News

Sand artist died after joking that he ‘might have heart attack and drown’

Published

5 years ago

February 2, 2021

A SAND ARTIST who created giant works of art on beaches drowned whilst taking a morning swim, an inquest heard.

Experienced swimmer Marc Treanor, 57, of Dinas, Pembrokeshire, was on holiday near Tintagel, Cornwall, when he suffered problems during a morning swim. A dog walker found the father-of-two’s body washed up on the shore.

His partner Rachel Shiamh said Mr Treanor – who had been commissioned by the National Trust – had had chest pains, adding: ‘He even joked that perhaps he would have a heart attack and drown.’

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, Andrew Cox, acting senior coroner for Cornwall, said the cause was drowning and coronary artery disease.

Investigating officer DC Gary Page of Launceston CID said a member of the public found Mr Treanor’s body washed up on the shore in swimming trunks whilst walking his dog.

Marc spent the day before with his mother and step father, informing them before he went to bed of his intentions for a morning swim.

He worked as a caretaker in exchange for accommodation – and made money from his sand art which was commissioned by the National Trust and local schools.

The inquest heard that Mr Treanor was used to sea swimming, doing so regularly near his home in Pembrokeshire.

DC Page stated that Mr Treanor suffered “a possible medical episode during or after his swim” and had a small cut on his head consistent with contact with a rock.

Concluding the inquest, Mr Cox said: “Marc Treanor was found deceased on the beach at Trebarwith Strand on July 2 after going for a morning swim.

“He had previously complained to others about an intermittent chest pain and it is possible a medical episode precipitated his drowning.

“It was an intentional act with an unintended outcome.”

Mr Treanor gained a large following and was famed for his enormous artworks drawn painstakingly into sands at beaches – only to then see them washed away by the tide.

Marc travelled to beaches across Britain to use stretches of sandy shorelines as his enormous canvass.

He took commissions for drawing works to commemorate evens such as marriage proposals, birthdays and wedding anniversaries as well as making stunning creations of his own.

Marc had been actively making art even in lockdown creating a 100ft sand mural to celebrate Summer Solstice at Newport Sands in Pembrokeshire.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

6 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

6 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.