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Python date for production editor Jayne

A giant snake is the latest fund-raiser to join the appeal to raise cash for the victims and families of those injured in the Port Talbot steelworks blast.

  • Jayne will snake-sit
  • The 14ft python will be keeping Neath & Port Talbot Courier production editor Jayne Thomas close company on Saturday, March 9, to boost the appeal total.

    The appeal stands at around £85,000 and the snake-sit is part of a concerted push towards the £100,000 total, which will be split between the families of the victims and a local hospital burns unit.

    Jayne plans to sit with Hercules wrapped around her for an hour. Hercules, a Burmese python who weighs about four stone, comes from Llanelli.

    The event will take place at the snake-owner’s home but a photographer will be on hand to take pictures for the South Wales Evening Post and Courier.

    Jayne initiated the Appeal after the November disaster which claimed three lives and injured 12 steel workers. The newspapers have already given £2,000.

    She said: “I wanted to do my bit for the appeal and these days, with so many sponsored events taking place, it has to be something just a little bit different.

    “It is a fun stunt with a serious purpose. The people injured in the November 11 blast will be undergoing operations for months if not years to come and they and their families need all the help they can get right now.

    “I met Hercules briefly – and he is some snake. When I first saw him the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and my legs started to give way. He is just a little bit scary. Luckily, his owner Geraint Hopkins will be there watching over us as I sit with Hercules wrapped round me on the big day. It is very kind of him to lend his snake for this event.”


  • Preparing with a stand-in
  • If you would like to donate to Jayne’s snake challenge, you can post or drop off cheques made out to the Evening Post/Courier Steel Blast Appeal in an envelope addressed to Jayne Thomas, The Courier, at the Evening Post in Adelaide Street, Swansea, SA1 1QT.

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