Community

Narberth resident launches campaign to help friend gain independence

Published

11 months ago

January 21, 2025

A NARBERTH resident, Charlotte Walker, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her friend Alix purchase a mobility scooter, aiming to restore her independence and improve her quality of life.

Alix lives with multiple chronic health conditions, including degenerative disc disease, arthritis, hypermobility joint disorder, and complex PTSD. These conditions severely limit her ability to manage daily tasks or attend medical appointments. Without access to a car, Alix relies on public transport or walking with crutches—options that worsen her pain and restrict her mobility.

“A mobility scooter would completely transform Alix’s life,” said Ms Walker. “She would be able to attend her health appointments, do her shopping, and participate in support and social groups without exacerbating her pain or spending hours on tasks others take for granted.”

Alix endures constant, debilitating pain due to her health conditions. Degenerative disc disease affects her spine, including the discs in her lower back, middle back, and neck, with surgery deemed too risky due to the potential for paralysis. She also suffers from arthritis in her lower back, hands, and knees and is awaiting X-ray results for severe knee pain. Her hypermobility joint disorder further complicates her mobility, while diabetes and chronic asthma add to the challenges of managing her health.

Despite her efforts, Alix rarely receives adequate pain relief through prescribed medication, leaving her to manage her symptoms with minimal support.

Ms Walker describes her friend as “kind and wonderful,” but notes that living in constant pain and isolation has taken a significant toll on Alix’s mental health. Her complex PTSD, which affects her mood and sleep, is exacerbated by her physical limitations and lack of social interaction.

Financial constraints have made purchasing a mobility scooter impossible for Alix and her partner, who rely on benefits to get by. The GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise enough money to provide Alix with a scooter, enabling her to regain her independence and improve her daily life.

The campaign has so far raised £585, but more support is needed to reach its goal.

Anyone wishing to contribute can donate via the campaign’s GoFundMe page. Every contribution brings Alix closer to the mobility and independence she deserves.

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)