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

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

Published

7 hours 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.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.