Community

Age is no barrier for marathon debutant

Published

12 years ago

December 5, 2013

FOR 63-year-old Pembrokeshire resident David Gardner age is truly just a number as he embarks on training for his first marathon in April 2014 on behalf of WWF.

“I used to do a lot of running but never considered attempting a marathon before. I haven’t run regularly for a long while but have always thought of myself as being fit.

“When the WWF mailshot popped up in my inbox about their vitally important campaign against oil exploration in Virunga National Park and offering Brighton marathon places to raise funds, it sparked a thought that this was something useful that I could do.

“Why not? It was a good excuse to get fit, challenge myself, get my family involved and raise money for a worthwhile cause all at the same time,” David said.

A long-term supporter member of WWF, David has encouraged his grandchildren and nephews to support the charity.

“I’m hoping that some of them will be coming to Brighton to watch me run, but it is a long way from home.

“I think I’ll need all the support I can get though my brother Richard has signed up too so it is going to be a family affair. He’s younger and fitter than me and hasn’t been struck with injury so I expect him to run a faster time than me.It won’t be competitive though,” David said with a smile.

The first hurdle David is having to overcome is a knee injury that sprang from nowhere.

“The last time I ran was in October last year along the Australian coast. It was beautiful and I had no trouble at all, but when I started training this year my knee went. It is typical, I’ve never had problems with it before.

“I’m getting help from a chiropractor for it but I think there’s a chance I’m going to need an operation which has meant that training is on hold temporarily. I’m not a quitter and now that I’ve had the idea to run a marathon I’m absolutely determined to crack it,” David said.

“Will I stop after the Brighton marathon? I doubt it. I love a challenge. Maybe next time I’ll follow one of my other passions and walk an Inca trail or climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The sky’s the limit when it comes to
making a difference and supporting good causes,” said David.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

10 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)