IT WAS devastating to hear of the recent death of Huw Jones, the head teacher of Albert Primary School, who sadly died at the age of 51.

It is clear from the tributes paid to him by parents and pupils that he was a passionate individual, who cared about delivering the very best standards of education for local children.

In December, the school participated in my Christmas card competition, and Mr Jones and his team were very helpful in setting this up.

When I visited the school to present the winning pupil with their prize, it was clear that it was a well-run school that maintained high standards – and this is demonstrated by its excellent inspection rating last year.

My thoughts are with everyone who knew Mr Jones at this sad time, including his friends, family and colleagues – and also parents and pupils at the school.

One of the best parts of being an AM is having the opportunity to engage with organisations and public service providers across my South Wales Central region.

A few weeks ago, I was delighted to visit the Mental Health Unit at Llandough Hospital – and to have a tour of the facility.

It was really beneficial to gain an insight into how the ward operates, and the support and care provided there.

It was good to meet so many hardworking NHS staff, who care passionately about patient care and want to do all they can to assist people.

I’d like to thank everyone at the hospital who took the time out of their busy schedules to show me around, and for giving me such a warm welcome.

It was a pleasure to attend the recent launch of this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal for Marie Curie – which took place here in the Senedd.

The Appeal is now in its 31st year – and raises funds for all of the fantastic work Marie Curie do to provide care for terminally ill cancer patients.

It was good to see AMs of all parties come together and support the campaign, which provides much needed funds for the charity.

By making a donation and wearing a daffodil pin, you can help make a difference, and I would urge you to do so.

The daffodil pins are available from Superdrug, Spar and Savers stores across Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan – and I know daffodil sellers have been taking to the streets to encourage people to donate too.

Marie Curie’s Cardiff and Vale Hospice is based in Penarth – and all of their work is fantastic and really beneficial.

I have visited the Hospice in the past, so I have seen first-hand the impact it makes on both terminally ill people and their families, and I am going to be visiting again soon.

This work is only possible because of the kind donations people make – so I would urge you to give generously to enable them not just to continue what they are doing but also provide even better care in future.