PEMBROKESHIRE’S much-loved bottled water producer, Princes Gate Spring Water, is encouraging people in Pembrokeshire to help in its efforts of raising £100,000 to enhance and enrich the lives of disadvantaged children and young people locally.

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Narberth-based business, which produces over 120 million bottles of spring water each year, is seeking the support of individual fundraisers and corporate partners.

Set up by brothers David and Glyn Jones in 1991, Princes Gate has raised over £150,000 for a number of Wales-based charities, including the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, over the past 25 years.

In 2014, it made the decision to formalise and strengthen its charitable endeavours by establishing the Princes Gate Trust; a stand-alone registered charity.

The Princes Gate Trust raised in excess of £100,000 in its first year alone through a variety of fundraising events and challenges including sponsored bike rides clocking up 10,000 miles, ultimate marathons and its very own ‘Daithlon’ – a quirky twist on a triathlon.

It has helped a number of inspirational and spirited young people including 12-year-old Shannon Folena from Pembrokeshire.

A renewed communicative relationship with family is one example of the life-enhancing benefits of the Princes Gate Trust. Pembrokeshire-born Shannon Folena was the victim of a harrowing road accident at the age of just twelve. Her injuries left Shannon communicatively isolated from her family – and they her – when her ability to interact with her loved ones reduced dramatically. The gift of an ‘eye-gazer’ machine from the Princes Gate Trust, has enhanced the lives of an entire family overnight, allowing Shannon to once again interact with her family via cutting edge technology.

Over the next year and with the support of ambassadors including former Wales rugby players Ryan Jones, Shane Williams and Ian Gough, Princes Gate is looking to up its fundraising efforts for the trust through a number of challenges including Velothon Wales, CARTEN100, Ironman Wales and St David’s Hotel & Spa Zip Wire Challenge.

The Princes Gate Trust has also been chosen to receive half the proceeds of the Manic Street Preachers official Wales EURO 2016 song, ‘Together Stronger (C’mon Wales)’, in partnership with The Football Association of Wales.

David Jones, managing director of Princes Gate and founder of the Princes Gate Trust, said: “Our 25th anniversary is a significant landmark for our business. It is something we’re incredibly proud of and something that wouldn’t be possible without the support of our very talented and dedicated team of employees.

“In reaching this milestone, we wanted to up-the-ante in terms of our fundraising efforts for the trust. We have been truly inspired by both the young people we have helped and the supporters who we have helped us in our efforts. Whilst raising funds for such worthy causes, it’s also of paramount importance that we continue to promote healthy lifestyles in doing so. We like to lead by example and so are proud to participate in all our events – which have yielded scores of Ironmen over the years.

“I feel this will be our biggest and best year yet. The challenges are tough and our ambitions are high. We already have the support of some fantastic corporate supporters, individual fundraisers and brand ambassadors, and we are hopeful that many others will join us in our mission to change lives and create smiles.”