News
Tenby: Defibrillator saves life after heart attack at Golf Club
A MAN who had a heart attack at Tenby Golf Club is now recovering after a defibrillator, as well as help from fellow golfers and the Wales Air Ambulance, saved his life.
Jonnie Kapec, a member of Langland Bay Golf Club, suffered the heart attack near the 15th tee on the course on Friday (Oct 13).
Thankfully, fellow members of his club, and quick thinking members of Tenby Golf Club, managed to keep him alive.
A defibrillator which was donated to the club was used on Mr Kapec, which bought him precious extra time as the Wales Air Ambulance was in transit.
Mr Kapec is now ‘recovering in hospital’ and both clubs have stressed the importance and value of having a defibrillator.
A spokesperson for Tenby Golf Club said: “The defibrillator was put to action by the club secretary David Hancock, shortly after a gentleman from Langland Bay GC collapsed on the course near the 15th tee, thankfully close to an access point for the ambulance services.
“This is the first time we have had to use the defibrillator, so well done David for staying calm in that situation.
“The defibrillator was generously paid for by a member at the club and what a wonderful gift that has been today. It shows the importance that all clubs should have one on site, it saves lives.
“Thank you to the ambulance services and Wales Air Ambulance for your speed on the scene today.
“It’s been a massive team effort today and everyone from Tenby Golf Club wish the gentleman a speedy recovery.”
Langland Bay said on Facebook the next day: “Very pleased to report that a very popular member of Langland Bay, Mr Jonnie Kapec, is recovering in hospital after having a heart attack whilst playing golf at Tenby Golf Club on Friday.
“His life was saved due to the fast reactions of Langland Bay Members Steve Bond, Ian Gladwin & Owen Price, followed by Mike Gardiner with CPR and consequentially the assistance of Tenby Golf Club with a defibrillator. Without this vital help, the outcome would have been quite different.
“The ward have asked for friends to avoid calling the hospital direct, due to Jonnie’s popularity, he has generated an enormous amount of calls.
“We have had a defibrillator at Langland for the last 5 years. We are thankful that Tenby have the same. I urge all Sport clubs to invest in this lifesaving piece of kit.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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