Author: Rhys Gregory

A clinical trial is under way at Morriston Hospital into a new therapy that could offer hope for people with late-stage multiple sclerosis. [aoa id=”1″] At the moment there is no cure or treatment for those with secondary progressive MS. But a UK-wide trial is now under way into a neuroprotective agent that researchers believe could slow the rate of its progression. [/aoa] Morriston is one of just two Welsh sites taking part in the 20-centre study, the other being Cardiff. The Swansea hospital reached its recruitment target of 25 patients in just six months. MS is a progressive neurological…

From the academic year 2019/20, boys aged 12-13 will be offered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in school alongside girls as part of the existing HPV programme. [aoa id=”1″] The HPV vaccine has been offered to girls aged 12-13 in school year 8 since 2008. The vaccine will be offered in schools in Wales from the Spring and Summer terms of 2020. Dr Frank Atherton, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales said: [/aoa]“I’m delighted that the HPV vaccination programme for boys will begin in the next academic year. The vaccine will not only protect males from HPV-related diseases –…

A Swansea business that specialises in film and comic book character-themed clothing is celebrating success ahead of a busy summer of sales by growing its export market to Australia and launching a brand-new business. [aoa id=”1″] Character.com, run by husband and wife team Stephen and Karen Hewitt, is now the largest independent retailer of character clothing in the UK. Stephen and Karen started their business nine years ago and the couple are now exporting products from Swansea to customers in the UK, US, Canada, Spain, France, Germany, Italy and even Australia. The company employs almost 50 staff in Swansea. [/aoa]…

Diabetes UK Cymru is inviting fundraisers to take part in a sponsored summertime walk through some of Cardiff’s best-loved parks and green spaces.  The walk takes place on Sunday 21 July and will cover eight miles, following the River Taff through the capital and past many of the city’s iconic landmarks. Starting from Hailey Park in Llandaff North at 11am, walkers will pass through Pontcanna Fields and into the city centre’s Bute Park. After passing Cardiff Castle, the route then follows the Taff Embankment to Cardiff Bay and across the Barrage. After walking around Cardiff Marina, walkers will cross the…

Young people leaving school, college or university across Wales this summer are being advised to check out an exciting range of job vacancies being advertised by an award-winning training provider. [aoa id=”1″] Cambrian Training, one of the Wales’ leading work-based learning providers, has around 40 Jobs Growth Wales (JGW) and apprenticeship vacancies on offer on its website, with more being added daily. Cambrian Training provides work-based apprenticeships in a range of sectors and supports businesses across Wales. [/aoa]With thousands of young people now entering the jobs market after completing their studies at school, college or university, it’s a prime…

Children are being promised the slime of their lives at Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier during this year’s school summer holidays. The iconic seafront attraction is staging some Spectacular Science and Slime Workshops on Saturday 17 August and Bank Holiday Monday, 26 August, with morning and afternoon sessions on both dates. [aoa id=”1″] The first part of the experience is a one-hour interactive science show which will be packed with awesome experiments including fizzing potions, bubbling concoctions, astonishing giant smoke rings and a whole array of magical, weird and wacky science tricks. After being inspired, youngsters will be able to visit the…

Students from Llanelli based school Ysgol y Strade will be set for success after delivering a business proposal to Principality Building Society. [aoa id=”1″] As part of the Principality Savings Challenge project, Ysgol y Strade students proved their business acumen by creating and delivering a proposal for a new savings account. Held at the iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff, students heard from a range of industry experts in the society, before pitching their ideas to a panel of judges, including the society’s CEO Steve Hughes. [/aoa] The aim of the project was to develop the students’ team work, confidence and…

UCAC education union has welcomed the publication today (10th July) of the ‘School Funding in Wales’ report by the National Assembly for Wales’s Children, Young People and Education Committee. Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC’s General Secretary said “The Committee has conducted its research, has received a deluge of evidence, and has come to the conclusion that ‘there is not enough money going into the education system in Wales and not enough finding its way to schools’. UCAC agrees whole-heartedly with that conclusion. “Schools are unable to afford the numbers of staff that they require to provide a high-quality education. In turn, that…

A mum from Caerphilly is sharing her experience of being made redundant in the hope of inspiring those going through a similar experience to seek free support to help change their own story. Carlie Morgan, 33, was working as a technical writer for confectioner Bon Bon Buddies when she was made redundant after the company experienced financial difficulties. Researching her job options, Carlie struggled to find work suitable for her skills and experience until she discovered the support that is available for those who have been affected by redundancy, through a redundancy action programme called ReAct. [aoa id=”1″]ReAct is funded…

Wales and Scarlets hooker Ken Owens joined hundreds of students collecting their degrees at UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus (Tuesday, 9 July). Born in Carmarthen, the Lions star has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by his Hometown University.  Ken attended Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, and began his career at Carmarthen Athletic RFC before he moved to UWIC RFC when he began studying at the University in 2005. Ken made his Scarlets debut towards the end of the 2005–06 season. [aoa id=”1″]On 15 February 2010, Ken was called up to the Wales squad for the 2010 Six Nations, and in June 2011, he…