News

‘Inspiring paramedic’ dies in diving accident

Published

11 years ago

March 31, 2014

A PARAMEDIC originally from Saundersfoot has died in the Maldives whilst carrying out charity work.

It is understood that Dai Rees, who worked for the South Western Ambulance Service (SAWSFT), died after falling unconscious in a scuba diving accident.

He died while on a trip trying to improve the island’s emergency medical services. SWASFT Chief Executive Ken Wenman said: “Tragically, Dai was involved in a diving accident whilst carrying out charity work in the Maldives.”

He also said Mr Rees was working with the Maldivian Sihhath Institute, which involved aiding the local population of the Maldives.

Mr Rees established the Sihhath Initiative with three colleagues, Thomas Scott, Andy Wade and Adam Khan. The paramedic decided to set up the initiative when he discovered that the first aid provision in the Maldives was very dismal, whilst he was volunteering there.

SWASFT frequently donates used equipment to the initiative, and continues to support it through other means. The Chief Executive of SWASFT continued: “Dai was a well-liked and respected member of staff and on behalf of the Trust I would like to offer my condolences to his family, friends and work colleagues.”

Dai attended Ysgol Greenhill School in Tenby, and then enrolled at the Trinity College of Music (London) in 2000, where he studied for four years. He then moved to Dorset to work as a paramedic for SWASFT. Online tributes dedicated to Mr Rees have been paid. One post described him as a “lovely, friendly, professional, highly respected and well-loved guy.”

Luke Roberts-Andreou, a volunteer for the SWASFT, posted a tribute on Twitter: “Stunned by the passing of Dai Rees. An inspiring paramedic and a genuinely nice person.”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “We can confirm the death of a British national on March 16 in Maldives. We are providing consular assistance at this difficult time.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.