The Argus' Pride of Gwent awards were held earlier this month, in which a plethora of dedicated volunteers were hailed for their hard work during the pandemic. Here we highlight just one of them.

EMILIE Allen’s resilience and determination in the face of circumstances that many would find hard to bear has earned her the Courage Award, supported by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

The promising young gymnast and cheerleader is also a carer, looking after her mum, Laura, who suffers from a rare autoimmune condition and associated illnesses, and helping with her two younger brothers.

South Wales Argus: Emilie Allen

Early in 2020 Emilie’s sporting ambitions took a knock when she broke her ankle, leaving her feeling scared and unsure about the future.

Her mum suggested cheerleading as an outlet for her talents, on the condition that Emilie went back to the Valleys Gymnastics Academy for a few for a few weeks before giving it up completely.

Fortunately Emilie’s she’s been able to do both the gymnastics and cheerleading and has even helped her mum to write a book about them.

The person putting forward Emilie for the courage award praised her for her resilience in the face of the emotional strain she feels.

“Although Emilie puts on a brave face, she worries a lot about her mum, especially when she’s in hospital, and she worries a lot about the future as she knows her mum’s illness could be life limiting,” said the nomination.

“Hopefully the book will continue to help others who find themselves in a similar situation and help them to understand that it’s okay not to be ok.”

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is responsible for delivering NHS services across Gwent, serving more than 639,000 people. Striving for excellence across a wide range of services, the Health Board aims to provide safe, high quality care and deliver as much of this at home, or as close to home as possible.

Clinical Futures is the Health Board’s plan for sustainable health and care services – and they have recently made some major changes to the way services are delivered in Gwent.

The following information will help you choose the right NHS service for your needs:

  • Call 999 or go to the Grant University Hospital if you have a life-threatening illness or serious injury.
  • Go to a Minor Injury Unit at Nevill Hall, the Royal Gwent, Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr or Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan Hospitals, if you have a minor injury. (Children under one year will need to go to The Grange University Hospital).
  • Contact your GP if you have an illness or concern that is not immediately life-threatening.
  • Call NHS 111 if you are unwell, unsure what to do and need help. You can also call 111 for urgent GP care when your own surgery is closed.
  • Treat at home or contact your pharmacist if you have a minor illness or ailment such as a sore throat, cough, skin irritation or common mild illness.

It’s really important that you visit the right place, at the right time, to get the best and most timely care.

Please visit https://abuhb.nhs.wales/clinical-futures to find out more about the changes to NHS health services in Gwent.

South Wales Argus: ABUHB