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Charity

Motorcycle group marks 25 years of bringing joy to children

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Bikers celebrate milestone toy run supporting hospitals across West Wales

A MOTORCYCLE group that has spent a quarter of a century bringing smiles to children in hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group is holding its 25th annual Toy Run this year — a tradition that sees hundreds of bikers deliver gifts to children receiving care through Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Over the years, the group has raised around £300,000, gathered more than 200 one-tonne bags of toys, and covered close to 1,500 miles in their mission to spread cheer.

Volunteer Tobi Evans said: “When the first toy run took place, there were just eight bikes and £80 raised. Now we have hundreds of riders joining us and thousands of pounds in donations each year. It’s all down to the incredible generosity of the public — without them, we wouldn’t have reached this milestone.”

The group’s Easter Egg Run and Christmas Toy Run have become popular fixtures in the local calendar, drawing in bikers and supporters from across West Wales.

Money raised through the events has helped Hywel Dda Health Charities fund improvements to children’s wards beyond what the NHS can cover. The most recent project saw the group help refurbish and paint the play area on Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.

Eleanor Marks, vice chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group has shown remarkable commitment over the past 25 years. Their kindness and community spirit have made a real difference to the lives of children and families across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities fundraising officer Katie Hancock added: “Their support has brought joy to so many young patients. Whether it’s toys, Easter eggs or vital funds, their efforts have had a lasting impact. Diolch.”

Toy collection days for the 25th Toy Run will take place on November 8 at Asda Pembroke Dock, November 15 at Morrisons Haverfordwest, and November 22 at Tesco Haverfordwest.

Gifts can also be dropped off at Boots and Tesco in Haverfordwest, Asda and Tesco in Pembroke Dock, Mabon Gifts and Pebbles in Milford Haven, Foundry House in Pembroke, and the Co-op in Kilgetty.

More information about the charity’s work can be found on the Hywel Dda Health Charities website.

 

Charity

Milford Haven Round Table thanks town council for backing major community events

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MILFORD HAVEN ROUND TABLE has formally thanked Milford Haven Town Council for its continued support, saying the council’s backing helps make some of the town’s biggest free events possible.

The group said the Town Council is a major supporter of its work in Milford Haven and plays a vital role in enabling community celebrations including the Milford Haven Carnival and the annual Fireworks Extravaganza, which draw thousands of people.

Representatives from the Round Table said it was “great to catch up” with the Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, at the Christmas Lights Switch On in December, where they presented a small token of thanks to mark another year of collaboration.

Milford Haven Round Table said it is proud to support the town through fundraising, volunteering and delivering events which create memories, raise money for local causes and strengthen community spirit.

The group added that none of its work would be possible without strong partnerships across Milford Haven, and thanked the Town Council for its “ongoing support, trust and commitment” to the town and its residents.

 

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Charity

Local car enthusiast donates treasured classic to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home

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THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION is celebrating an act of generosity from local classic car enthusiast Roger Handcock, whose donation of a cherished Mazda MX5 has helped raise £5,500 plus Gift Aid for end-of-life care across Pembrokeshire.

Roger made the decision to donate his 1990 MX5 after a period of ill health over the summer meant the car was no longer being driven. He said he wanted it to be enjoyed — and properly cared for — by someone who would appreciate it as much as he had.

A long-standing member of the Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, Roger said: “I was ill this summer and my 1990 MX5 was not getting any use, so I decided to part with it in the hope that it would bring some enjoyment and be maintained properly. However, I didn’t have the energy to try to sell it for the highest possible price.

“Being a member of Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, I decided to donate the car to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home which is one of their favoured charities. In the end a great price was secured for the vehicle, and I am pleased to say that it will still be seen on Pembrokeshire’s roads.”

The Foundation said donations like Roger’s provide a vital source of income, helping to fund free hospice at home support for people nearing the end of life. The service enables patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes, supported by specialist equipment and professional care, while also offering help to families at an incredibly difficult time.

A spokesperson for the Paul Sartori Foundation said they were grateful for Roger’s kindness, adding that the impact of his gift would continue long after the MX5 begins its next chapter on Pembrokeshire’s roads.

Brave donation: Roger Handcock with Paul Sartori Events and Fundraising Officer Joanne Lutwyche (Pic: Paul Sartori Foundation).

 

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Charity

Pembrokeshire Coast Trust launches ‘Apple Pressing 2026’ thanks to Bluestone

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST is delighted to announce the launch of ‘Apple Pressing 2026’, a project made possible with support from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund.

The funding has enabled the Trust to purchase a mains-powered Speidel 2.2kW apple press, replacing the manual equipment previously used by National Park Rangers in their popular community apple-pressing workshops.

The upgraded press improves safety, efficiency, and accessibility, allowing people of all ages and abilities to take part in apple pressing while learning about traditional orchards, Welsh heritage apple varieties, and sustainable food production. Workshops will take place across Pembrokeshire, including Carew Castle and other community venues. There’s even a hint of something special with Bluestone this coming year, so get collecting your apples!

Apple pressing sessions engage schools, families, and community groups, promoting hands-on learning, intergenerational participation, and a deeper connection to the natural environment. By making the workshops safer, faster, and more productive, the project will expand opportunities for communities to engage with local food traditions and biodiversity.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone, said: “We’re so glad to see the project coming to life. We’re proud to support a project that’s hands-on, educational, and great for communities across Pembrokeshire!”

This project is part of the Trust’s ongoing mission to conserve and enhance the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, support biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and connect communities with the outdoors. The new press will be branded with Bluestone’s logo, highlighting their commitment to community wellbeing and environmental engagement.

Caption:

Support from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund has enabled the launch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust’s ‘Apple Pressing 2026’ project.

 

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