News

Rhod Gilbert supports Welsh NHS Charity Christmas Campaign

Published

5 years ago

December 16, 2020

CARMARTHEN born comedian Rhod Gilbert has pledged his support to a West Wales NHS charity’s Give a Gift Appeal, with a video message inspiring the public to think of others this Christmas.

Hywel Dda Health Charities is the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board. It aims to make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The charity’s Christmas Give a Gift Appeal for 2020 focuses on supporting adult mental health patients by providing a range of creative and wellbeing resources above and beyond those which the NHS delivers. The Give a Gift Appeal allows local communities to purchase a gift from a selection of items which have been carefully chosen by NHS occupational therapists to benefit adults who are helped at home, in hospital and in the community.

Members of Hywel Dda UHB mental Health team supporting the Give a Gift appeal

Rhod, 52, said: “This has been such a tough year for so many people, so I’m proud to be supporting Hywel Dda Health Charities’ fundraising campaign trying to raise money to improve Christmas for NHS mental health patients across Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire.

“I would encourage everyone who can, to please donate and support this very worthwhile cause.”

Fundraising Manager Tara Nickerson said, “Christmas can be hard for patients even in an ordinary year; but with everything that we’ve all had to cope with, 2020 has brought new pressures for NHS staff and patients alike.

“NHS Occupational Therapists have worked with our charity to create a wishlist of items including paints, pamper products and cookery books, which the public can purchase to bring some festive cheer to the patients they are caring for this holiday season.”

Rhod added, “The wishlist the charity has come up with will spread some much needed happiness for a group of people who could really do with it this Christmas. So, for those who can consider buying an extra present this year, it would be a wonderful gesture of kindness to take part in the Give a Gift scheme.”

For the Give a Gift wishlist and information on how to support Hywel Dda Health Charities go to: www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Rhod’s message of support for Hywel Dda Health Charities’ Christmas fundraising campaign is at: https://www.facebook.com/388540777976772/videos/132028388563653

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.