Nicola Bryan

Two women defrauded by David Griffiths, who fabricated a military career and wealth to extract money from them, have spoken out after he received a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Griffiths used false claims of being a wealthy Army major and pilot to convince Joanne Brandon-Hodgkinson and Helen Moorefield to lend him thousands and pay for fabricated luxury holidays. His lies were exposed during a failed property purchase, leading to a police investigation that uncovered his history of fraud. Both women criticized the handling of their cases by police forces, while authorities acknowledged communication lapses. Griffiths will face a proceeds of crime hearing later in the year.

Two terminally ill patients, Sally Sarl and Kevin Pletts, formed a close friendship while receiving palliative care at a Marie Curie hospice in Penarth. Sally, living with incurable cancer, focused on making meaningful memories with her family and preparing for end-of-life choices, while Kevin, who has terminal lung cancer, chose to spend his final days in the hospice. Their shared experiences provided mutual support as they navigated difficult decisions. Marie Curie highlighted significant gaps in palliative care across Wales, urging urgent action to address unmet needs. The Welsh government stated it is investing in improving end-of-life services. Sally died on 9 July, and her family wished for her story to be shared.

A woman from Wales developed neurocysticercosis after unknowingly ingesting pork contaminated with parasitic eggs during a trip to India in 2007. Years after first discovering a tapeworm, she suffered severe neurological symptoms that led to the detection of 38 parasites in her brain. Treatment with antiparasitics and steroids reduced the infection, though long-term complications affected her mental and physical health. Now stabilized and seizure-free since 2017, she continues lifelong epilepsy treatment and aims to raise awareness about this rare but preventable disease.

A woman from Wales discovered she had 38 pork tapeworm larvae in her brain years after a trip to India, leading to severe headaches, seizures, and mental health decline. Doctors eventually diagnosed neurocysticercosis, a rare parasitic infection, and treated her with antiparasitic medication and corticosteroids. Although the parasites have calcified and she no longer experiences seizures, she must remain on epilepsy medication. Her case, considered extremely rare by specialists, has prompted her to advocate for greater public awareness of the disease.

A Welsh woman developed neurocysticercosis years after a trip to India where she likely ingested microscopic tapeworm eggs from contaminated food. After suffering headaches, seizures, and psychiatric symptoms, scans revealed 38 parasites in her brain. She underwent long-term antiparasitic and steroid treatment, with lingering effects including the need for epilepsy medication. Medical experts note the rarity of such cases in the UK. Now recovered, she aims to raise awareness about the disease.

A Cardiff woman, Lowri Denman, developed neurocysticercosis after a 2007 trip to India, where she likely ingested tapeworm eggs. The condition left her with 38 brain parasites, causing seizures, swelling, and severe mental health decline. After years of treatment, including anti-parasitic drugs, steroids, and neuropsychiatric care, her condition stabilised as the parasites calcified. Her case, considered exceptionally rare in the UK, has been reviewed by experts internationally. Now recovered, she aims to raise awareness of the disease and continue rebuilding her life.