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roundtownnews.com
9 - 15 MAY 2014
Charities launch hospice
Cañete buries Zapatero’s folly On Wednesday afternoon, the head of the PP for the European elections, Miguel Arias Cañete visited Torrevieja p3
Bougainvilleas
A fully grown plant will give a fantastic display of colour over many months from early summer to January p32
by Jack Troughton
Three day tour to Peñiscola Peñiscola is a fortified seaport and location of Peñiscola Castle p39
Showbiz Goss
A stage play that features The Simpsons has been receiving rave reviews p44
A positive experience
The Yaris Hybrid is a joy p58
See page 66
Issue 760
Gillian McNiece
Torrevieja Masters make their mark!
THE TORREVIEJA Masters Team are looking forward to the bigger masters competitions in May and the Spanish Nationals in June, having completed the last local ‘Time Controls’ on Sunday. Read the full story on page 41.
TWO COSTA Blanca charities have come together to launch a much-needed and “absolutely unique” hospice to help people live out their final days with dignity. The MABS Cancer Support group and Jalon Valley HELP open the doors to their shared annex at the Ferris Hospital – part of the Fontilles complex – next month, offering hospice and respite care. On Tuesday, MABS President Jacqui Phillips MBE and her opposite number at HELP, Elaine Horton signed the final agreements with Jose Manuel Amoros, the hospital’s Managing Director. The project is launched at a time where an aging population has created a “dire” problem for care agencies. People of all nationalities will be made welcome. RTN was told both charities were “very excited” at seeing a “pipe dream” become a reality and make use of buildings at Fontilles dating back to 1902, applauded for its “family” atmosphere. Historically the ‘village’ became a refuge for people suffering from leprosy – international research still takes place into the disease. Founded by Father Carlos Ferris, the modern hospital and
its 24 hour medical care bears his name and specialises in rehabilitation. The charities will use its existing services. “Both of us have wanted to be able to offer a hospice and respite service for some time,” said Jacqui. “When I started MABS 15 years ago it was in my mind that we needed a hospice for anyone who did not want to die at home. But the costs of building meant it was a really a pipe dream.” The cancer charity – which covers the coast from Valencia to the Costa del Sol – will offer a refuge to people suffering from the disease from across the area; HELP will cater for people suffering other illnesses. Admissions will have “greatest need priority.” Elaine said: “What we have seen in the last two years is the numbers of people requiring help has grown – and the numbers of very elderly carers looking after even more elderly, desperately ill people, has reached a situation we wonder what we are going to do next.” Jacqui added how MABS had seen more and more people suffering with cancer on their own. “MABS is looking after them and it is costing an awful lot SEE PAGE 34 of money and it is crippling us. Continued on page 8