Charity

MAWWFRS raises more than £168,000 for Fire Fighters

Published

2 minutes ago

January 13, 2026

Staff and supporters go the extra mile to back vital charity

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has raised an impressive £168,604 for the Fire Fighters Charity over the past 12 months, marking a slight increase on last year’s total of £166,297.

The total reflects the continued commitment and generosity of staff across the Service, with both operational and support teams taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities. These included community car washes, Fire Station open days, physical challenges and a variety of creative initiatives held throughout the year.

Speaking on the achievement, MAWWFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery thanked everyone involved, saying the support would make a lasting difference.

He said the generosity, enthusiasm and community spirit shown by staff and supporters would have a real impact on the work of the Fire Fighters Charity and on the lives of those who dedicate themselves to keeping others safe.

The Fire Fighters Charity provides lifelong support for the mental, physical and social wellbeing of serving and retired firefighters, their families, and other Fire and Rescue Service personnel. Founded in 1943, the Charity is funded through donations and fundraising events and remains a vital resource for those working within the Fire and Rescue Service community.

Pictured receiving the Service’s Certificate of Appreciation are Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery and MAWWFRS Central Response Officer and Charity Coordinator Nerys Thomas, both of whom have personally benefited from the Charity’s support.

During his recovery from a knee ligament injury, ACFO Flannery received tailored rehabilitation support from the Fire Fighters Charity, which played a key role in helping him manage the physical and emotional challenges associated with his injury.

As Charity Coordinator, Nerys Thomas acts as the link between the Fire Fighters Charity and MAWWFRS staff. She has also received support herself following rehabilitation treatment after a skiing accident. Her bespoke programme included pool sessions, workshops and guided walks, helping her return to running sooner than expected. After the death of her father, she again turned to the Charity for support, taking part in a Rest and Recharge stay at Harcombe House.

Speaking about her experience, Nerys said: “During my Rest and Recharge stay, my mother, my husband and I were able to enjoy lovely walks, outdoor reading, trips to the local area and had all our meals prepared for us by the chefs there which were amazing.

“The charity was absolutely brilliant throughout my contact with them. I’m keen to spread the word to other green book staff who still aren’t aware they’re eligible for support from the charity.”

Charity

Major storm damage confirmed at popular Pembrokeshire ABC

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A Pembrokeshire sporting club – described as ‘a breathing hub of inclusion and resilience’ – has launched a major fund raising drive after recent storms wreaked thousands of pounds worth of damage to its structure.

A large section of roofing at the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club has fallen in as a result of strong winds while the main gym area is currently inaccessible.

“It’s heartbreaking to see this important community facility hit so hard by the recent storms,” commented South Pembrokeshire’s Senedd Member, Sam Kurtz.

“I’ve seen for myself the fantastic work that Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC does when I attended a junior disability boxing session at the club in Water Street, Pembroke Dock.

“It leads by example, and the club is an outstanding example of where community and fitness brings everyone together.

“I ask everyone to support the club as it attempts to repair the storm damage in whatever way they can.”

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC prides itself on welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds on a daily basis including those in need of recovery support, adaptive sport or trauma-informed programmes. This includes people receiving stroke recovery, Parkinson’s support, safeguarding workshops and youth mentoring.

The club also prides itself on having a strong team of volunteers, aged between 16 and 70, who are described as ‘the heartbeat’ of the club’s work.

Formed in 1964 by Police Officer Bryn Phillips, the club later affiliated to WABA and has become a well established and much loved part of the community, producing many champions and taking part in numerous local community events.

Since then, it has witnessed a steady increase in users as more families, schools and support services continue to use its facilities.

The club is currently trying to raise a total of £50,000 to repair the extensive storm damage. All donations can be made via the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock AFC gofund me link.

Charity

Charity medium night to raise funds for Cancer Research Wales in Milford Haven

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

International spiritualist medium to appear at rugby club event

A CHARITY evening with an international spiritualist medium is set to take place in Milford Haven later this month, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research Wales.

The event will be held on Friday (Jan 16) at Milford Haven Rugby Club, and will feature a live demonstration by Lee Mills, who is described by organisers as an internationally recognised spiritualist medium.

Organised in support of Cancer Research Wales, the evening aims to raise funds for cancer research carried out in Wales. Organisers have confirmed that all proceeds raised on the night will be donated to the charity.

Doors open at 6:30pm, with the event starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are priced at £12, and the evening is a ticket-only event.

Those wishing to attend are advised to book in advance. Tickets can be available by contacting Sara on 07817 677632.

Organisers said the event offers local residents the chance to enjoy an evening of entertainment while also supporting a Welsh charity dedicated to funding life-saving cancer research.

Charity

Cardigan customers donate more than 350 toys to local charity

Published

5 days ago

January 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

KIND-HEARTED shoppers at Tesco Cardigan Superstore have donated more than 350 toys to help local children enjoy Christmas.

Customers responded to the store’s Christmas Toy Donation campaign by leaving 360 brand-new toys at an in-store collection point in the weeks leading up to the festive period. The gifts were donated to Home-Start Ceredigion, which distributed them to families across the area so children had presents to open on Christmas Day.

The campaign was aimed at supporting families who may otherwise struggle to provide gifts during what can be a difficult time of year.

Store manager Ceri Gough said the response from the community had been “fantastic”, adding that the store takes pride in supporting local causes through Tesco’s Stronger Starts and Community Food Connection programmes.

“This year’s toy donation campaign gave customers a great opportunity to support local families and ensure children in our community had something to open on Christmas Day,” she said. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who donated and helped bring some festive joy to local families.”

She added that Tesco Cardigan had worked with Home-Start previously and hoped the partnership would continue to grow.

Claire De Silva, Tesco’s Head of Communities, also thanked shoppers for their generosity.

“Our stores support children and communities throughout the year, and local people never fail to get behind these efforts,” she said. “Once again, the people of Cardigan have shown the magic of Christmas is alive and well, helping to make a lot of children very happy.”

The Toy Donation campaign ran in Tesco stores across the UK in November and December, with almost 75,000 gifts donated nationally by customers.