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

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.