Sport

Harpo loses 4 stone to complete 5k challenge

Published

9 years ago

September 30, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Big success: John and Debbie after the run

MILFORD HAVEN man John ‘Harpo’ Smith was faced with an ultimatum in November 2014. Weighing in at just over 16 stone he was told in no uncertain terms that he had 6 months to lose at least one stone or he would lose his job.

This understandably devastated John, but in his daughter Debbie he found a supportive ally, as she suggested that they go running together in order to help him lose the weight. At 55 years old and having not run for over 30 years, it seemed a tough ask, but within six months he had doubled his target and lost an amazing two stone. John found it incredibly tough at times to keep motivated and on several occasions wanted to quit. This is when it dawned on Debbie that they could sign up for a run for charity and therefore remain motivated through the fact that they had something to aim for.

The pair came across Ty Hafan’s Rainbow Run 5k race on Pendine sands, and decided that this was perfect in many ways. It provided a charity they were keen to support, an achievable distance to run and also an element of fun, as competitors are splattered with colour through the powdered paints that are thrown.

Unfortunately after registering, John was admitted to hospital suffering with pericarditis and two blood clots on each of his lungs. The consultant informed John that had he not lost so much weight already, his prognosis would’ve been very poor.

After a one week stay in hospital John was discharged and was eager to keep going and lose more weight through his running. The fundraising for such a fantastic charity was keeping him going, and he was out running every other day with Debbie.

By the morning of the run John had lost almost four stone, his blood pressure had dropped significantly and he was no longer in the ‘at risk’ category for diabetes. On top of all this, he was feeling much healthier was a major positive.

The run itself was an extremely emotional time for John and Debbie as it was the end of a long personal journey, but when they crossed the finish line hand in hand, Debbie was the proudest daughter in the world, having witnessed her father overcome and achieve so much, as well as raising a fantastic sum for charity.

The pair has so far raised more than £600 for Ty Hafan and would like to thank all the family, friends and colleagues that have supported them, and cheered them on during the event.

You can still donate to Ty Hafan and support John and Debbie, by using either of the following links on the Just Giving website.

https://www.justgiving.com/john-smith69

https://www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Smith47

Sport

Football: Manderwood Second Division Cup, Round 1 (Nov 30, 2024)

Published

2 hours ago

December 4, 2024

Herald Sport

Carew 0 – 7 Neyland
NEYLAND stormed into the next round with an emphatic 7-0 triumph over Carew. Max Bowman-Davies stole the show with a hat-trick, supported by two goals from Alfie Crawford. Joe Gale and Dylan James rounded off the scoring in a match dominated by Neyland from start to finish. Carew struggled to contain their visitors’ relentless attacking display.

Monkton Swifts 3 – 0 Broad Haven
Monkton Swifts advanced comfortably, beating Broad Haven 3-0. Rhys Sture set the tone with an early goal, followed by a strike from Phil John to double the lead. Rudy Poole capped off the win with a penalty, ensuring a clean sheet for the Swifts and a place in the next round.

Fishguard Sports 7 – 0 Solva
Fishguard Sports delivered a commanding performance, crushing Solva 7-0. Ieuan Llewellyn netted twice, while Jack Griffiths, Luke Thomas, Greg Hughes, Anthony Couzens, and Adam Lawrence each added a goal. Solva had no answers to the relentless attack from the home side.

Narberth P-P Johnston
The fixture between Narberth and Johnston was postponed and will be rescheduled.

Sport

Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1 Roundup

Published

2 hours ago

December 4, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 7 – Monkton Swifts 2
GOODWICK UNITED extended their lead at the top of the table with a commanding 7-2 victory over Monkton Swifts. Rhys Dalling was the standout performer, netting four goals, including a stunning solo effort to complete his hat-trick. Goodwick led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Kieran Blundell and Rhys Jones. The second half saw an attacking masterclass as Jonny Horgan added two more before Dalling rounded off the scoring. Monkton Swifts managed a brilliant 25-yard strike from Connor Davies but were unable to contend with Goodwick’s relentless firepower.

Clarbeston Road 4 – Carew 4
A dramatic 4-4 draw unfolded as Carew snatched a stoppage-time equaliser at Clarbeston Road. Marcus Griffiths gave Carew an early lead, but Laurie Haworth and Ben John turned the game in favour of the hosts by half-time. Leon Davies’ brace put Carew back in front, but goals from Matthew Davies and a second from Haworth saw the Road edge ahead once more. Zac Rowell salvaged a crucial point for Carew in the dying seconds, lifting them out of the relegation zone in a pulsating encounter.

Hakin United 2 – St Ishmaels 0
Hakin United climbed to second in the standings with a solid 2-0 victory over St Ishmaels. The Vikings took control early, with Ryan Wilson opening the scoring with a spectacular long-range effort. Liam Parks doubled the lead with a close-range finish. Despite dominating the game, Hakin couldn’t extend their advantage further. The result pushed St Ishmaels into the relegation zone after a tough outing.

Pennar Robins 3 – Milford United 1
Pennar Robins overturned a first-half deficit to secure a 3-1 win against Milford United. Milford took the lead just before the break through Jack Dyer, despite Pennar dominating possession. Ben Adams equalised early in the second half, followed by a stunning finish from Cameron Brunton to put the hosts ahead. Luke Phillips sealed the victory with a late penalty. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy put in an impressive display, but his heroics couldn’t prevent the defeat.

Sport

Local rugby report: Division 4 West (Nov 30, 2024)

Published

2 hours ago

December 4, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Narberth Athletic P-P Llangwm
THE SCHEDULED match between Narberth Athletic and Llangwm was postponed as Llangwm were unable to field a team.

Neyland 29-8 Dreigiau Emlyn
Neyland delivered a commanding 29-8 victory over Dreigiau Emlyn, driven by a standout performance from Oli Rothero. Rothero notched two tries and converted four penalties, keeping Neyland firmly in control. Josh Watts also crossed the line for Neyland. Dreigiau Emlyn’s efforts were led by Deiniol Rees, who scored their sole try and added a penalty, but it wasn’t enough to derail Neyland’s dominance.

Pembroke 38-24 Teirw Crymych
Pembroke triumphed 38-24 against Teirw Crymych in a thrilling, high-scoring encounter. Darcy Langston and Lewis Davies spearheaded Pembroke’s attack with two tries apiece, while Rhys Johns added another. Jared Sharratt converted two tries and slotted three penalties, sealing a decisive win. Teirw Crymych fought valiantly, but their defence struggled to withstand Pembroke’s relentless offence.

St Davids 17-21 Pembroke Dock Quins
Pembroke Dock Quins edged St Davids 21-17 in a fiercely contested battle. St Davids scored through Nathan Foster and a penalty try, with Will James contributing a conversion and a penalty. However, the Quins’ tries from Harry Owen and Tom Donovan proved decisive, securing a hard-fought victory in a nail-biting clash.