News

Award-winning Welsh fashion designer stands down for health reasons

Published

1 year ago

January 6, 2025

One of Wales’ most enigmatic and successful fashion designers – Huw ‘Fash’ Rees – is to hang up his tailors’ shears for good later this year following his announcement that his bridal gown company – Huw Rees Brides – is to close.

In an announcement made on social media last weekend, Huw said his ongoing health issues leaves insufficient time for running his business in Llandeilo. As a result, Huw Rees Brides will close by the end of March, 2025.

“It’s been a difficult decision, not taken lightly,” he said.

“But all our brides have been contacted and we will continue to work with all current brides until their weddings. There is no scandal, and no one will be left without a dress.”

Huw went on to say that later this year he will become an official celebrant.

Huw Rees Brides was launched in 2008, since when it has won no fewer than 14 national awards. He is also a regular face on S4C’s ‘Prynhawn Da’ and ‘Heno’ magazine programmes where he presents the regular fashion slots.

Huw was first admitted to hospital in 2019, complaining of severe stomach pains. Tests confirmed that he had been suffering from kidney disease for a considerable period of time. The initial prognosis was that with medical treatment coupled with a healthy diet, he wouldn’t have to undertake dialysis nor a new kidney. But nine months later he was told that he would have to commence dialysis.

“I was worried, as I knew the effects that dialysis can have on a person’s life,” he said in a previous Radio Cymru interview.

“You have to be on the machine three times a week, for four hours a day, and to me, this felt like ‘broken heart syndrome’.

“But I knew how important it was to follow the guidance of the specialists, listen to what they had to say and start dialysis as soon as possible.”

His treatment began just two days after Christmas, 2019.

“I went in for a blood test and was told that things had got considerably worse, with the result that they decided to begin dialysis that very same day,” he said.

Throughout his treatment, Huw feared that his work would one day have to take a backward step.

“My work has always been my life, as this is what I love doing,” he said.

“But the care I’ve received from the NHS has been exceptional.

“The dialysis team has been so supportive, and not once have I been left feeling isolated.

“Also, the response I’ve had from the public since announcing the closure of the business last Saturday has been incredible and the messages of support have been pouring in.

“Those messages have meant a great deal to myself and to the girls, but the decision to close is a positive one, which will allow me some freedom to pursue other less consuming interests.”

Huw ‘Fash’ went on to say that instead of selling wedding gowns, he will soon become a licensed celebrant.

Latest Welsh government figures confirm that Kidney Replacement Therapy treatments, such as dialysis, are currently being given to around 1,400 Welsh residents a year.

There are also almost 1,800 Welsh patients living with a functioning kidney transplant, who require ongoing clinical review, psychosocial support and immunosuppressive drug treatments. All forecasts consistently demonstrate that the need for these services for adults will grow by between 4 and 5% year on year.

The number of children reaching end stage kidney disease per annum is around two per million of the total population. In Wales this corresponds to approximately six new cases per year. There are approximately 50 children on Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) in Wales at any one time, many with a kidney transplant.

Meanwhile Huw Rees has confirmed that all stock, including current gowns, is now being sold for £350 or less.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.