Community

Narberth dad celebrates London Marathon triple crown

Published

9 years ago

May 19, 2016

Martin Bowen: Took part in the gruelling 26 mile run for Diabetes UK

MARTIN BOWEN crossed the finish line at this year’s London Marathon for Diabetes UK Cymru to help raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes.

This marks the third time that the 44 year old from Narberth has completed the marathon after being diagnosed with the condition 16 years ago. Martin previously ran the 2006 and 2009 London Marathons.

This time he completed the 26.2 mile race around some of London’s greatest landmarks in three hours and 55 minutes, beating his previous personal best by four minutes.

So far Martin has raised £1,100 for Diabetes UK but hopes further donations might help him to raise even more.

After crossing the line, he said: “I am so proud to have completed my third marathon and would like to thank everyone who has donated to my fundraising or helped me raise awareness of diabetes.

“The support from the crowd on the day is incredible, it is amazing to have people who didn’t know me shouting my name and offering words of support. It was really inspiring, and gave me the impetus to keep going through the pain.

“I’ve been living with Type 1 diabetes since I was first diagnosed in my late twenties and I’ve never let it stop me from achieving my goals. I want people to know that this is a serious condition but that with the right training and preparation you can still be active every single day. It doesn’t need to hold you back and completing the marathon is my way of showing this.”

He added: “Would I do it for a fourth time? Never say never.”

There are around 18,000 adults living with Type 1 diabetes in Wales. It isn’t known what causes the condition but it cannot be prevented and has nothing to do with being overweight.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or younger people where the signs and symptoms are usually very obvious and develop very quickly, they include feeling tired, thirsty, losing weight and needing to urinate more often.

However, as in Martin’s case it can develop at any age so it is important to be aware of the symptoms.

Diabetes UK Cymru’s Director Dai Williams said: “We are so proud of Martin for taking on such a huge challenge for Team Diabetes UK and we send a huge congratulations and a massive thank you to him for putting in the months of training and dedication to support us.

“Martin’s achievement goes to show how much people living with a long-term condition can achieve with the right support. The money he is raising will help us to improve things for people living with diabetes, fund research and raise awareness of the condition by the time he signs up for a place in his fourth marathon.”

Community

Haverfordwest Carnival to make a comeback after six-year hiatus

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MUCH-LOVED Haverfordwest Carnival, which has been absent from the local summer calendar for six years, is set to return in 2025. The event, which last took place in 2019 before the pandemic caused large gatherings to be cancelled, is eagerly anticipated by locals who are hopeful for a vibrant revival.

The carnival, known for its bright floats, marching bands, and community spirit, will once again fill the streets of the county town next year. It is being organized by Pure West Radio in partnership with Haverfordwest Town Council, and they are now reaching out to the public for input on key details, including the theme, preferred date, and ways to support the event.

Pure West Radio shared the exciting news on social media, announcing, “After six years, Haverfordwest Carnival is back for 2025! We’re partnering with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back this iconic event, and we want to hear from you. What theme would you like to see? What day works best for you? And how would you like to get involved? Share your thoughts with us here.”

The announcement has been met with excitement from the community. Emma Flan reminisced, “The carnival was always the highlight of the summer when I was growing up. The town would be buzzing, with everyone out enjoying the day and night. So happy to see it returning, and I hope everyone gets involved.”

Others, like Michelle Dukes, agreed, saying, “It’s great news – the town really needs an event like this,” while Lucy Lulu Eagles fondly recalled, “I loved the carnival! I’d always look forward to the band playing and seeing the floats with the kids.”

One memorable edition of the carnival took place in 2006, when it was held at the Picton Playing Fields, featuring a Queen tribute act and a junior talent show. The 2018 carnival marked a major revival of the event after a few years’ absence, with a maritime theme celebrating the ‘Year of the Sea.’ Despite the wet weather, the procession, which started from County Hall, drew a big crowd and made its way through the town to Bridge Meadow.

The 2019 carnival saw the event moved to a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week, and the sunny weather ensured a wonderful day out for all involved.

While the weather remains unpredictable for 2025, local input is highly encouraged to help make the event one to remember. If you have ideas or feedback, you can share them via the survey linked above.

Community

Classic motorcycles roar into Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

7 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CLASSIC bike enthusiasts are gearing up for a spectacular event at Haverhub this Saturday (May 3), as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club hosts its eleventh annual Classic Bike Show.

The event, which runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, is free to attend and promises a stunning display of 55 classic motorcycles, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1990s.

The show supports a range of worthy causes, including Milford Haven Sea Cadets, VC Gallery, Blood Bikes Wales, the Welsh Air Ambulance, road safety initiatives, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Liver Transplant Centre – which serves patients across Wales – and Haverhub itself.

Crowd favourite Becket “The Bullet” Thomas will be providing live entertainment during the afternoon, adding to the festival atmosphere.

Although entry is free, organisers are encouraging visitors to make donations to the supported charities, all of which provide vital services both locally and nationally.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We are really excited to showcase these wonderful machines and to support so many good causes at the same time. It’s a great day out for all ages.”

The event takes place at Haverhub, Quay Street, Haverfordwest. All classic bikes are welcome.

For more information or to register a bike, contact Glyn on 07795 485724 or email [email protected].

Community

Milford Haven pays tribute on ANZAC Day

Published

15 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A COMMEMORATION service was held on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, on Sunday (Apr 27) to mark ANZAC Day and to honour those who fell in all conflicts, especially at Gallipoli and Normandy.

The event also paid tribute to the crew of the Wellington bomber that crashed near the site during the Second World War.

A strong turnout gathered for the moving service, with local groups including the Sea Cadets, Royal British Legion, and military representatives in attendance. Milford Haven’s Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, laid a wreath on behalf of the town.

The service, organised by the Royal British Legion Club – Milford Haven, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the ANZAC forces and others over the years.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Town Council said: “A lovely turnout for the ANZAC Day memorial service. We will remember them!”

ANZAC Day is observed annually in Australia and New Zealand, and across the world, to commemorate the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli during the First World War, as well as those who served and died in all wars and conflicts.

(Images: MHTC)