Author: Rhys Gregory

A FAMILY who lost loved ones to cancer has completed a heartfelt virtual cross-country challenge spanning over 1,800 miles during lockdown to help raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. The challenge which has raised £1,615 so far, is comparable to travelling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and back to Cardiff and was achieved by five people in the same household doing a mix of daily runs, walks, and cycles outside and on a static bike. It was an emotional journey for dad Grant Findlay as both his parents died of cancer. Grant’s wife Alison also lost her…

The maximum fine for repeated breaches of the coronavirus lockdown rules in Wales will rise from £120 to £1,920, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced. The increased fines are being introduced ahead of the bank holiday weekend and they follow a request from the four police forces in Wales and the Police and Crime Commissioners for increased penalties to help deter people from repeatedly breaching the stay-at-home regulations. Evidence from the four police forces show a small minority of people are breaking the coronavirus regulations, particularly by traveling to well-known beauty spots throughout Wales, even though they have been closed…

Digital accessibility and support for people with sight loss is more important than ever during lockdown, says a blind campaigner. Richard Zimbler, 36, from Welshpool, is calling for digital accessibility to be championed this month as part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 21st) and reminding blind and partially sighted people across Wales that technology help and advice is still available at this time. As lockdown continues, people are finding themselves more reliant on devices and digital communication than ever before. But for the 121,000 blind and partially sighted people in Wales, being able to use apps, websites and devices…

Swansea University Medical School has appointed two key members of staff as it prepares to launch its new pharmacy course. Mair Davies, immediate past-Director for Wales for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and Dr Neil Hartman, head of nuclear medicine at Singleton Hospital, have both been given Honorary Professor appointments ahead of the new MPharm degree beginning in 2021. Head of Pharmacy Professor Andrew Morris said: “I am very pleased to have the support of two such eminent individuals within the profession to help advise our course developments.” He emphasised that the current crisis had demonstrated the important role that pharmacists…

While Erddig is closed, National Trust staff are working hard to look after the house, collections and gardens, including Head Gardener Glyn Smith who has taking mowing to another level. Glyn has been the Head Gardener at Erddig for 34 years and this spring sees him going above and beyond to care for the gardens during lockdown. In April he began the mammoth task of pruning the iconic pleached lime trees, a task that usually takes a group of staff and volunteers 10 weeks to complete. As well as caring for historic plants, other essential tasks include watering the important…

Dragon Taxis, South Wales’ biggest taxi and private hire vehicle operator, has introduced new additional measures as the prevention of COVID-19 becomes a way of everyday life and residents seek a safe and convenient alternative to public transport. The operator has always prioritised the highest safety standards for passengers and Driver Partners and has made face coverings available to all Driver Partners as well as trialling innovative in-vehicle protective screens to help separate Driver Partners from passengers. To minimise passengers handling cash, contactless payment options are available on all bookings made via the Dragon Taxis mobile app and through its…

The pandemic has turned our routines upside down in the blink of an eye. Office employees, students, tourists, and businesspeople were all struck with uncertainty and insecurity that followed. The ever-growing number of infected people only fuels this mood. Yet, when it comes to Education, the Internet offers lots of opportunities to ‘ease’ this pain. Online learning is absolutely not a new invention, but it does facilitate the process of getting knowledge while staying at home. Lots of schools and private organizations decided to transform their instruction to meet the needs of the increasing number of students locked in their…

Four people in Cardiff have woken up to the news that they have scooped a windfall of £1,000 each today thanks to their lucky postcode. The Major Road neighbours landed the cash prize when CF5 1PF was announced as a People’s Postcode Lottery Daily Prize winner on Wednesday 20th May. Matt Johnson, one of the People’s Postcode Lottery ambassadors, sent his well wishes to those picking up the prize. He said: “A big congratulations to our winners in Cardiff today! I’m sure the win will help lift their spirits just now and I hope they can treat themselves to something…

Savills, on behalf of OCS Group Limited, has sold the freehold of Caxton House in Pentwyn, Cardiff and secured two new local premises for the international facilities management company to relocate into. Caxton House, comprising 26,382 sq ft (2,451 sq m) of office and warehouse space, with a separate warehouse and parking for 45 cars on a 2.45 acre site, has been bought from OCS by Flintec Ltd a who manufacture high quality, precision weight measurement. The property is located in Caxton Place, off Pentwyn Road, where companies such as MWH, Comtec and Office Visions occupy nearby office buildings, and…

Campaigners say the ban on menthol cigarettes could help tackle youth smoking rates in Wales, where according to new figures over 6,000 children take up the habit every year. The new law, which comes into force today, will see the sale of menthol flavoured cigarettes and tobacco products banned under the EU Tobacco Products Directive. It has been welcomed by ASH Wales alongside Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation Wales, who say menthol acts as a gateway to tobacco addiction, because the flavour appeals to young, inexperienced smokers, and reduces the harshness of cigarette smoke. Research by the UK…