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Narberth dad runs marathon for diabetes

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44-year-old father-of-two Martin Bowen: Running his third London Marathon

44-year-old father-of-two Martin Bowen: Running his third London Marathon

A NARBERTH man will be tackling this year’s London Marathon to raise both money and awareness for Diabetes UK, and Type-One diabetes in particular.

This will be 44-year-old Martin Bowen’s third London Marathon, having completed the race for the charity previously in 2006 and 2009.

Raising awareness of diabetes is a cause that is close to father-of-two Martin’s heart, as he has been living with Type-One diabetes for nearly 16 years.

The London Marathon, held this year on Sunday (Apr 24), will see dozens of Team Diabetes UK runners take to the streets to run the 26.2 mile course.

Martin, who has been training hard for the upcoming event, said: “Having diabetes has never stopped me from doing anything and completing the London Marathon three times will prove that.

“I try and lead an active life by running two or three times a week when I’m in training for the marathon and refereeing junior rugby matches most weekends.

“I continued to play rugby for a number of years after being diagnosed with Type-One diabetes and decided to enter the London Marathon again this year to raise money for Diabetes UK, to help fund their research and hopefully find a cure.

“I’m sure with the great work they do in this field, a cure is just around the corner.

“I have had great support from my wife, Rachel, and my children, George and Lily, and from Dr Underwood and my diabetes specialist nurse, Linda Atherton, at Withybush General Hospital. I’m hoping to beat my personal best of three hours and 59 minutes, but we’ll see.”

There are currently approximately 18,300 adults living with Type-One diabetes in Wales. It isn’t known what causes the condition but it cannot be prevented and has nothing to do with being overweight.

Type-One diabetes is usually diagnosed when you are a child or young adult, where the signs and symptoms are usually very obvious and develop quickly.

Symptoms include feeling tired, thirsty, needing to urinate often and losing weight. However, as in Martin’s case, it can develop at any age so it is important to be aware of the symptoms.

Joseph Cuff, Diabetes UK Cymru’s Fundraising Manager, said: “The London Marathon is an amazing event to be a part of.

“The months of training and dedication from Martin will be turned into a one-of-a-kind way to see London at its best on the day. Together with the rest of Team Diabetes UK, they will raise vital funds to help people living with diabetes.

“I want to thank Martin for his continued support and wish him the best of luck. Every penny raised will help us to support people living with diabetes in the UK, so please give generously to back Martin and support his amazing effort.”

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Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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