Community

Milford Haven woman faces quadruple amputation after medical emergency

Published

5 months ago

July 3, 2025

Fundraiser launched to support Tracie and her family after devastating diagnosis

A MILFORD HAVEN woman is facing life-changing surgery after a sudden and serious illness left her in intensive care for over a month.

Tracie, who works night shifts at Tesco in Haverfordwest, was taken to Withybush Hospital’s A&E department by her partner Steve on May 18 after falling severely unwell. Initial scans suggested an abdominal issue, and she was taken into surgery two days later.

But once surgeons began operating, they discovered her abdomen was full of pus, prompting an urgent transfer to the intensive care unit. Over the next few days, Tracie developed sepsis and was placed on dialysis. Despite extensive testing, doctors struggled to identify the root cause for several weeks.

After 37 days in ICU and while still heavily sedated, further MRI scans revealed the cause: undiagnosed endometriosis. A mass the size of a plum was discovered in her pelvis, alongside a blocked fallopian tube, an ovarian cyst and fluid build-up.

Although Tracie is now awake and able to communicate after having a tracheotomy fitted, the long period of illness and complications from sepsis have caused necrosis in both her hands and feet. Doctors have confirmed that all four limbs will need to be amputated. The exact level of amputation will be determined in the coming weeks, but the reality is that Tracie now faces a long and difficult journey of recovery.

Her sister, Jess, has launched a fundraiser to help cover the mounting costs facing the family. Tracie’s partner Steve was made redundant in March and has been told they will not receive Universal Credit support until December.

“Tracie has always been strong and independent,” Jess said. “She’s now facing a life without her hands and feet, and we want to do everything we can to support her recovery and help her access the prosthetics she’ll need.”

The fundraiser also aims to help cover fuel costs for Steve to travel to Morriston Hospital, where Tracie will undergo amputation surgery, and to provide for the couple’s children during this crisis.

The family had also been in the final stages of becoming foster carers for their granddaughter Bella-Rose. The final hearing was due to take place just days after Tracie’s hospital admission but had to be cancelled due to her emergency surgery.

Steve said: “Not only is Tracie now having to deal with losing her limbs, but she’s also dealing with the emotional impact of losing Bella-Rose. It’s been devastating for all of us.”

Tracie is originally from Carmarthen but has lived in Pembrokeshire for nearly a decade. She currently lives in Hakin, Milford Haven, and previously lived in St Brides.

To support the fundraiser, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/fund-for-dede-tracie

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

10 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)