ALMOST 50,000 people in Wales are living with dementia, but new research suggests the condition is placing a heavy emotional, financial and practical strain on families and unpaid carers.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru said the impact of dementia stretches far beyond those diagnosed, with many relatives carrying the burden quietly behind closed doors.

A UK-wide survey of more than 2,000 people, carried out for the charity’s annual Forget Me Not Appeal, found that 61 per cent of people in Wales say dementia affects their day-to-day life.

The research also found that 48 per cent of carers in Wales said supporting someone with dementia had negatively affected their mental health.

Across the UK, 56 per cent of carers said caring had damaged their mental health, while 70 per cent feared the stress was affecting their own health and wellbeing.

Many also said they were hiding the emotional strain from others, with nearly two-thirds saying they concealed how they felt from friends and family to avoid being a burden.

‘Like grieving’

Stephanie Marks, from Llanelli, cares for her brother Gareth, who has dementia and is now living in a care home in Swansea.

She said: “The impacts on us were constant worry, tiredness, financial cost and restriction of our own lives. But we cared for Gareth willingly and gladly. We love him and it was painful to see him slipping away while the system took its time. Like grieving.

“One of the hardest things was clearing his home once he was in care. It was a dismantling of our shared lives. I felt guilty that I couldn’t put it all right.

“I love visiting my brother but I worry constantly about his declining physical and mental health. I feel a huge weight of responsibility for ensuring his care needs are met. He can’t fight for himself so I have to do it for him.

“I wish I’d been more assertive in the very early stages and insisted on better attention when the system failed him. Carers shouldn’t have to struggle for attention and action. Vulnerable people like Gareth deserve far better.”

Fundraising at 100

Stephanie and Gareth’s mother, Peggy Hoare-Davies, who lives in Port Talbot, recently marked her 100th birthday by raising money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Stephanie said: “Mum visits him in the care home. They have activities like Halloween and Christmas parties. When mum was approaching her 100th birthday people asked what she wanted and she wanted to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

“Her church put on a party for her and people donated. She ended up raising £1,000.”

Call for support

Rachel Nelson, Alzheimer’s Society Country Manager for Wales, said families affected by dementia often face overwhelming pressures.

She said: “Every day, we see the reality of dementia across Wales. Behind every diagnosis are families navigating emotional, financial and practical pressures that can quickly become overwhelming.

“Too often people feel they’re facing this alone, which is why local support is so vital. At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re here to make sure no one has to go through dementia without help, guidance and someone to turn to.

“Through local services like Singing for the Brain groups, Alzheimer’s Society helps people affected by dementia feel supported, connected and understood.”

The charity is encouraging people in Wales to support its Forget Me Not Appeal during June by wearing a Forget Me Not badge.

The badge is intended as a symbol of the ongoing and often unseen weight carried by families affected by dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society said money raised through the appeal will help fund support services and dementia research.

More information is available at alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot

Cover photo: Stephanie and her brother Gareth.

COMMUNITIES gathered in Milford Haven on Saturday (Jun 6) to mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.

The service, held at The Rath, brought together veterans, standard bearers, councillors, local church representatives, members of the Royal British Legion Milford Haven Branch, and residents for a solemn act of remembrance overlooking the waterway.

Wreaths were laid at the town’s war memorials, including the Cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace, as tribute was paid to the thousands of Allied servicemen who crossed the Channel on June 6, 1944.

D-Day marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation and remains one of the most significant military operations in history.

Milford Haven’s own wartime role gave the commemoration added meaning. During the Second World War, the Haven was home to a major US Navy Advanced Amphibious Base, where landing craft were prepared, maintained and repaired ahead of Allied operations.

The town’s harbour and maritime workforce formed part of the huge logistical effort that made the Normandy landings possible.

One of the most striking moments of Saturday’s commemoration came from the waterway itself, where Port of Milford Haven tugs staged a moving water salute.

As the service took place, the tugs sent great arcs of water into the air, creating a powerful visual tribute linking the town’s seafaring identity with its wartime service.

Those attending stood in quiet reflection as the community remembered not only those who landed on the beaches of Normandy, but also the men and women at home whose work supported the invasion.

With the number of surviving D-Day veterans now sadly dwindling, events such as Milford Haven’s commemoration carry growing importance.

They ensure that younger generations understand the courage, sacrifice and shared effort behind the events of June 1944.

In Milford Haven, the service at The Rath, the laying of wreaths, and the dramatic tug salute combined to create a fitting tribute from a town with a proud place in the story of D-Day.

The message of the day was simple and enduring: lest we forget.

MILFORD HAVEN FOUNDERS DAY 2026 drew crowds to the town centre on Saturday despite difficult weather, rising costs, and significantly increased security measures.

Visitors braved spells of rain and strong winds to enjoy a packed programme of entertainment, community stalls, children’s attractions and live music throughout the day.

This year’s event, organised by Milford Haven Business Circle, featured a large number of bouncy castles supplied by Fun Times Bouncy Castles, alongside food stalls, small funfair rides, free face-painting, and a magician entertaining families.

There was also a wide range of independent traders and community attractions. Among the more unusual stalls was Sylvia Llewellyn’s popular button collection, featuring unusual and decorative buttons gathered from around the world, while Han’s Taxidermy attracted interest with framed butterflies and beetles on display and for sale.

Milford Youth Matters praised for their stall

Milford Youth Matters said its volunteers worked “non-stop” throughout the day, running a stall and delivering activities for the community.

The group said the poor weather made conditions difficult but praised volunteers for their determination and enthusiasm.

A spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging rain and wind throughout the day, our incredible team of volunteers worked tirelessly to make our contributions a success.

“They gave up their time to support the community, run activities, welcome visitors, and kept going with enthusiasm and smiles all day long.

“The weather may have been challenging, but the dedication, resilience, and hard work shown by our volunteers was outstanding. Their commitment helped create a fantastic community event that was enjoyed by people of all ages.”

Security stepped up

This year’s event also had a noticeably different feel, with security personnel present for the first time.

Organiser Byron Jenkins told The Herald that around 13 door staff were on duty throughout the event — something not seen at previous Founders Day celebrations.

The Herald understands the increased security presence followed concerns after the Milford Haven school knife incident and the stabbings at Tenby railway station.

Organisers also revealed that the cost of staging Founders Day has now risen to around £10,000.

Road closure costs have also become a major expense, with organisers telling The Herald that Pembrokeshire County Council charged around £800 for the temporary road closure order required to hold the event safely.

Despite the extra costs and challenging conditions, organisers said the event was well supported and thanked local businesses, volunteers and residents for helping make the day a success.

Milford Youth Matters also thanked Milford Haven Business Circle and the wider community for their continued support, and for hosting the event.