Sport
Harpo loses 4 stone to complete 5k challenge


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
Liverpool secure Premier League title

Liverpool have claimed victory in the 2024-25 Premier League season after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield on 27 April. This was the side’s first title since the 2019-20 season, and their 20th top-flight title in total. This now puts them on par with close rivals Manchester United.
The last time the side claimed the trophy was during the COVID-19 pandemic – a time where fans weren’t allowed to attend matches – making this year’s victory all the more special, as the team finally got to celebrate alongside their supporters at Anfield.
Let’s go through some of the major elements that led the club’s victorious campaign.
Key players
Liverpool’s road to victory wouldn’t have been possible without some key players. Most notably, Mohamed Salah was a crucial cog in the system. He’s scored an outstanding 27 goals and notched 18 assists throughout the campaign so far. Liverpool fans will be thrilled that the ‘Egyptian King’ has signed a new contract for at least another two years.
Similarly, Virgil van Dijk has been a rock at the back this season, whilst full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold – who performed exceptionally despite a mid-season injury, and Andrew Robertson provided Liverpool with some much-needed width. Liverpool fans will hope that local boy Trent Alexander-Arnold follows the lead of Salah and van Dijk and commits to a new deal at the club. However, it looks increasingly likely that he may leave and join Real Madrid in the summer.
New management
Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s manager and his debut season evidently had a positive effect on the team. Slot’s tactical decision making and ability to build on predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s efforts instead of reworking them entirely is one of the major contributors to Liverpool’s win this season.
Rather than relying on the transfer market, Slot placed emphasis on evolving the team that he inherited, allowing the players to maintain the relationships they have built on the field over the years.
Expectations for Liverpool coming into the season
Initially, Liverpool weren’t considered as major title challengers this season, with bookies pitting them at 9/1 to win the league. But, as the season progressed and Liverpool’s increasingly strong performances gave them some momentum, their odds shortened as they grew closer to becoming strong title contenders. After their 2-0 win against Manchester City in late February, the side secured stronger odds, at 1/21 to lift the trophy.
The future is promising for Liverpool
Despite poor domestic seasons, Manchester City and Arsenal are likely to retain great odds to win the title in the coming years. Plus, both are likely to further strengthen over the summer. However, now Liverpool have proven their credentials and it’s likely that their odds coming into the next season will be much more favourable.
Liverpool’s consistently impressive performances, alongside Slot’s tactical and disciplined management, led them to victory and the team seems to be set up for similar successes in the future. As a result, Liverpool are certainly a side to watch out for.
Looking to place a bet on your favourites for the 2025-26 season? Whether you think City can rebound or Liverpool will go back-to-back, you should consider the opinions of expert tipsters before you place your bet. With a site such as MightyTips.com, you could get a little extra expertise that can help remove the emotion and improve your chances of placing a winning bet.
Sport
Memories made as Neyland RFC Under-14s shine on Tewkesbury tour

NEYLAND RFC’s Under-14s have returned home from a thrilling rugby tour packed with action, adventure and unforgettable memories.
The young players kicked off their Tewkesbury 2025 tour in impressive style with a nail-biting 29-22 win against Bredon Star RFC — a closely fought contest that showcased the team’s determination and growing talent on the pitch.
But the tour wasn’t just about rugby.
After the match, the boys swapped boots for paddles as they took on exhilarating raft races and giant paddleboarding challenges — proving that their team spirit extended well beyond the try line.
Capping off the tour in style, the team had the honour of forming the Guard of Honour at the high-profile Premiership Rugby clash between Gloucester Rugby and Exeter Chiefs. Standing shoulder to shoulder as the pros ran out, the boys got a front-row taste of top-flight rugby – an experience many described as “a dream come true.”

A spokesperson for the club said: “What an experience and what memories! This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of the boys and a huge step in their rugby journey.”
The tour was made possible through months of dedicated fundraising and the generous support of the local community. Special thanks were extended to Milford Haven Round Table, whose support ensured the team could attend the Gloucester game in person.
“The boys were a credit to the club and their families,” added the spokesperson. “They’ve come back inspired, motivated, and already counting down the days to the next tour.”
News
Milford teenager to represent Wales at MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi

A PEMBROKESHIRE teenager is set to represent Wales at the upcoming MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Ty Haughey, a rising star in amateur mixed martial arts, has been selected to compete against some of the best young fighters from around the world. His selection follows strong performances at recent national competitions, where he demonstrated skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
The MMA World Championships, organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), are considered the highest level of competition for amateur fighters. The 2025 tournament in Abu Dhabi will bring together athletes from dozens of countries, offering a platform for young fighters to showcase their talents on an international stage.
Ty’s family are now fundraising to help cover the significant costs associated with representing his country, including travel, accommodation, training, and equipment. A GoFundMe page, World Championship Dreams in Abu Dhabi, has been set up by Ciaran Haughey to help raise the necessary funds.
Debbie Haughey, Ty’s grandmother, contacted The Herald to highlight her grandson’s achievement and appeal for support. She said: “My grandson has been selected to represent Wales in MMA at the World Championships. We would be so grateful for any support to help him get there.”
The fundraising appeal emphasises that Ty’s selection is not just a personal achievement but a chance to put Pembrokeshire and Wales on the map in an increasingly competitive sport. Donations of any size are welcome to help Ty fulfil his dream of competing for a world title.
More information about Ty’s journey and details on how to donate can be found here: World Championship Dreams.
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