Tributes paid to Hayscastle volunteer as concerns grow over safety of life-saving riders

A DEDICATED blood bike rider described as a “quiet hero” has died following a serious road traffic collision on the A48 near Llanddarog, renewing concern about the risks faced by the volunteers who deliver life-saving medical supplies across Wales.

Andrew Rogers, aged 61, from Hayscastle, died in hospital on Thursday (Jan 1) after being involved in a collision on the westbound A48 just before 6:00pm on Monday (Dec 29).

Mr Rogers was volunteering as a blood bike rider at the time — transporting urgent medical supplies — a role his family say he was deeply passionate about.

In a tribute, they said Andrew’s life was defined by service, faith and community.
“Andrew was volunteering as a blood bike rider at the time, something he was deeply passionate about. Helping people and volunteering as a street pastor for many years, Andrew had a strong Christian faith, with his life guided by his Lord Jesus.

“Andrew was a farmer his whole life and it was his passion. He was well known, loved, and respected within the farming community and extremely knowledgeable — knowledge he passed down to his children and grandchildren over the years.”

He will be remembered by his wife Tricia, daughter Julie, son Nathan and his partner Penny, his mother Hilda, brother and sister-in-law Colin and Myra, grandchildren Cerys, Iwan and Myfanwy, nieces and nephews Megan, Kiki and Dominic, and a wide circle of friends. The family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.

Another life recently lost in Pembrokeshire

Mr Rogers’ death follows a similar tragedy in Pembrokeshire in July 2025 when 78-year-old volunteer Timothy Minett was killed while on duty for Blood Bikes Wales. 

Mr Minett died instantly on the evening of Wednesday 2 July 2025 when the motorcycle he was riding was involved in a collision with a van on the A478 between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos. 

Known affectionately as a dedicated and experienced volunteer, Tim was widely respected within the blood bike community for his commitment to supporting NHS services. Tributes paid at the time described his death as a stark reminder of the risks faced by blood bike riders who give their time freely to help others. 

The role and risks of blood bike volunteers

Blood bike riders are all volunteers who transport urgent blood, plasma, donor breast milk, test samples and medical equipment between hospitals and health facilities — often outside normal courier hours and in challenging conditions. 

While their work is rarely in the spotlight, clinicians have often described blood bike services as life-saving, ensuring that critical supplies reach patients when minutes matter. However, riding at speed on rural and major roads exposes volunteers to the same hazards as other road users, a reality highlighted by the deaths of both Mr Rogers and Mr Minett.

Police appeal continues

Dyfed-Powys Police say enquiries into the A48 collision that claimed Mr Rogers’ life are ongoing.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was travelling westbound on the A48 near Llanddarog just before 6:00pm on Monday (Dec 29) and may have seen or recorded footage of the incident to come forward.

Information can be given by calling 101, alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A legacy of service

For those who knew him, Andrew Rogers will be remembered not only for his work on the road but for a lifetime spent helping others — as a farmer, a street pastor and a man of faith.

As tributes continue to pour in across the community, his death — and the earlier loss of Tim Minett — stands as a sobering reminder of the personal risks taken by volunteers who quietly give their time to save and support lives.

A HATE crime recorded at west Wales railway station has brought renewed attention to rising levels of abuse and hostility on public transport, following national reporting that shows hate crime on the UK rail network has increased in recent years.

The Narberth incident, which occurred in late 2025, involved a minor and a transgender victim and was recorded by police as a hate crime. Due to safeguarding considerations, no further details were released and those involved were not identified.

The case comes amid wider concern across England and Wales after recent figures revealed a sustained rise in hate crime on trains and at stations. National reporting based on British Transport Police (BTP) data shows that racially and religiously motivated hate crimes on public transport have increased since the pandemic, with campaigners warning that victims are increasingly feeling unsafe while travelling.

Why incidents are rising

Organisations supporting victims of hate crime have linked the national rise to a combination of factors, including greater social polarisation, the impact of online abuse spilling into public spaces, and a reduction in staff presence on parts of the transport network.

Victim Support has previously said that public transport environments can leave victims feeling particularly vulnerable, as incidents often occur in confined spaces such as platforms, carriages or stations where escape or intervention is limited. Campaigners also warn that transgender people and visible minorities are disproportionately affected, even if total numbers remain smaller than other hate crime categories.

British Transport Police has acknowledged that reporting levels have increased, which it says reflects both improved confidence among victims to come forward and heightened awareness of what constitutes hate crime. However, officers and charities alike stress that under-reporting remains a significant issue, especially in rural areas.

Small stations, disproportionate figures

In west Wales, attention has also been drawn to Johnston railway station, a tiny unstaffed request stop in Pembrokeshire, which has previously appeared in national rail crime analyses despite serving very small passenger numbers.

Johnston was identified as having one of the highest crime rates per passenger in the UK after BTP data showed around ten recorded incidents in a single year, set against an estimated annual footfall of just 7,000 passengers. While the total number of incidents was small in absolute terms, the low usage meant the rate appeared disproportionately high when compared with major city stations.

Rail safety specialists have said that lightly staffed or unstaffed rural stations can face particular challenges, including limited natural surveillance, fewer witnesses and delays in reporting incidents, even though the overall risk to passengers remains low.

National trend remains upward

Nationally, however, the picture is more pronounced. Thousands of hate crimes are recorded on the rail network each year, with racial and religious abuse accounting for the majority of cases. Community groups have warned that fear of abuse is causing some people to avoid travelling altogether, particularly during evenings or at quieter stations.

Although overall hate crime figures in the Dyfed-Powys police area have fallen in recent years, police stress that railway offences fall under BTP jurisdiction, meaning they are recorded separately from local force statistics.

Campaigners argue that even isolated incidents can have a significant impact in rural communities where public transport options are limited and alternative routes are not always available.

Reporting and support

British Transport Police urges anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crime or antisocial behaviour on the railway to report it by texting 61016, speaking to officers, or reporting online. In an emergency, passengers should call 999.

Support is also available through Victim Support Wales, which offers confidential assistance to anyone affected by hate crime.

SAUNDERSFOOT welcomed in 2026 in spectacular fashion as a record 3,323 registered swimmers braved the icy waters for the town’s 40th annual New Year’s Day Swim, firmly cementing its reputation as the largest festive charity swim in the UK.

Thousands more lined the beach, harbour and village to watch the now iconic “dash and splash”, creating an estimated crowd of more than ten thousand people for what has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most anticipated annual events.

Behind the scenes, organisers say the success of the day was the result of year-round planning by the Saundersfoot Festivities Committee, a volunteer-led group that gives its time freely to deliver an event of national significance.

Safety at the forefront

A major focus of preparations is safety. Organisers work closely with professional water and land-based teams, monitoring long-range weather forecasts, tide times, wind direction and sea temperatures, with daily risk assessments carried out in the run-up to January 1.

The committee said recent tragic incidents elsewhere in the UK, including events on Christmas Day in Budleigh Salterton, served as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with cold-water swimming. Organisers stressed that safety decisions at Saundersfoot are never taken lightly.

The swim is supported by professional water safety teams and emergency services, with organisers also working closely with neighbouring events in Tenby and Porthcawl to share best practice and continually improve standards.

A village celebration

Saundersfoot Beach was once again the focal point for New Year celebrations, with entertainment and activity throughout the morning. The Pembrokeshire Boot Scooters led a lively warm-up on the sand, dancing to House of Bamboo, joined by the event’s mascot Charlie Shivers and thousands of swimmers.

Sam Hughes and Jo, alongside dancers from Escape Youth Musical Theatre, helped lead the crowd through the warm-up, before spectators and swimmers alike joined together for a rousing rendition of Rockin’ All Over the World.

The countdown to the swim was signalled by a firework launch provided by Westcoast Fireworks, longstanding supporters and sponsors of the event.

Fancy dress highlights

As ever, fancy dress played a major part in the spectacle. Janine Lewis and Martyn Williams faced the unenviable task of judging the group and individual costume competitions, with prizes kindly donated by Harbwr Bar and Kitchen.

The Saundersfoot Trotters claimed the group fancy dress award, while Mick Booth took the prize for best individual costume.

Forty years behind the lens

Every swimmer was captured on camera by local photographer Gareth Davies, who has attended every Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim since it began. His images have become an enduring record of the event’s growth over four decades.

Photographs from the day can be obtained via Gareth Davies Photography.

‘We could never have imagined this scale’

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Chris Williams said the village had once again risen to the occasion.

He said:
“The village and wider community have done us proud once again. Forty years ago, we could never have imagined that this event would grow into something of this scale and national recognition.

“Our driving force has always been the many fantastic charities that benefit from the swim. Four decades on, the event continues to evolve and grow, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

“The support from Saundersfoot, surrounding areas and visitors from much further afield has been incredible. The numbers in the village over the last few days have been staggering and have provided a welcome boost to local businesses. We sincerely hope this wonderful tradition continues for many years to come.”

Evolving with the times

This year marked the third year of online registration and ticketing, which organisers say has helped manage swimmer safety and cover the rising costs associated with staging such a large-scale event.

Particular thanks were paid to Vicky, Simon and Charlotte for managing registrations and social media, with Charlotte also capturing the build-up and the event itself.

A park-and-ride service from Kilgetty was provided from 10:00am by Taf Valley Coaches, sponsored by the company and widely welcomed by visitors.

Community support and thanks

Medals were presented to swimmers by Côr Y Môr ladies’ choir, and it was fitting that Delwyn Williams, alongside past and present members of Saundersfoot Community Council, officially started the swim in its 40th year. Thanks were also given to Wheelers for the design and support of the commemorative medal.

Organisers acknowledged that rising costs have made it increasingly difficult to keep the event free of charge, with online ticketing helping to secure its long-term future while generating additional funds for charity.

The committee paid tribute to the dedication of safety marshals, bucket collectors and volunteers, as well as sponsors and local businesses — some of whom have supported the swim for more than 25 years.

Thanks were also extended to event safety partners including HM Coastguard, RNLI, St John’s Ambulance, Dyfed-Powys Police, Tenby Fire Brigade and Pembrokeshire County Council, along with numerous individuals and organisations who play key roles behind the scenes.

Special thanks were given to residents and businesses on the Strand for their cooperation with essential road closures, and to Ron Skinner and Son for providing mitigation vehicles.

What happens next

Swimmers who completed sponsor forms are asked to return them to Salt on the Strand, with organisers confirming that participants will be contacted regarding photos, fundraising totals and charity distribution. Further details of a presentation event are expected later this month.

Pics: Gareth Davies/Herald