Latest news with #NationalCarersWeek
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- South Wales Argus
Cwmbran man Ashton Jones unresponsive in Thailand hospital
On May 30 29-year-old Ashton Jones, travelled to Bangkok Thailand with his lifelong friend for a lad's holiday. Ashton Jones who is currently fighting for his life in a Thai hospital (Image: Angela Roden Shepherd) Sadly, just five days later his family received the news that Ashton had been separated from his friend and had undergone extensive emergency brain surgery. Ashston is currently in a Thai hospital fighting for his life. Because he didn't have any travel insurance his family have set up a GoFundMe to bring him home. Childhood friend Angela Roden Shepherd aged 50 has been a shoulder for Ashton's family to lean on. Woman's relief after motorbike crash victim father is returned home to Wales Six pets looking for their forever home from Many Tears Rescue 'Look after yourself' Gwent carers speak out on National Carers Week Speaking about Ashton's condition she said: 'There are a few pictures circulating that are making it look like Ashton is well but he's still being ventilated and still extremely ill. 'He's non communicative and is pretty much unresponsive he's very poorly.' Angela explained the Thai authorities have been carrying out an investigation. Ashston Jones's childhood friend Angela Roden Shepherd (Image: Angela Roden Shepherd) 'He's got a good lawyer who speaks brilliant English and is very supportive on our side in bringing justice. 'Nobody has been arrested yet, but they are looking for four people and it looks like they are Thai nationals.' Despite the heartbreaking circumstances Ashton's family find themselves in the family are blown away by the levels of support they've received both locally and internationally. Angela told the Argus: 'It is really important that the people out there release how grateful we are. We've had people in Scotland and Ireland donate and the post is being shared nationally. 'The support has been overwhelming, and Bev (Ashton's grandmother) can't comprehend how these strangers are supporting her grandson.' Ashton Jones who is currently fighting for his life in a Thai hospital (Ashton on ventilation) (Image: Angela Roden Shepherd) The family are still in the dark about why Ashton got separated from his friends. A fundraiser in Cwmbran is being held on July 5, the family are in the process of organising and finalising details. A spokesperson for The Foreign Office said: 'We are supporting a British man who has been hospitalised in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.' Out of the £50,000 goal a staggering £20,522 has been raised to help bring Ashton home.
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool carer talks about ‘wellbeing' this National Carers Week
National Carers Week last week was dedicated to recognising and celebrating the UK's six million plus unpaid carers. 78-year-old Dave Mynott is a carer from Abersychan. He runs the Wednesday Dementia Club or as it's better known by locals 'The Pontypool Dementia Club.' The club is a support group for carers of loved ones with dementia. Dave has been running the group for over 15 years. Leader of the Wednesday Dementia club Dave Mynott (tall man in the centre) on a group trip with unpaid carers (Image: Dave Mynott) Dave said: 'I was helping look after my mother-in-law that had dementia and one of the staff at the hospital I worked at asked me to help set up a group. 'What we are doing is getting everyone together and enjoying each other's company. 'It seems very simple, but it's so important and valuable for people that are carers. Now it's grown to over fifty of us.' Dave talked about the emotional side of being an unpaid carer. He said: 'When you're caring particularly for someone with dementia it can feel you've lost a loved one already, they're not the same person and you can get very isolated.' Dave spoke highly of his fellow unpaid carers: 'I absolutely admire one guy who actually gave up his job to look after his mum. I think they are all awesome.' Dave had the following advice to new unpaid carers: 'Don't isolate yourself take every opportunity to socialise and look after yourself. 'They're amazing people who care for their loved ones with dementia, but they do forget to put themselves first.' In 2023 Dave was awarded the British Empire medal (BEM) in recognition of his services to people with dementia. Currently the group meet at Pontypool Museum every week. The Gwent Carers Hub in Pontypool (Image: NQ) The Gwent Carers Hub is another valuable resource for unpaid carers. Situated in the heart of Pontypool town it offers unpaid carers a safe space to talk about their caring role. A representative from The Gwent Carers Hub said: 'Looking after your own wellbeing is essential to you and the person you care for. We understand how hard being an unpaid carer is, and we are here to support you. 'Do you look after a family member, friend or even a neighbour? Do you offer support to someone without your help could not manage to live independently? If so, you are a carer.'
Glasgow Times
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Free entry for unpaid carers at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park in Motherwell is taking part in National Carers Week, which runs from June 9 to 15, by offering exclusive discounts to unpaid carers on June 14 and 15. More than six million people across the UK are estimated to provide unpaid care for family and friends - a role that can be both rewarding and incredibly challenging. In recognition of their vital work, M&D's will will receive free entry with a paying guest on a range of attractions, including wristband packages, Amazonia, Devil's Island Adventure Golf, Cosmic Bowl, and Walk the Plank. Read more: Meet the 82-year-old who discovered new purpose after becoming a widower All unpaid carers who identify themselves as such will receive free entry with a paying guest on a range of attractions, including wristband packages, Amazonia, Devil's Island Adventure Golf, Cosmic Bowl, and Walk the Plank. Jensen Taylor Connelly, director at M&D's, said: "We have many carers visit us throughout the year on days out and where possible we always support them as the work they do is so valuable. "Raising awareness during Carers Week seems only appropriate as it's an ongoing challenge for many families and hopefully this initiative will do just that." More information about the park is available on the Scotland's Theme Park website.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Unpaid carers to get exclusive discounts from M&D's to mark National Carers Week
Carers Week runs June 9 to 15. It is estimated that the UK has more than six million unpaid family and friend carers. M&D's Scotland's Theme Park is celebrating National Carers Week by offering exclusive discounts to unpaid carers in recognition of the huge amount work that they do. Carers Week runs June 9 to 15. It is estimated that the UK has more than six million unpaid family and friend carers. On the weekend of June 14 and 15 carers who visit Scotland's Theme Park and identify themselves as an unpaid carer or young carer will receive exclusive discounts including Buy one wristband/wristband package and the Carer goes free Buy one entry to Amazonia and the Carer goes free Buy one entry to Devil's Island Adventure Golf and the Carer goes free Buy one game of bowling and the Carer goes free Buy one Walk the Plank and the Carer go free Download the Lanarkshire Live app today M&D's director Jensen Taylor Connelly said: 'We have many carers visit us throughout the year on days out and where possible we always support them as the work they do is so valuable. 'Raising awareness during Carers Week seems only appropriate as it's an ongoing challenge for many families and hopefully this initiative will do just that.' Located next to Strathclyde Country Park, M&D's is one of Scotland's top visitor attractions. The Theme Park features thrill rides and family rides, as well as a host of activities, for all age groups. Special features include Amazonia, a temperature controlled tropical hot house of exotic plants and animals, Devil's Island Adventure Golf, Cosmic Bowl, a ten-pin bowling alley, and Krazy Congo Soft Play.
