A PEMBROKESHIRE charity supporting vulnerable young people has received one of the highest honours in the UK for voluntary work.

Megan’s Starr Foundation, based in Milford Haven, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service — widely regarded as the MBE for charities — in recognition of its outstanding impact in the community.

The award was formally presented during a special event held at The Dizzy Bear, the charity’s base, where much of its day-to-day work supporting young people takes place.

The ceremony brought together community leaders, dignitaries, volunteers and young people who have all played a part in the charity’s journey.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest accolade given to local volunteer groups across the UK, recognising exceptional service and lasting benefit within communities.

Megan’s Starr Foundation was established following personal tragedy, with a mission to ensure that no young person feels alone or overlooked. Since its creation, the organisation has grown into a vital support network for young people across Pembrokeshire, offering guidance, understanding and a safe space to rebuild confidence.

Speaking at the event, representatives of the foundation said the award belonged not just to the organisation, but to everyone connected to it.

“This recognition is for every young person who has walked through our doors when they felt they had nowhere else to go,” a spokesperson said.

“It is for every parent who trusted us at their lowest moment, and for every volunteer who has given their time and compassion to support others.”

They added that while the charity was born from heartbreak, it has been driven by a determination to create something meaningful and lasting for the community.

The award presentation was attended by local dignitaries including representatives of the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff, who praised the foundation’s commitment to supporting young people and strengthening the community.

The Herald understands that the foundation’s work has already had a significant impact across the county, with increasing demand for its services as more young people seek support.

The setting of the ceremony — within The Dizzy Bear itself — served as a powerful reminder of the charity’s purpose, with many of those present having directly experienced its support.

For those involved, the recognition marks both a milestone and a motivation to continue.

“This is more than an award,” the spokesperson added. “It is a reminder of why we started — and why we will never stop.”

A MILFORD HAVEN family dog has made a remarkable recovery after a serious leg injury left him barely able to walk.

Murphy, a much-loved pet owned by Louise and Steve Coombe, was suddenly struck down with severe lameness after spending time in the garden. His condition quickly worsened, leaving him struggling to move and clearly in pain.

Concerned for his welfare, his owners sought urgent advice from their local vet, who referred Murphy to specialist orthopaedic surgeons at Weighbridge Veterinary Referrals in Carmarthen.

Severe injury diagnosed

On examination, Orthopaedic Surgeon Nichola Davies identified significant pain in Murphy’s knee joint. Further investigation under anaesthetic confirmed a complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament — a debilitating injury similar to an ACL tear in humans.

To restore stability and mobility, surgeons recommended a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO), a complex procedure designed to stabilise the knee by altering the angle of the shin bone.

Three-hour operation

During a three-hour operation, a team of five clinicians carefully reshaped and repositioned Murphy’s tibia using the Slocum technique. The bone was then secured with a specialised metal plate to support healing.

Post-operative X-rays confirmed the procedure had been successful, with the bone and implant perfectly positioned.

Road to recovery

Murphy’s recovery required strict rest, controlled exercise, and gradual rehabilitation. Within four weeks, he was already beginning to bear weight on the leg again.

By twelve weeks, follow-up scans showed excellent healing, with only a slight residual limp — expected at that stage of recovery.

Nichola Davies said: “Murphy has done brilliantly. Cruciate ligament failure is a very painful condition, but with timely surgery and careful rehabilitation, dogs can make an excellent recovery. His progress has been exactly what we would hope to see.”

Owners praise care

Murphy’s owner Louise said the family were “incredibly grateful” for the care he received.

She said: “The team were kind, friendly, and reassuring throughout. They explained everything clearly and made us feel completely at ease. The surgery has been a great success and Murphy has recovered brilliantly.”

Back to normal life

Murphy is now enjoying increasing activity levels and is expected to return to full exercise in the coming weeks.

His story highlights the importance of early intervention and specialist care in treating serious orthopaedic injuries in pets.

A CUTTING-edge defence technology company that now owns West Wales Airport has revealed how its rapid growth is helping put the region firmly on the map for high-tech innovation and skilled jobs.

The company, Tekever, has expanded significantly across the UK in recent years—but it is its presence in west Wales that is playing a crucial role in its operations.

The firm owns West Wales Airport near Aberporth, where it tests advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), trains operators and demonstrates cutting-edge systems to clients.

Strategic role for west Wales

What began as a small UK operation has grown into a major player in defence and security, specialising in AI-driven autonomous systems used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Company founder Paul Webb said the airport in west Wales is central to that vision.

He explained that the site provides a unique environment where new technologies can be tested safely while supporting collaboration across the wider aerospace sector.

The Herald understands that facilities like West Wales Airport are increasingly seen as vital national assets, particularly as the UK looks to strengthen its domestic defence capability.

From small beginnings to global reach

Tekever, originally founded in Portugal, established its first UK base in Southampton before expanding to Bath and London. It is now preparing to open a major engineering and manufacturing hub in Swindon.

Its growth has been supported in part by early backing from Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, which helped the company develop key software systems in its early days.

FAC chief executive Alan Fisher said the company’s success highlights the importance of supporting innovative businesses from the outset.

He said: “It is remarkable to see how far the company has progressed. It shows what can be achieved when strong ideas and technical talent are backed in the right way.”

Jobs and opportunities

The expansion is expected to bring further investment and high-skilled employment across the UK, with west Wales playing a continuing role in testing and development.

While much of the manufacturing will take place elsewhere, the airport’s role in trials, training and demonstrations ensures the region remains an important part of the company’s long-term plans.

For west Wales, the presence of a world-leading UAV firm offers not just prestige, but the potential to attract further aerospace and defence businesses to the area.