Community

Be generous and donate blood, urges Bishop

Published

11 years ago

June 23, 2014

A BISHOP is calling churches to help raise the profile of blood donation in their local communities to mark this year’s National Blood Week and World Blood Day (June 14).

The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, hopes churches will encourage people to register as donors, donate together and take up the challenge of becoming “donor churches” as part of the national fleshandblood campaign, which is supported by the Church in Wales. Communities and congregations can register as blood donors this week by visiting www.fleshandblood.org/ blood/register or by texting ‘FAB Blood’ to 62323 in England and Wales. In addition to new registrations, existing blood donors are being asked to book a date to donate blood. Local churches are also being provided with practical tools and ideas to promote donation through the “Church Challenge” www.fleshandblood.org/ churchchallenge, with those taking part receiving personalised certificates signed by the Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, Lynda Hamlyn. Bishop John said, “Donating blood helps save the lives of our neighbours – it is literally a gift of life. That is why the Church is supporting the fleshandblood campaign which is responding to a real need in our communities. By raising awareness, encouraging discussion and providing ways to give, churches could play a significant role in transforming the lives of others through donation.” A survey, conducted by Christian Research on behalf of fleshandblood found that 10% of Christians have given blood in the last year compared to 4% of the general population who have given blood in the last two years. Sponsored by Give.net and in association with denominations, organisations and festivals including the Church in Wales, the Church of England, The Salvation Army, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, Baptist Union, Church of Ireland, Church of Scotland, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Hope and Evangelical Alliance, the fleshandblood campaign marks the first time the NHS has worked alongside the church on a national initiative of this kind. Every blood donation saves or improves the lives of up to three people. In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

4 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)