A NEW record could soon be set on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as ultra-runner Sanna Duthie prepares to take on the full 186-mile trail in under 50 hours to raise vital funds for the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

Starting at Poppit Sands at 8.30am on Thursday 24 April, Sanna will attempt to beat her own record of 51 hours and 30 minutes, which she set in 2021. The challenge will push her physical and mental endurance to the limit as she navigates the rugged and spectacular coastline of the UK’s only coastal National Park.

Sanna’s motivation for this challenge goes beyond breaking records. She is driven by her deep connection to the Coast Path and her desire to help safeguard it for future generations. The funds raised will support essential maintenance, from rebuilding storm-damaged bridges to protecting ancient monuments and combating coastal erosion.

Speaking about her challenge, Sanna said: “The Coast Path has given me so much over the years – it’s my training ground, my escape, and my inspiration. Now, it’s time for me to give something back. I hope to raise £2,000 to help protect and preserve this incredible trail, ensuring that others can continue to experience its beauty and challenges for years to come.”

Sanna’s record-breaking attempt is being supported by the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, which funds crucial conservation projects within the National Park.

Trust Director Katie Macro added: “Sanna’s determination and passion for the Coast Path are truly inspiring. Her challenge highlights the urgent need for funding to protect this iconic trail from the increasing threats of climate change, erosion, and declining public funding. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us continue this essential work.”

For those inspired by Sanna’s feat but not quite ready to run 186 miles, the Trust’s Wild Coast Challenge offers an alternative way to experience the Coast Path while supporting its future. This fundraising adventure invites walkers to complete the trail at their own pace—whether over weeks, months, or even a year.

By raising just £200, participants will directly contribute to conservation efforts while earning a Wild Coast Challenge t-shirt as a badge of honour for their achievement.

Further information about this can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.

To support Sanna’s record-breaking attempt and help her reach her £2,000 fundraising target, visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/sanna-duthie-1729103753472.

A FAMILY has been left with nothing after a devastating house fire tore through their home in Tregunnor on Monday (Apr 7).

The blaze destroyed everything inside the house, leaving the homeowner, his children, and their family dog with only the clothes on their backs. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the emotional impact of losing their home and belongings has been described as “immeasurable.”

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been launched by the homeowner’s nephew, Kian Evans, in an effort to help the family rebuild their lives. The fundraiser, titled “Tregunnor House Fire,” has so far raised £40 from two donors, with hopes that more support will follow.

Mr Evans praised the emergency services for their swift response and thanked the local community for their messages of support and solidarity.

He wrote: “They have lost everything, from furniture to cherished memories. The goal is to help them get back on their feet after such a traumatic experience. Every little helps.”

The family now face the daunting task of starting over, but thanks to the generosity of those around them, they are not facing it alone.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit: gofundme.com/f/tregunnor-house-fire

Photo caption:

The fire which destroyed a family home in Tregunnor (Pic: Herald).

PEMBROKESHIRE JUNIORS IMPRESS IN CARMARTHEN FIXTURE

PEMBROKESHIRE JUNIOR CHESS CLUB travelled to Carmarthen on Monday (April 7) for a friendly fixture against their slightly older, but less experienced, counterparts. The match marked Carmarthen’s first official game.

Thanks to Peter Evans for organising the event, which saw 20 young players competing in a friendly but competitive atmosphere. A terrific evening of chess followed, with players mixing and matching across boards, ensuring each had at least two games—some even playing three or four.

The result of the first match was a tightly contested draw, finishing 5-5.

Standout players on both sides

For Pembrokeshire, standout performances came from:

• Suki, with 3 wins
• Huw, with 2 wins
• Joe, with 1 win and a draw

For Carmarthen, Matthew, William, and Eric stood out with impressive performances.

A return fixture in Pembrokeshire is already being planned before the season concludes. The club also hopes to arrange additional matches against Redhill Prep School and Castell Nedd Chess Club on May 29.

Strong performances in Redhill Festival

Ten Pembrokeshire players also took part in the Redhill Primary School Festival over the weekend, all performing with distinction. Special mention goes to Joe and Harry, who both won their first four rounds and competed in the final—Joe winning Gold, and Harry securing Silver.

Coach Martin Jones said he has been delighted with the progress made by all players this season, including the club’s younger and less experienced members, who are also showing great promise.

Martin also recently competed in the Bristol Chess Congress, where he took first place in his section out of 62 entrants.

“It’s great to see chess flourishing in Pembrokeshire,” he said.

Pembrokeshire Team (in board order)

1. Barnaby Hinman – Ysgol Preseli
2. Joe Othen – Home Schooled
3. Harry Harling – Cosheston VC School
4. Huw Holliday – Redhill Prep
5. Sebastian Kummer – Neyland Community School
6. Jude Taylor – St Mark’s VA School
7. Henry Malone – Redhill High
8. Suki-Rose Heulwen – Ysgol Bro Penfro
9. Emily Thomas-Ward – Redhill Prep
10. Carys Callan – Redhill Prep

Photos:

1. Pembrokeshire Team
2. Combined Pembrokeshire & Carmarthen Teams