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Dedicated Pembrokeshire nurse Sarah shortlisted for top award after defying the odds

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A PEMBROKE DOCK mother-of-three who overcame huge personal challenges to qualify as a nurse has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Sarah Lees, 47, is in the running for the Independent Sector Nurse of the Year category at this year’s Wales Care Awards, which celebrate the dedication of frontline social care professionals across the country.

Colleagues describe Sarah as “a champion in social care who transforms the lives of those around her.”

Overcoming challenges

Sarah completed her nursing degree at Oxford Brookes University as a mature student, juggling studies with a divorce and raising three children — one with learning difficulties and another diagnosed with ADHD.

“I was working nights as a healthcare support worker and felt I wanted to enhance my knowledge and influence the direction of care offered,” she explained. “Looking back, I don’t know how I got through my course, but I’m glad I finished. It required a lot of juggling, but I had lots of help around me which I am so grateful for.”

Turning around care home

After qualifying, Sarah worked as a district nurse before joining Shaw Healthcare’s Cartref Cleddau in July 2019 as deputy manager. She was promoted to service manager in December 2021.

Her proudest achievement has been transforming the 24-bed mental health nursing home — formerly Pembroke Dock Care Home — into a facility offering whole-of-life care.

“Previously we could not look after residents with dementia, meaning they faced huge disruption if diagnosed,” Sarah said. “Now all staff are fully trained, ensuring stable and secure care for residents.”

National recognition

Alongside her award nomination, Sarah has also been accepted as a Queen’s Nurse and will officially receive her badge and certificate at a ceremony in London this November.

Speaking about the Wales Care Awards, to be held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17, Sarah said: “I was lost for words when I had the call to say I’d been nominated. I am very proud and I’m really looking forward to the ceremony.”

Praised by colleagues

Sean Tregonning, Head of Marketing and Communications at Shaw Healthcare, said:
“Sarah is not just an outstanding service manager, she is a champion in social care. She doesn’t just manage a care home; she transforms lives — those of her residents, their families, and the staff she mentors.

“When Sarah took on the role, morale was low and the home had many empty beds. Her drive, passion and kind manner turned things around. Today, the home has a waiting list and a happy, motivated team.”

Celebrating social care

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, added: “Every single one of our finalists is a winner. These awards underline the vital role social care plays as the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“If you don’t value the people who do the caring, you will never provide the standards society needs.”

Outside work, Sarah is a keen reader and enjoys spending time with her three dogs on the beach near her home.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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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.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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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)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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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).

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