Shilpa Desai, owner of Shil Pharmacy in Thornhill, Cwmbran, has retired after nearly four decades of service. Setting up Shil Pharmacy just five months after construction began in May 1988 was a major undertaking. Navigating planning permissions, securing funding, and overseeing the build was no small feat for a newly qualified pharmacist. Shil pharmacy owner Shilpa Desai (Image: Submitted)Her decision to retire was influenced by the opportunity to spend more time with her 92-year-old father, who has recently moved in with her. Ms Desai said: "Because of school, university, and then opening the pharmacy, I’ve never had the chance to spend Diwali in India.