A MILFORD HAVEN family dog has made a remarkable recovery after a serious leg injury left him barely able to walk.

Murphy, a much-loved pet owned by Louise and Steve Coombe, was suddenly struck down with severe lameness after spending time in the garden. His condition quickly worsened, leaving him struggling to move and clearly in pain.

Concerned for his welfare, his owners sought urgent advice from their local vet, who referred Murphy to specialist orthopaedic surgeons at Weighbridge Veterinary Referrals in Carmarthen.

Severe injury diagnosed

On examination, Orthopaedic Surgeon Nichola Davies identified significant pain in Murphy’s knee joint. Further investigation under anaesthetic confirmed a complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament — a debilitating injury similar to an ACL tear in humans.

To restore stability and mobility, surgeons recommended a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO), a complex procedure designed to stabilise the knee by altering the angle of the shin bone.

Three-hour operation

During a three-hour operation, a team of five clinicians carefully reshaped and repositioned Murphy’s tibia using the Slocum technique. The bone was then secured with a specialised metal plate to support healing.

Post-operative X-rays confirmed the procedure had been successful, with the bone and implant perfectly positioned.

Road to recovery

Murphy’s recovery required strict rest, controlled exercise, and gradual rehabilitation. Within four weeks, he was already beginning to bear weight on the leg again.

By twelve weeks, follow-up scans showed excellent healing, with only a slight residual limp — expected at that stage of recovery.

Nichola Davies said: “Murphy has done brilliantly. Cruciate ligament failure is a very painful condition, but with timely surgery and careful rehabilitation, dogs can make an excellent recovery. His progress has been exactly what we would hope to see.”

Owners praise care

Murphy’s owner Louise said the family were “incredibly grateful” for the care he received.

She said: “The team were kind, friendly, and reassuring throughout. They explained everything clearly and made us feel completely at ease. The surgery has been a great success and Murphy has recovered brilliantly.”

Back to normal life

Murphy is now enjoying increasing activity levels and is expected to return to full exercise in the coming weeks.

His story highlights the importance of early intervention and specialist care in treating serious orthopaedic injuries in pets.

A CUTTING-edge defence technology company that now owns West Wales Airport has revealed how its rapid growth is helping put the region firmly on the map for high-tech innovation and skilled jobs.

The company, Tekever, has expanded significantly across the UK in recent years—but it is its presence in west Wales that is playing a crucial role in its operations.

The firm owns West Wales Airport near Aberporth, where it tests advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), trains operators and demonstrates cutting-edge systems to clients.

Strategic role for west Wales

What began as a small UK operation has grown into a major player in defence and security, specialising in AI-driven autonomous systems used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Company founder Paul Webb said the airport in west Wales is central to that vision.

He explained that the site provides a unique environment where new technologies can be tested safely while supporting collaboration across the wider aerospace sector.

The Herald understands that facilities like West Wales Airport are increasingly seen as vital national assets, particularly as the UK looks to strengthen its domestic defence capability.

From small beginnings to global reach

Tekever, originally founded in Portugal, established its first UK base in Southampton before expanding to Bath and London. It is now preparing to open a major engineering and manufacturing hub in Swindon.

Its growth has been supported in part by early backing from Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, which helped the company develop key software systems in its early days.

FAC chief executive Alan Fisher said the company’s success highlights the importance of supporting innovative businesses from the outset.

He said: “It is remarkable to see how far the company has progressed. It shows what can be achieved when strong ideas and technical talent are backed in the right way.”

Jobs and opportunities

The expansion is expected to bring further investment and high-skilled employment across the UK, with west Wales playing a continuing role in testing and development.

While much of the manufacturing will take place elsewhere, the airport’s role in trials, training and demonstrations ensures the region remains an important part of the company’s long-term plans.

For west Wales, the presence of a world-leading UAV firm offers not just prestige, but the potential to attract further aerospace and defence businesses to the area.

Strength Academy Wales is supporting people across West Wales to stay active, build confidence and live well through inclusive strength training sessions.

A STRENGTH training gym in Haverfordwest is helping more people living with Parkinson’s across West Wales to stay active, connected and live well throughout 2026 and beyond.

Strength Academy Wales (SAW) is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation offering inclusive opportunities for health, fitness and wellbeing. Based in Haverfordwest, SAW supports people of all ages and abilities to enjoy an active lifestyle in a welcoming community environment.

With support from Parkinson’s UK, SAW delivers dedicated strength training sessions for people living with Parkinson’s at its purpose-built gym. These sessions are designed to improve physical strength, boost confidence and provide valuable social connection.

Simon Roach, Lead Volunteer at Strength Academy Wales, founded the organisation after many years coaching weightlifting and strength sports. His personal connection to Parkinson’s has played a key role in shaping the programme.

“Strength Academy Wales is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led community hub in Pembrokeshire. We use strength training to support people’s health, wellbeing and connection with others, and our programmes are open to all ages and abilities.

“I’ve seen how powerful strength training can be — not just for physical progress, but for building confidence and community. My father lived with Parkinson’s, and that experience inspired me to create something meaningful for others locally.

“With encouragement from a retired GP involved in our Age Well programme, and support from Parkinson’s UK, we launched the Parkinson’s Strength Group. We started small, but the sessions quickly grew into a valued part of our timetable.”

Simon added: “I wanted to offer a safe, welcoming space where people could build strength, move with more confidence and connect with others who understand their challenges. Supporting people with Parkinson’s is now a vital part of what we do, and I’m proud of the impact it’s having.”

Alongside its Parkinson’s programme, SAW delivers a wide range of community initiatives supporting older adults, unpaid carers, and people living with conditions such as dementia and arthritis. The organisation continues to grow, recently welcoming new volunteers to support its expanding work.