MAY I, through the columns of your newspaper, express my gratitude to the many people of Pembrokeshire who have supported the Pembrokeshire Sibling Group in the past year.

Local businesses and organisations have also supported the group financially and with this in mind, I feel I must mention the Rotary Clubs of Pembroke, Milford, Neyland and Fishguard, the Inner Wheel Clubs of Fishguard and Milford, Yorkshire Building Society, Prendergast WI as well as W P Lewis Ltd of Milton who kindly nominated PSG as its charity when a Welsh rugby shirt was recently auctioned.

Only a week ago, over £1,000 was raised for the group when a sky dive took place in September organised by the Lewis family of Clerkenhill Adventure Farm, Slebech.

The group was set up 18 years ago when it was realised that there was no support within the county for the siblings of disabled and special needs children.

At the outset, it was appreciated that difficulties could arise where there is such a child in the family and that this could often lead to tension and anxiety in the other children of the family.

PSG offers much needed respite to the siblings in order to relieve the tension and to provide them with something to look forward to and where they will be with others who understand what it is like being a sibling.

We have a dedicated team of volunteers led by our hard-working co-ordinator Anna Gambone which provides support to children and young people aged seven –18 with whom we work during our monthly day trips, our residential trips and workshops.

The loyalty of Pembrokeshire people, clubs and businesses is paramount to the success of the Pembrokeshire Sibling Group and on behalf of the trustees, I salute you and thank you all.

GRAHAM MORGAN

Chairman Pembrokeshire Sibling Group