Community
Call for blood donors after West Wales father saves son with rare blood disorder
Appointments open at Giraldus Centre and Neyland Community Hub
A WEST WALES father who saved his son’s life with a stem cell donation is calling on local residents to give blood or register as stem cell donors as part of National Blood Donor Week (June 9–15).

Matt Hodgson-Smith, from Mumbles, Swansea, was a perfect match for his seven-year-old son Jasper, who was diagnosed with Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS), a life-threatening and incredibly rare blood disorder.
Jasper is the only known child in Wales with APDS and one of just 35 cases across the UK. He endured years of hospital visits, repeated infections, and intensive treatment before receiving a life-saving stem cell transplant from his father.

Now the family is sharing their story in the hope of inspiring others to register with the Welsh Blood Service and help other families still searching for a donor.
Matt said: “Some people think donating stem cells is painful or invasive. For me, the process was simple. I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant saving someone’s life.”
Appointments for blood donations are now available locally:
- Giraldus Centre, Haverfordwest – Thursday, 20 June
- Neyland Community Hub – Monday, 24 June
More donation sessions are being rolled out across Pembrokeshire and West Wales in the coming weeks. Over 10,000 donations are needed every year to support patients in local hospitals, including Withybush General Hospital.
Jasper’s mother, Sophie, said: “Despite everything he’s faced, Jasper has remained incredibly strong. He even danced his way through the transplant.”
The Welsh Blood Service said only 1 in 4 patients will find a stem cell match within their family. For most, an unknown donor is their only hope. The need is especially urgent for donors from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “Stories like Jasper’s show the true value of donation. We need more people to sign up and become lifesavers.”
To make an appointment or check your eligibility, visit www.wbs.wales/NBDW25 or call 0800 252 266.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
-
Crime5 days agoPhillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with
-
Crime4 days agoKilgetty scaffolder sentenced after driving with cocaine and in system
-
Crime4 days agoHousing site director sentenced after failing to provide breath sample following crash
-
Crime4 days agoMotorist banned for three years after driving with cannabis in system
-
Education3 days agoTeaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body
-
News6 days agoJury retires tomorrow in harrowing Baby C rape trial
-
Crime4 days agoMilford Haven pensioner denies exposure charges
-
Crime18 hours agoMan spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven





