Charity

Seal pup who swam 120km in four days now recovering at RSPCA wildlife centre

Published

5 months ago

January 6, 2026

A grey seal pup found underweight and dehydrated in St Brides Bay has been taken into specialist care after making an extraordinary journey from Cornwall.

A GREY seal pup who travelled an estimated 120 kilometres in just four days is now recovering at an RSPCA wildlife centre after being found dehydrated and underweight on the Pembrokeshire coast.

The fully weaned pup was discovered on rocks at St Brides Bay on Wednesday (Dec 11) after being spotted looking thin and unwell. Wildlife officers later confirmed he had made the journey from Port Gaverne in north Cornwall.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer and Wildlife Officer Ellie West said she was immediately concerned when she arrived on scene.

“The pup was dehydrated and in a thin body condition, with obvious rolls of skin that should have been filled with fat and blubber,” she said.

“I also noticed marks on his back similar to the spray marks we use after assessing seals, so that we know we have seen them before if they come into care again.”

However, the colour of the markings did not match those normally used in west Wales, prompting Ellie to contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), who confirmed they had previously assessed the same seal.

Ellie said: “BDMLR confirmed the pup had been checked by volunteers four days earlier on Saturday (Dec 7) at Port Gaverne. At that time he was borderline for intervention and was released back into the wild.

“With wildlife rehabilitation spaces at a real premium during seal season, he was given another chance without intervention.”

In the days that followed, the young seal swam almost in a straight line across the Bristol Channel, eventually reaching the Pembrokeshire coastline.

“This is a really long swim for a young pup,” Ellie said. “By the time he arrived here he had lost more weight, was dehydrated, passing very dark loose faeces, and had ulcers in his mouth.”

Ellie removed the seal from the beach and administered immediate care, including electrolyte fluids and fish, before transporting him to RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton, Somerset.

At the centre, the seal was named Muse, in keeping with this year’s music-themed naming convention. He is being cared for alongside other rescued seals including Elvis, found at Porthcawl, and Dido, rescued from Mwnt near Cardigan. BDMLR was also involved in the rescues of Elvis and Dido.

“I’m pleased to say Muse is doing really well,” Ellie said. “He is feeding well and gaining the weight he needs. I last saw him on December 27 and it was lovely to see how much he had improved.

“Our dedicated wildlife assistants, veterinary teams and volunteers work incredibly hard to get animals fully fit and ready for release back into the wild, where they belong.”

RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Supervisor Ryan Walker said Muse arrived underweight but has responded well to treatment.

“Muse came in with a suspected respiratory infection and completed a course of antibiotics,” he said. “Thanks to the work of Ellie’s team, he has self-fed the entire time he’s been with us.

“He weighed 16kg on admission and by Christmas Eve had reached 19kg. He is now in one of our larger indoor pens and will soon be paired with another seal.”

Seal pups can remain in care at West Hatch for several months. During seal season, which typically runs from September to March, the centre spends an average of £1,400 per week per seal on fish and veterinary care.

The RSPCA works in partnership with organisations including BDMLR to respond to seal welfare concerns and is reminding members of the public to keep their distance if they spot a seal on the beach.

“Seals are wild animals and can deliver a serious bite if they feel threatened,” Ellie said. “Dogs should always be kept on leads near seal colonies.”

She added that it is common for seal pups to be seen alone, as mothers often leave them while feeding at sea.

“If a pup looks healthy and shows no signs of distress, monitor it from a safe distance for 24 hours,” she said. “But if it appears injured, unwell, distressed, or is on a busy public beach, please call our emergency line on 0300 1234 999.”

Ellie also explained that in west Wales most seal sightings involve grey seals rather than common seals.

“If a pup still has a long white coat of fur, known as lanugo, it is likely still dependent on its mother,” she said. “Once they lose that coat, they are weaned and expected to fend for themselves, which is where many struggle and lose weight.”

More information on what to do if you find a seal or seal pup can be found on the RSPCA website.

This winter, the RSPCA has launched The Big Give Back to Animals appeal to raise vital funds for frontline rescue and rehabilitation work.

Charity

Tenby club raises £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance

Published

6 days ago

May 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY INNER WHEEL CLUB has raised £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance after holding a popular fish and chip supper fundraiser.

The club has supported the lifesaving charity for 12 years, raising £8,600 in total.

The latest event, held at the Boathouse in Saundersfoot, included both lunch and evening sittings, as well as a raffle.

The Inner Wheel Club of Tenby is a women’s organisation focused on friendship and service. It currently has 23 members who raise money for a range of good causes.

Karen Tulley, from the club, said: “Our members use our skills to promote and help good causes, while having plenty of fun at the same time.

“We are all aware that Wales Air Ambulance relies totally on donations and receives no government funding, which is why we are always keen to make this a really good event and raise as much money as we can.

“The air ambulance service is essential, particularly in rural areas.”

Following the fundraiser, Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, attended the club’s annual meeting, where he was presented with the £1,000 cheque.

He said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Inner Wheel Club of Tenby for raising a further £1,000 for our service.

“The members have fundraised for us for 12 years and in that time they have raised an incredible £8,600, which is amazing. We really do appreciate their ongoing support of our all-Wales charity.

“Fundraisers like these will ensure that the Wales Air Ambulance continues to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service which takes hospital-standard treatment to patients and, if needed, transfers them directly to the most appropriate hospital.

The charity must raise £13m every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Pic: Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, at the cheque presentation.

Charity

Charity golf day to support cancer awareness after Derek’s diagnosis

Published

1 week ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LOCAL businesses are being asked to support a charity golf day in Rosemarket this July after organiser Derek Rowlands was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer.

Derek’s Charity Golf Day will take place at Dawn Til Dusk Golf Club on Friday, July 10, with proceeds going to Neuroendocrine Cancer UK.

The event will be played in a Texas Scramble format, with teams of four invited to enter at £80 per team. Tee times will run from 8:00am.

Derek was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2023. His illness was identified early, allowing him to undergo surgery soon after diagnosis. He continues to receive monthly treatment and has organised the event to raise both funds and awareness.

Neuroendocrine cancers can develop in different parts of the body, including the digestive system, pancreas and lungs. Symptoms can often be vague, meaning some patients are diagnosed late.

Local businesses are being invited to support the event by sponsoring a hole for a minimum donation of £100, donating raffle or competition prizes, entering a team, or helping to promote the day.

There are up to 18 hole sponsorship opportunities available, with sponsors able to display banners or promotional materials at their designated hole.

Anyone wishing to enter a team, sponsor the event, donate a prize or find out more can contact Derek on 07823 323 134.

Charity

Local insurance brokers help raise over £1,300 for Bluebirds Foundation

Published

1 week ago

May 20, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

The Haverfordwest County AFC Bluebirds Foundation is celebrating a £1,300 boost this month thanks to local insurance brokers Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking.

A recent fundraising day raised £653.64, which was fund matched by the insurance broker’s parent company, the Benefact Group, doubling the amount to over £1,300.

Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking St Clears are sponsors of Haverfordwest County AFC
which includes supporting the charitable arm of the club, Bluebirds Foundation. The Foundation focuses on the prevention of poverty and strengthens the bond between the
football club and local people, including launching junior supporter clubs and community
brunch clubs.
Harry Thomas, aTrustee at Bluebirds Foundation said:
“We are extremely grateful to Lloyd & Whyte for further enhancing the funds raised at
our Foundation Fundraiser, held at the Ogi Bridge Meadow in collaboration with
Haverfordwest County AFC and we look forward to working closely with Lloyd & White again at future events.”
Leyla Phillips stated:
“Events like this show what community is all about. I think it’s great what the
Bluebirds foundation are doing locally for Pembrokeshire, and it was a pleasure to be
a part of it. Being part of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking and the Benefact Group
made it even more special as we are proud to match all funds that were raised on the day which I’m sure will be a nice addition for the foundation, to enable them to carry
on doing great initiatives within our community.’’
The funday event saw bouncy castles, cake stands, a raffle, shirt swap stand, kick-up
competitions, and inflatable goal, alongside the normal match day activities, all providing
hours of fun for spectators and supporters.

And to top it all, Haverfordwest County AFC won 6-0 on the day against Llanelli Town AFC.