A new campaign to raise £28,000 to pay for a new nurse dedicated to Pembrokeshire children who have been abused, has been kick-started by two county organisations. Every year in Pembrokeshire there are at least 400 reported cases of child abuse. The new children's nurse will be able to focus on the emotional needs of youngsters and to provide support to vulnerable children. Examples of emotional vulnerability include being bullied, problems at home, behavioural problems, abuse, neglect or illness. The Martin Roberts Children's Fund has already funded one nurse, but due to the number of children needing her support, it now is taking the next step. It has joined with Pembrokeshire Tourism to launch the start of a new campaign to raise enough money to employ a second 'Martin Roberts Children's Nurse' at Withybush Hospital. The forthcoming Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards has chosen The Martin Roberts Children's Fund as it's nominated charity. It also offered the winner of the recent Stars in their Eyes competition run by the charity, a top slot at the Tourism Awards to perform their winning number. Twelve-year-old winner, Aaron Lewis from Haverfordwest, stunned judges with his rendition of Frank Sinatra's 'Lady is a Tramp'. "We are thrilled to have Aaron in the entertainment line-up for the awards on May 16. He'll be billed alongside BBC Wales' Owen Money and get the chance to perform in front of more than 250 influential tourism business people," said Rachel Hicks, chief executive of Pembrokeshire Tourism. "We are very proud to be joining forces with the Martin Roberts Children's Fund in order to raise their profile and help with fund-raising. In this way we can help play our part in providing as much support for vulnerable children in Pembrokeshire as possible."
