Community

Mumford and Runs hit the road

Published

11 years ago

January 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Dan Mumford with Chris Payne (left) and Robert Thomas (right), manager of Tenby Leisure Centre.

A PEMBROKESHIRE leisure centre worker has embarked on a unique running challenge for the New Year. Dan Mumford, Duty Officer at Tenby Leisure Centre, aims to run at least 2,015 miles in 2015 for charity. With the support of his family and friends, Dan will tot up the mileage in a series of gruelling distance events spread across the course of the year, and will all be in aid of local mental health charity, Pembrokeshire Mind.

The 31-year-old, who suffered from depression two years ago, said running had helped him with his own health problems and he wanted to spread the message about how beneficial it could be. He said: “I run for my own mental health and its part of the reason why I have embarked on this project. “While some people go to church and others go to the pub, I go running. It’s a chance for me to think about stuff as well as find out what my own body is capable of.” He said running had allowed him to come off medication and made him understand his own mental health better.

He said: “I also want to encourage others to get active. It shows that there are other options for treating mental health issues and although it might not be for everyone, I’m sure it can help many people.” Dan was brought up in Pembroke and now lives in Carew with his family, and says he got into leisure work after taking a training scheme at Haverfordwest sports centre.

A keen sportsman and former rugby player, he took up running years ago, embarking on his first race, a half marathon, two years ago. His next event as part of his Mumford & Runs project will be an ultra-marathon consisting of 40 miles in Llanelli next month, while the Greater Manchester Marathon is also in his sights.

He trains on the roads around his home often early in the mornings so as not to interfere in family life, and has also helped set up a running club in Carew with around 40 members of all abilities meeting weekly. He said: “The beauty of running is that you need no specialist equipment and you can do it whenever you want.

It also doesn’t matter how good you are – any distance or speed will make you feel good.” His 2015 project has the backing of Pembrokeshire Leisure, Pembrokeshire County Council’s leisure service, which will be putting up posters and collection boxes in leisure centres across the county. Pembrokeshire Leisure Services Manager, Chris Payne, praised Dan for his initiative. He said: “It’s fantastic. He has shown that sport and physical activity can really change people’s lives for the better. I wish him the very best in this and any future initiatives he may be involved in.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)