Charity

Local nurse plans 26-mile charity walk across Preseli Hills

Published

2 months ago

April 20, 2026

A MENTAL health nurse from Pembrokeshire has opened up about two life-changing calls to Samaritans, as she prepares to take on a 26-mile challenge across the Preseli Hills to raise funds for the charity.

Her first encounter with the Samaritans came in 2013, when she was struggling with postnatal depression. At the time, she said she desperately needed someone to talk to.

“I just needed someone to listen while I cried about how hard everything felt,” she recalled. “The response was lovely – non-judgemental, warm and caring.”

Though it was a one-off phone call, the experience stayed with her, made all the more memorable by the unexpected discovery that the volunteer she spoke to was based in her own local town.

Years passed before she reached out again. But in October 2025, during what she describes as one of the most overwhelming periods of her life, she found herself turning back to the charity.

“My whole world felt like it was crashing down,” she said. “I was exhausted, and my thoughts didn’t feel like my own anymore. I knew what I was going through was temporary, but my mind was offering permanent solutions.”

At a breaking point, she made the call.

Her plea for help was answered by a volunteer named Tony, whose calm presence proved pivotal. “He could hear the panic and fear in my voice and stayed with me while I got myself to a safe place,” she said.

The call was unexpectedly cut short when the signal dropped out as she made her way back to her car—but the impact lingered.

“That moment changed everything,” she said. “It was a turning point. It gave me the courage to open up to my friends and my employer about what I was going through.”

As a mental health professional, she admits that asking for help did not come easily.

“I’m a very private person, and working as a mental health nurse can sometimes make it harder to reach out through traditional avenues,” she explained. “But even for those of us in the profession, there are times when we need somewhere to turn.”

Now, with time and distance from that difficult period, she feels ready to share her story publicly in the hope of helping others.

To give back, she is planning a 26-mile sponsored walk across the Preseli Hills, retracing a deeply personal route. The walk will take in Carningli – a place where she once felt “on top of the world”—and Rosebush, where the pivotal phone call took place.

“Walking has become incredibly cathartic for me,” she said. “Spending time in the Preselis has helped me process so many thoughts and feelings. It’s brought a real sense of peace.”

While she acknowledges the emotional challenge of revisiting those locations, she feels stronger now.

“I have a support network and a life I’ve been able to rebuild – thanks, in part, to that one phone call.”

The Samaritans, which operates a 24-hour helpline, responds to a call for help every 10 seconds. The service is free and available year-round, offering confidential, non-judgemental support to anyone in need.

Through her fundraising effort, she hopes to raise awareness as well as vital funds – while reminding others that help is always within reach.

Charity

Henry Tufnell visits St Davids RNLI lifeboat station

Published

12 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MP pledges to raise funding and regulation concerns after meeting volunteer crew at St Justinian

HENRY TUFNELL MP has visited St Davids RNLI lifeboat station to hear first-hand about the work of its volunteer crew.

The Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP met crew members at St Justinian, where he was briefed on some of the rescue missions carried out by the station off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Mr Tufnell said the visit had highlighted both the dedication of the lifeboat crew and the pressures facing the service.

He said: “It was a privilege to visit the RNLI St Davids Lifeboat at St Justinian and hear first-hand about some of the remarkable rescue missions the crew have undertaken.

“They do extraordinary work keeping our community safe.”

Mr Tufnell added that crew members had also raised concerns about ongoing challenges, including funding and regulation.

He said: “It was also important to hear about the ongoing challenges they face, particularly regarding funding and regulation.

“As your MP, I will continue to champion and protect the interests of our community heroes in Westminster.”

The RNLI station at St Davids is one of Pembrokeshire’s key coastal rescue bases, serving a busy and often challenging stretch of coastline popular with walkers, kayakers, boat users and visitors.

The charity relies on volunteer crews and public support to continue its lifesaving work.

Charity

More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day

Published

17 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.

The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.

A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.

Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.

A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”

Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.

Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.

Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.

“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.

“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”

The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.

For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.

Charity

Dogs Trust calls on people in Wales to take part in National Dog Survey

Published

19 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DOG owners and animal lovers across Wales are being urged to share their views as Dogs Trust launches its National Dog Survey 2026.

The survey, now in its fifth year, asks people about the role dogs play in their lives, the realities of dog ownership, and what changes they would like to see to improve welfare.

Dogs Trust, which has rehoming centres in Bridgend and Cardiff, says the survey is open to everyone, whether they own a dog, hope to have one in the future, or simply admire dogs from afar.

The charity says more than 1.4 million responses have been gathered since the survey began, helping shape its work supporting owners, improving welfare, and campaigning on issues affecting dogs across Wales and the wider UK.

The survey is open until Tuesday, June 30, and takes around 15 minutes to complete online.

Dogs Trust said previous responses have helped it develop dog food banks, launch its free Behaviour Support Line, and highlight the difficulties faced by renters with pets.

Last year, 342,957 people took part in the survey, sharing information about more than 423,175 dogs.

Among the findings, 80 per cent of respondents said their dog was their best friend, while 95 per cent of dog owners said having a dog was good for their mental health. The survey also found that 94 per cent of owners believed dogs should be treated as members of the family.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “Being a dog owner means you are part of a wonderful community, and for our fifth annual National Dog Survey, we want to bring all of these experiences together.

“This year, we’re looking to dig deeper into the incredible commitment of owners and explore what our dogs mean to us.

“And it isn’t just dog owners we want to hear from. Whether you’ve always wanted a dog, are unsure if one fits your lifestyle, or simply prefer to admire them from afar, we want to hear from you.

“We’re calling on the people of Wales — don’t be left out. We want to hear your stories, from the funny bits and the tricky bits to the quirks that make dogs one of a kind.

“The insights from this year’s survey will help ensure Dogs Trust can support dogs and their owners, and help us all live the best lives possible, together.”

To take part in the National Dog Survey 2026, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/NDS.

Caption:

Dogs Trust is urging people in Wales to take part in its National Dog Survey 2026.