“The destruction to wildlife across the globe has made people sit up and think about the environment more than ever before”

Plastic Free Caerphilly – Launch
Congratulations to all the local businesses, schools, community groups and individuals in Caerphilly for achieving Plastic Free Communities Approved Status.

It was a pleasure to join local volunteers and members of the Plastic Free Caerphilly Steering Group on Monday, July 1 to speak and present the approved status certificate at Plant2Plate, one of the first local businesses in Caerphilly town to become plastic-free.

It should not be underestimated the extent to which local communities are making the effort to become more aware about the impact of plastics on the environment and the ocean.

The destruction to wildlife across the globe has made people sit up and think about the environment more than ever before. Plastic-Free Caerphilly are a fine example of community action delivering positive results.

I would like to see Plastic-Free Caerphilly’s success being replicated throughout my constituency in towns such as Ystrad Mynach and Bargoed.

It is important to ensure as many towns and villages across Wales gain plastic-free status to help tackle plastic pollution.

Breast Care Unit Charity Race

On Sunday, June 30, I attended Turn The Town Pink charity run at Parc Penallta.

The run was organised by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in association with ‘The Friends of the Breast Unit’, with local running group member Alyn Tompkinson of Hengoed Harriers providing the race expertise.

A new breast care unit is proposed for Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr and an ambitious fundraising campaign aims to raise £200,000 towards the unit’s enhanced environment.

Proceeds from the run have gone towards the target, so all credit to everybody who took part.

The group have plans to involve the whole community to reach their target, with over £60,000 raised in the first year.

The new environment will provide patients with the dignity and the respect they deserve. Donations are still being received from the event donations can be made localgiving.org/charity/friends-of-the-new-breast-unit.

A free weekly breast cancer support group is held at Tesco, Ystrad Mynach on Mondays 12pm-2pm and anyone affected by breast cancer is welcome to attend.

It was fantastic to support such a worthwhile cause and if you would like to get involved then please contact Emma.Wilkins5@wales.nhs.uk.