Community

2,800 people now living with diabetes in West Wales

Published

10 years ago

June 25, 2015

THE NUMBER of people with diabetes in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire has reached an all-time high of 22,877 according to new figures released today by Diabetes UK Cymru.
The new figure, extracted from official NHS data and published at the start of Diabetes Week, shows that the sharp rise in diabetes cases in recent years is continuing with 177,212, people diagnosed with the condition across Wales. If this trend carries on then in ten years it is estimated that 288,000 people in Wales will have diabetes.
Many cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented – but there is no way of preventing Type 1. With so many people now living with the condition, NHS Wales needs to prioritise giving people the education they need to manage their diabetes well.
At the moment, diabetes education is barely provided resulting in devastating health complications, including amputation, blindness and stroke. Beyond the human suffering, diabetes costs NHS Wales nearly £500 million a year, 80 per cent of which is spent on managing avoidable complications. But there is potential to save lives and money through providing people with the education needed to help them self-manage and prevent these complications from developing.
Diabetes UK Cymru is calling on NHS Wales and the Hywel Dda University Health Board to ensure people living with diabetes in the areas are provided with education and support to manage their condition on a day to day basis effectively.
Diabetes UK Cymru’s Director Dai Williams said: “Over the last decade we have seen the number of people with diabetes rising at an alarming rate and these latest figures are a stark call to action – we must act now or face the very real danger of diabetes devastating the lives of even more people, and threatening to wreck the already over-burdened NHS.
“We know that most people newly diagnosed with diabetes are not offered a group education course[1]. This is despite strong evidence that giving people the knowledge and skills to manage their diabetes effectively can reduce their long-term risk of complications.
“While Welsh Government made a commitment to improve access to timely structured education for people with diabetes 18 months ago, little progress has been made. Now, we need to see health boards across Wales making this a priority for their patients living with diabetes.
“Without this we will continue to deny people living with diabetes in Wales the best possible chance of living long and healthy lives.”
This Diabetes Week, Diabetes UK Cymru is urging everyone with diabetes to seek out the support and education they need. Find out more at diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek or search #DiabetesandMe on Twitter.

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)