Community

Eglwyswrw teacher crosses Cardiff Half finish line for dementia awareness

Published

2 months ago

October 8, 2025

A 63-YEAR-OLD physics teacher from Eglwyswrw has completed her first Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds and awareness for vascular dementia.

Catherine Stevens took up running only a few years ago but decided to dedicate her efforts to supporting the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru in memory of family members affected by cardiovascular disease.

“The more I ran, the more I realised I wanted to do something meaningful with it,” she said.

Catherine’s motivation comes from personal loss. Her mother, Philippa Gould, and her mother-in-law, Miriam Stevens, both suffered from vascular dementia — a condition caused by poor blood flow to the brain that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.

“Mum masked her dementia very well,” Catherine explained. “She was also battling lung cancer, which ultimately contributed to her death. Miriam went from being active and engaged to really struggling with her health — it was heartbreaking for my husband and his sister to go through that.”

She said the experience has left a lasting impact on her family: “We’re looking forward, but we can’t help thinking—could this be us one day?”

Catherine chose to support BHF Cymru because of its work funding research into vascular dementia and heart disease. “As a scientist, I really appreciate the academic rigour behind their work. But they’re also part of the community through their shops and outreach.”

After months of training, Catherine crossed the finish line with pride and determination. “It’s been surprisingly enjoyable and has really boosted my self-confidence,” she said. “The support from my school’s physics department has been incredible — they’re all keen runners and have really taken me on board.”

Rhodri Thomas, Head of BHF Cymru, said: “We are so proud of Catherine and all our runners at this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon. Each month, around 800 families in Wales lose a loved one to cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and stroke. It’s people like Catherine who help bring us closer to a future where everyone has a healthier heart for longer. Diolch o galon.”

With more than 27,000 runners taking part, Catherine said she was proud to stand among them: “It’s just me out there, but I’m running for everyone affected by these conditions. Each stroke, each moment of decline — it eats away at a person’s personality. That’s why I run. That’s why I’m raising money: to help fund the research that might one day stop this from happening to others.”

Photo captions:
Catherine Stevens crosses the finish line at the Cardiff Half Marathon; Catherine pictured with her family after completing the race (Pics: BHF Cymru).

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

17 hours 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

17 hours 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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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).