Community

Chris goes extra mile for lifesaving work

Published

11 years ago

June 27, 2014

A RECENT life-changing trip to the Philippines has inspired RNLI trainer Chris Rigby to go the extra mile in support of the charity’s lifesaving work overseas.

On Sunday, September 14, Chris will join over 2,000 athletes and take part in the Ironman Wales challenge. The world-renowned triathlon has been held in Pembrokeshire since 2011 and as the man behind organising the safety cover for the swimming element of the competition since its move to Tenby, Chris knows all too well what to expect in a few months’ time. “The RNLI have been providing the safety cover for the swimming element of the competition since 2011. For the past three years I have been in charge of organising the RNLI’s safety cover for the event. The charity’s lifeguards and lifeboat crews will be keeping a watchful eye on the competitors throughout the swim again this year – just this time I’ll be the other side, joining the athletes in the water.’ Chris recently travelled to the Philippines to train local lifesavers and is now busy fundraising on top of his training to raise money for the RNLI’s International programme. During his time in the Philippines’ Camotes Islands in March, Chris and his colleague Barry Healthfield trained 26 lifeguards in vital lifesaving skills as part of the RNLI’s international lifesaving programme. As well as visiting local schools to teach children about water safety, the pair also taught ‘train the trainer’ skills to ten lifeguards so they themselves can go on to teach more lifeguards in the future. So moved by his experiences, Chris has now decided to tackle one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges, Ironman Wales, which involves swimming 3.8km, cycling 180km and running 42km – all in under 17 hours. With a fundraising goal of £5,000, Chris says every penny will be used to help the RNLI continue its lifesaving work overseas: “Our time in the Philippines meant that we saw first-hand the life-changing difference the RNLI’s training really makes,” says Chris. “Hearing the stories of so many who had tragically lost loved ones to drowning, and witnessing their strength and passion to prevent more people dying in this way is truly humbling. “It’s an honour to be in the position to save lives and see how training programmes such as these, the RNLI gives the people hope, guidance and direction.” Chris continued: “Together, we have the potential to make a huge impact on the global drowning epidemic. Even the smallest donation will really make a big difference to the lives of people in the Philippines, and others around the world who are in similar positions, and that’s what will keep me going the whole 226km!” To find out more about Chris’s Ironman challenge and donate to the RNLI, visit his fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/IRONMANRIGBY

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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)