A MILFORD HAVEN father has successfully completed the London Marathon today in memory of his son, while raising money for Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice.

Johnathan Crimmins crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 4:04:14, with a halfway split of 2:42:06, in what he described as both a physical and emotional challenge.

He took on the marathon in honour of his son Kieran, who died seven years ago at the age of 21 following a battle with his mental health.

Speaking ahead of the run, Johnathan said the experience of losing his son had shown him how precious time with children can be.

He said: “Sadly seven years ago I lost my son, Kieran, at the age of 21 following a battle with his mental health. So, I know all too well the importance of being able to spend time with your children, as time is precious and not always guaranteed.

“By being able to run for Tŷ Hafan, I know that not only will I be raising awareness of Tŷ Hafan and what they do, but also raising valuable funds which will ensure that families will be supported and enabled to spend quality time together during their children’s short lives.”

This was Johnathan’s fifth full marathon and his third time running the London Marathon, adding to a long list of fundraising challenges including half marathons and even skydives.

He also spoke candidly about the personal challenge behind the run, having been diagnosed with severe PTSD following the discovery of his son alongside his daughter.

He said: “This will be a significant challenge for myself… so I will also be running in Kieran’s memory.”

Tŷ Hafan supports children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Wales, helping them make the most of the time they have together.

Johnathan’s achievement has been praised locally, with many recognising both the physical effort involved and the powerful cause behind his run.

PLAID CYMRU has taken a narrow lead over Reform UK in a new Senedd election poll, while Labour has fallen to fifth place in another warning sign for the party ahead of polling day.

The Find Out Now survey, carried out between April 18 and 22, puts Plaid Cymru on 29%, two points ahead of Reform UK on 27%.

The Welsh Conservatives are third on 13%, followed by the Green Party on 11%. Welsh Labour stands at 10%, with the Welsh Liberal Democrats on 6%.

The poll was commissioned by Plaid Cymru, although Find Out Now said the methodology was consistent with its previous Welsh polling.

It also found significant concern among voters about the future of the NHS under a Reform-led government.

Asked whether the NHS would be safe under Reform, 55% said no and 16% said yes. When undecided voters were removed, the split widened to 77% against and 23% in favour.

The findings are based on a sample of 2,012 adults across Great Britain, weighted to be representative of Wales by age, gender, region, Welsh language ability and 2024 general election vote.

Only voters who said they were “definitely” or “very likely” to vote were included in the headline figures. Those who initially answered “don’t know” were prompted again, with remaining undecided voters excluded from the final calculation.

The results come after a separate Ipsos poll, published earlier this week, also placed Plaid Cymru ahead.

That survey put Plaid on 30%, Reform UK on 25%, Labour on 15% and the Conservatives on 12%. Ipsos also found that 52% of voters said they may still change their mind before polling day.

Both polls suggest Plaid Cymru is leading the race for the Senedd, but they also point to a volatile contest, with Reform UK close behind and Labour struggling to recover support in what has historically been its Welsh heartland.

The latest figures underline the pressure on all parties as the campaign enters its final stages, with voters set to choose the next Senedd on Thursday, May 7.

CROWDS lined the streets of Cardigan on Saturday (Apr 25) as Barley Saturday once again brought the town centre to life with classic vehicles, rural tradition and a strong sense of community.

The annual event, one of Cardigan’s best-known celebrations, saw packed pavements and barriers along the High Street as families, visitors and local residents turned out in the sunshine.

Among those taking part was well-known West Wales delivery driver Dai Rees, who attracted plenty of attention as he drove through the town in his pride and joy, a blue Ford 3000 tractor.

Tom Samways, of HQueue in Cardigan, said it had been “another superb turn out” for the annual event, adding that it appeared to be getting bigger every year.

He said: “Some amazing entries but my vote has to go to the most famous delivery driver in West Wales, Mr Dai Rees, with his pride and joy, the trusty Ford.

“He even managed to pull up outside the shop for us to get a picture.”

The event also featured a touching personal moment for Deborah Davies, who finally completed a lap of honour on her vintage motorcycle, affectionately known as Olive, in memory of her godfather Leslie Morris.

Deborah said it was “5th attempt lucky” after several previous efforts to complete the lap had not come together.

Posting after the event, she said: “Well Olive and I did it, we finally did our lap of honour in Barley Saturday in memory of my godfather Leslie Morris, 5th attempt lucky. And here’s the proof.”

She also thanked Sue Davies for the photographs, which captured her smiling on the green vintage machine during the event.

With crowds filling the streets, classic vehicles passing through the town and residents sharing their own memories and photographs online, this year’s Barley Saturday proved once again why it remains such a popular fixture in Cardigan’s calendar.

Packed streets: Crowds lined High Street in Cardigan for this year’s Barley Saturday

Cover image: Stuart Ladd