Former coxswain praised for four decades of dedication, major rescues and service to the Pembrokeshire coast

ST DAVIDS RNLI has paid tribute to Dai John after an extraordinary 40 years of dedicated service to the lifeboat station and the wider community.

Dai joined the crew in 1986, continuing a proud family tradition. His father served as coxswain at St Davids, while his grandfather was also a member of the crew.

Over the past four decades, Dai has been involved in countless rescues and emergency launches, serving as coxswain for 16 years and helping to save lives in some of the most challenging conditions off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Among the many incidents remembered by the station are the 14-hour rescue of the trawler Western Belle and her five crew during a night of rough seas and gale-force winds, and the dramatic rescue of three fishermen from the burning Yves Marie Amil near South Bishop Lighthouse in 2004.

Dai also recalls his very first launch, which was to a crashed jet while serving aboard the old wooden lifeboat Ruby and Arthur Reed. His service also included major incidents such as the Sea Empress disaster, as well as many other rescues which have left a lasting impression on him and his fellow crew members.

His contribution to St Davids RNLI has extended far beyond emergency call-outs. Dai was coxswain during the construction of the new lifeboat station, welcomed the arrival of the Norah Wortley lifeboat to St Davids, and helped mark the station’s 150th anniversary in 2019.

Reflecting on his 40 years of service, Dai thanked current and former crew members for their friendship, support and dedication. He also extended his thanks to RNLI fundraisers, supporters, neighbouring lifeboat crews and the emergency services he has worked alongside throughout his time with the charity.

Although his time at St Davids RNLI has now come to an end, Dai hopes to continue serving the charity by transferring to Penarth Lifeboat Station as a Launch Authority and shore crew member.

In a statement, St Davids RNLI said: “From everyone at St Davids RNLI, thank you, Dai, for 40 years of selfless service, dedication and friendship. We wish you every success in your next chapter and fair winds for the future.”

A NEW weekly clinical support service has been launched at Withybush Hospital to improve access to specialist palliative care advice for patients, families and carers across Pembrokeshire.

The service, run by the Paul Sartori Foundation, began in mid-June and is available every Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

It is based in the Hywel Dda University Health Board Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service hub, located just to the left of the main hospital entrance.

The drop-in service means people can speak directly with a member of the Paul Sartori clinical team without needing an appointment.

Support is available for families navigating palliative care, as well as those looking for practical advice, help sourcing equipment for use at home, or guidance for relatives and carers.

Visitors will be able to speak with Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Team Manager, who has extensive experience supporting people with life-limiting illnesses and those close to them.

Information resources will also be available for anyone who wishes to take materials away to share with family members.

The initiative forms part of the Paul Sartori Foundation’s wider commitment to delivering compassionate, community-based end-of-life care.

The charity’s clinical team works closely with healthcare partners to provide holistic support, including home-based care, specialist equipment provision and guidance tailored to the needs of patients and carers.

The Paul Sartori Foundation has thanked the team at Withybush Hospital for helping to facilitate the new advice service, which aims to ensure more people can access care and information in a welcoming and accessible setting.

A spokesperson said the new weekly presence reflects the Foundation’s ongoing mission to enhance quality of life, dignity and support for people living with life-limiting conditions across Pembrokeshire.

Anyone unable to visit the Paul Sartori team at Withybush Hospital can contact the Foundation directly on 01437 763223. A member of the team can help arrange an assessment and source the support required.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service supports people with a wide range of life-limiting conditions and is keen to dispel the belief that it is solely a cancer charity. Around 32% of those supported have a non-cancer diagnosis.

The charity operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, family members and friends, as well as healthcare professionals.

The service was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care in Pembrokeshire before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The Foundation was registered as a charity in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/28.

Picture:

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Team Manager, at the Hywel Dda University Health Board Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service hub at Withybush Hospital, where information and advice is available for patients and their families.

Town council donation will support two of the town’s biggest community events, with further funding for Santa visit

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has presented a £6,000 donation to Milford Haven Round Table to help support this year’s Milford Haven Carnival and Free Fireworks Extravaganza.

The cheque was presented by the Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor Mark Woodward, at the Lord Nelson Hotel on Thursday, June 25.

The donation was agreed at a meeting of the full council on Monday, June 8, in recognition of the work carried out by Milford Haven Round Table in organising major community events for the town.

A further £500 will also be donated to the Round Table for its annual support with the Visit of Santa to Milford Haven.

Milford Haven Town Council said it was proud to support the Round Table and hoped the strong relationship between the two organisations would continue for many years to come.

The council added: “Thank you all so very much for giving up your time to put these fabulous events together for our beloved town.”