Latest news with #Perrot
South Wales Argus
23-04-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Wales prescription charge abolition 'extended my life'
Ryan Perrot, 44, has had severe chronic asthma since he was three years old. He used to spend more than £1,000 on medication every year. However, after prescription charges were abolished in Wales in 2007, he has been able to manage his condition without the financial burden. Mr Perrot, who volunteers for Asthma and Lung UK Cymru and lives in Brecon, said: "Free prescriptions haven't just saved me money—they've extended my life. "Before, I'd end up in hospital, missing work, limiting my food shop because I couldn't afford my medication. "Now, I can manage my condition better, I take daily tablets and inhalers without the worry of choosing between breathing and eating. "It's enabled me to work and pursue hobbies and most precious of all, play with my grandson, something I thought I wouldn't be around to do. "People with chronic conditions shouldn't have to pay to breathe—something so basic that most take for granted." Wales was the first UK nation to abolish prescription charges, as costs were preventing a third of people from getting their prescribed medication. Since 2007, Welsh pharmacies have dispensed more than one billion items, helping millions manage their health conditions effectively and free of charge. The policy has been particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions, such as asthma, Parkinson's disease, and ulcerative colitis, who require regular medication. Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, said: "Free prescriptions are one of Wales' greatest healthcare achievements to date. "I'm proud that we led the UK in taking this bold step, ensuring everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, can get the medication they need. "Over 18 years, this policy has transformed so many people's lives, helped thousands manage their conditions effectively, and prevented unnecessary hospital admissions. "Healthcare should be based on clinical need, and this is what free prescriptions are about. "As we look to the future, we are committed to this principle, it's served the people of Wales so well." Welsh residents save nearly £10 for each prescription item they receive in Wales.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Perrot claims second gold at biathlon worlds, Bø no factor
Frenchman Eric Perrot claimed his second gold and third medal at the biathlon world championships on Wednesday, while Norwegian star Johannes Thingnes Bø was no factor this time around. Perrot won the individual race over 20 kilometres with one missed target in the shooting range, the gold coming after mixed team gold and pursuit bronze last week. Italy's Tommaso Giacomel led until the final shooting but then missed the penultimate of 20 targets and had to settle for silver, 52.4 seconds behind Perrot. France could also celebrate a second Lenzerheide bronze for Quentin Fillon Maillet, who made the podium despite three missed targets, trailing Perrot by 1 minute 59.5 seconds. "I just did my biathlon. I knew after the pursuit that I can fight for the victory. This is incredible," Perrot told German broadcasters ARD. It was France's fourth gold from seven events at the championships, with five races still to come. In the 20km athletes don't have penalty laps after mistakes in the shooting range, but one minute added to their skiing time for each missed target. Twice reigning 20km champion Bø, who had dominated the sprint and pursuit for a record 22 career world titles, was out of contention early with three missed targets in the first session. Retirement-bound Bø added two more to finish more than four minutes off the pace in 20th place on a bad day for Norway, with Endre Strømsheim their best in ninth. Only two of the 97 starters shot clean on Wednesday, Finland's Olli Hiidensalo in fourth and 13th-placed Belgian Thierry Langer. The Lenzerheide worlds continue on Thursday with the single mixed relay.
