Community

Eglwyswrw teacher crosses Cardiff Half finish line for dementia awareness

Published

8 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

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

8 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

8 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

14 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.