Charity

Pembrokeshire couple to take on 3,200-mile Atlantic Dash rowing challenge

Published

1 month ago

January 14, 2026

A COUPLE from Pembrokeshire are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime – rowing 3,200 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Emma Gent, 53, and her partner Andrew Ravenscroft are currently in the Canary Islands ready for the start of the Atlantic Dash, an endurance race regarded as one of the toughest challenges in the world.

The pair, competing as Team SharkBait, are due to set off on Saturday, January 24, aiming to reach Antigua in the Caribbean in a journey expected to take around two months.

They will row alone in a seven-metre boat, named Donkey, with no support crew, no motor and no sails – just two sets of oars and the open Atlantic.

Team SharkBait has already raised £5,845 of its £6,500 target for four charities: Wales Air Ambulance, The MS Society, Megan Starr Foundation and The Robin Cancer Trust.

Emma, a sister in A&E at Withybush Hospital, said the challenge has been years in the making.

“I have been interested in rowing the Atlantic for three years now, and after a couple of team changes due to various reasons, I was thinking about doing it as a solo rower,” she said.

“Andrew has many challenges already under his belt and was looking for a new one, and when I asked him to join me, he jumped at the chance.

“I am delighted that Andrew has decided to join me. He is new to rowing but has not let that stop him in any way and has taken to it like a duck to water.”

Emma said she wanted to take on the challenge for a range of reasons – from the adventure to the charities – and to inspire her children.

“I have wanted to do this for a long time; the challenge, the charities, the adventure, the achievement and to prove to my children that nothing is impossible if you’re determined enough,” she said.

“To be able to share the highs and lows of this whole experience with Andrew has made the road ahead feel less daunting.”

Andrew, from Tenby, marked his 60th birthday this week in Lanzarote. He has previously completed an Ironman and other endurance challenges.

Emma, a mother of three, has been a Celtic longboat rower for more than twenty years and has rowed from Ireland to Wales twice – but said this will be her biggest test to date.

“We have spent time training for the last few months, along with sourcing and purchasing the considerable amount of equipment needed to keep us safe,” she said.

“Many hours have been spent on the computer learning about the specialist gear required.

“It’s been a long slog, but we are delighted to be in Lanzarote at the start line and excited to get going. We hope to complete it and enjoy a cocktail or two in Antigua, fingers crossed, a couple of months after our start date.”

Emma said the Wales Air Ambulance was chosen as one of the beneficiaries because of its importance to patients and families across Wales.

“My daughter had an accident several years ago and although the air ambulance didn’t end up assisting, they were on standby to support,” she said.

“Having worked in A&E for many years, I have seen how much the air ambulance can do, not just with accidents but also with transportation of patients to more appropriate hospitals.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, delivering hospital-standard care at the scene and, when required, transferring patients directly to the most appropriate hospital. It operates through a partnership with the NHS Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), with NHS consultants and critical care practitioners working onboard the charity’s aircraft and rapid response vehicles.

Its advanced critical care capability includes administering anaesthesia, delivering blood transfusions and carrying out minor operations at the roadside or in remote locations.

Mike May, the charity’s Regional Fundraising Manager for South West Wales, said: “The challenge Team SharkBait has set themselves is incredible. Emma and Andrew are a brave and determined couple for taking on this remarkable challenge in aid of charities close to their hearts.

“We are extremely grateful to them both for supporting the Wales Air Ambulance. Emma knows firsthand how important the service is to the people of Wales when they need us most.

“The Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road.

“Good luck with your challenge and stay safe.”

People can support the pair by donating via their fundraising page at:
www.gofundme.com/f/sharkbait26

Updates will also be shared on their Facebook page: SharkBait.

Charity

Long service awards for Tenby surf lifesavers

Published

1 day ago

February 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Three volunteers recognised for years of dedication to keeping beachgoers safe

THREE long-serving members of Tenby Surf Life Saving Club have been recognised for their commitment and dedication, receiving Long Service Awards at the charity’s recent presentation evening.

Jules Rilston, Angelo Fecci and Ian Badham were each honoured for their sustained contributions to surf lifesaving in Tenby over many years of voluntary service.

Club chairman Tai Jackson thanked the trio for their commitment to the club and the wider lifesaving movement on behalf of the committee and members.

Tenby Surf Life Saving Club is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit registered charity and one of 31 volunteer lifeguard clubs across Wales. During 2025, its lifesavers delivered 188 hours of volunteer patrols and assisted 113 people along the coastline.

The club also runs a youth education programme, known as Nippers and Junior Lifesaving, which provided more than 104 hours of training to 60 local children last year. Young participants are taught vital water safety skills, first aid knowledge and how to enjoy water sports safely and sustainably.

The club is currently recruiting new volunteers to support both frontline lifesaving activities and essential behind-the-scenes roles, including committee positions and fundraising support.

Charity

Concert at St Davids Cathedral to support hospice care in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSIC lovers in Pembrokeshire are being invited to enjoy a special lunchtime concert at St Davids Cathedral later this month, with proceeds supporting the Paul Sartori Foundation’s hospice-at-home services.

The event, hosted by Totally Vocal Pembrokeshire, will take place on Saturday (Feb 21) at 1:00pm and will bring together local singing groups in the cathedral’s historic setting. The concert will also feature internationally renowned a cappella leader Deke Sharon.

Sharon, often described as the “godfather” of contemporary a cappella, is best known for his work on the hit Pitch Perfect films. His return to Pembrokeshire follows a successful workshop visit in late 2025 at the invitation of Pembrokeshire Pop Voices.

The local choir has chosen the Paul Sartori Foundation as one of its charities of the year and has been raising funds through a range of musical initiatives. Before Christmas, the group released a charity single titled Love the Bones of You, with proceeds helping to support hospice care across the county.

Supporters can contribute by streaming or downloading the song, or simply asking a smart speaker to play it — a small action organisers say can make a meaningful difference.

Further fundraising events are planned for the spring, including an evening of music and entertainment on Saturday (Mar 28) at 7:30pm at The Regency Hall in Saundersfoot. Pembrokeshire Pop Voices will be joined by Paul Sartori supporters The Slipway Ukes and local band Footbridge for a night of music, food and fundraising.

A spokesperson for the Paul Sartori Foundation said the events highlight the power of music to bring communities together while supporting vital care services.

“These events are wonderful experiences for audiences and they also raise essential funds for our hospice-at-home services,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful to groups such as Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, Totally Vocal Pembrokeshire and The Slipway Ukes for supporting care in our community.”

Anyone interested in organising a musical fundraiser or choosing the charity as their Charity of the Year can contact community fundraiser Rosie-Faye at [email protected].

Tickets for the St Davids Cathedral concert are available online via TicketSource, while tickets for the Saundersfoot event can be purchased through The Slipway Ukes or via the Paul Sartori Foundation website.

Charity

Tenby golf captain raises more than £8,000 for hospice charity

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Fundraising year inspired by personal experience of end-of-life care

TENBY GOLF CLUB has announced that £8,360.68 has been raised for the Paul Sartori Foundation after a year of fundraising led by club captain Heather Morgan.

Heather’s captaincy was particularly notable as she is only the second female captain in the club’s history since it was founded in 1888. Her choice of charity was inspired by personal experience, following the care and support provided to her mother by the hospice-at-home charity.

Her mother, who lived to the age of 97, was able to remain at home during her final days thanks to the support of Paul Sartori’s clinical team.

Heather said she could not have managed without the compassion and professionalism of the staff, who supported both her mother and the wider family during a difficult time. She therefore chose the charity not only to raise funds, but also to increase awareness of the services available to families across Pembrokeshire.

The fundraising year included a packed programme of well-supported events, including a charity golf day, Captain’s Day, and a popular night golf competition. Members and guests also supported quiz nights with themed food, a special performance by Tenby Male Voice Choir, as well as Easter and Christmas raffles.

Joanne Lutwyche, Events and Fundraising Officer for the Paul Sartori Foundation, said: “Becoming a charity of the year is a great privilege for us, and we always aim to support our community fundraisers as much as possible during the time we are chosen.

“Our fundraising and events team have been astonished by the generosity of the golfers throughout the year. We have been invited to support events at Tenby Golf Club, and they have been great fun to be part of.”

The charity has thanked Heather Morgan, Tenby Golf Club, and everyone who contributed to the fundraising efforts, saying the money will help provide hospice-at-home care for people living with life-limiting illness across Pembrokeshire.

The funds raised will enable more families to receive care and comfort in their own homes at the most difficult times.

Photo caption: Heather Morgan with Brendan Monnelly, General Manager at Tenby Golf Club (Pic supplied).