ‘20’ and which they will complete during March.
The Ysgol Bancyfelin pupil loves reading books to her younger sister, Ailish, aged four and has chosen a range of books to read in Welsh and English.
Some of the books that Isla has chosen to read include The Elves and the Shoemaker, Peter Rabbit, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Chicken Lickin’ and Rapunzel.
Isla set herself the target of raising £50 and has already smashed that figure by raising £330 for the lifesaving charity, even before her fundraiser has started.
Isla has received a lot of support from her friends, family, school and her village, which is between Carmarthen and St Clears.
She has also been reading
books virtually to family and friends in preparation.
Speaking about why she is raising money for the charity’s 24/7 service, Isla said: “I want to help keep the air ambulance awake all night, they help lots of people.”
Her dad, Tom Wilson, said: “We’re proud of Isla for wanting to raise money for the air ambulance.
“Isla and her sister have always enjoyed seeing the air ambulance in the air, but it wasn’t until recently that she understood the
significance of the medics do.
“We are shocked she has raised over £300 already, especially as it’s her first fundraiser.
“We’re looking forward to listening to her reading throughout the challenge.”
Katie Macro, Wales Air Ambulance’s South West Wales community fundraiser, said: “It’s wonderful how Isla, at such a young age, understands the important work of the Wales Air Ambulance.
“It’s clear that she wants to take part in My20
the
work
because it helps those in need, showing her compassion and thought for others.
“We hope that people recognise this and donate to her fundraiser, which many already have.
“Thank you so much for supporting us, Isla. Every penny you raise will help people who need us and that makes you a lifesaver.” ■ To support Isla by sponsoring her, visit her Justgiving page visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/lisa-lewis51.
HOSPITAL grounds in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire will become smoke-free areas next month.
New laws being introduced across Wales on March 1 build on the smoking ban introduced in 2007.
It will result in all parts of Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital, Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth’s Bronglais Hospital becoming no smoking sites.
The law will also apply to all other facilities that are also run by Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) across the three counties.
Anyone found breaking the law by smoking on these grounds could face a £100 fine.
The move is part of a national drive to create a healthier Wales and healthier future by protecting everyone from harmful second-hand smoke, supporting those trying to quit, as well as reducing the normalisation of smoking.
The smoke-free law includes schools, public playgrounds, and outdoor areas of children’s daycare and childminding settings.
Ros Jervis, director of public health at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “This is great news for people in the three counties and Wales as a whole.
“Preventing people smoking on our hospital grounds will promote healthier care environments, protect hospital users from harmful second-hand smoke and support those using NHS services to quit.
“We know the harm smoking can do to health, so I look forward to having the backing of our staff, patients and visitors to ensure we all play our part in building a healthier Wales for the future.”
Many smokers have already been motivated to give up smoking due to the coronavirus pandemic and it is hoped this new legislation will encourage even more to do so.
Health chiefs have also said that smoking can increase the risk of contracting Covid-19 and also the severity of the disease.
Quitting with support provides the best chance of stopping smoking for good, which is why Hywel Dda UHB is making smoking support services available to those who would like help.
The Hywel Dda Healthy
Lifestyle and Wellbeing Team (Smoking) can provide expert and confidential
NHS behavioural support and access to medication to help stop
smoking or access to stop smoking medication.
The service can be contacted by calling the freephone number 0300 303 9652.