Community

Charred Remains: Damien and Hannah speak to The Herald about the fire that destroyed everything.

Published

13 years ago

October 21, 2013

Exclusive Report by Herald Photojournalist Mark Griffiths
Standing on the back garden of Damien and Hannah’s house is a stark reminder of what this family have had to endure when their beloved home was completely gutted by a furious accidental fire.
All of their personal possessions salvaged from the aftermath lay strewn on the back lawn each with varying degrees of fire damage.
Damien showed The Herald the remains of his personal computer and his IPhone.
“I had pictures and videos of my children on here since they were born, all of these fond memories captured have been completely destroyed and eradicated” said Damien in a crocked voice while trying his best to maintain composure.
They lead me through the house room by room and the internal damage is devastating, back soot has caked the walls and celling and the stench of smouldering materials is nauseating, Hannah said whilst comforting Damien:
“The house is completely unrecognisable to us now. It’s just so upsetting to see it like this”
Unfortunately for the couple, they didn’t take out house and contents insurance to cover their possessions in the event of this sort of incident:
“We never thought that something like this could happen to us. You see house fires on the news but we have always taken extra precautions to prevent something like this happening” said Damien who is still unsure how the fire started.
“One thing that we can all be grateful for is the fact that Hannah, the kids and I all escaped unhurt” he added.
What Damien and Hannah plan to do now is to slowly rebuild their home piece by piece with the help of donations.
“We can’t thank those that have helped us enough, It all goes a long way in the tedious process of restoring our beloved home to it’s former state” Damien told The Herald.
The couple stressed that this will not be possible without the continued help and support of further donations, this can only be achieved with the help of local businesses and the general public reaching deep into their pockets and giving whatever they can to this kind and caring family.

Community

Family pay tribute to teenager who died during Duke of Edinburgh expedition

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of an 18-year-old man who died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition have paid tribute to a “loving” young man who will be “dearly missed”.

Umar Dumbuya, from London, died in Glasbury, Powys, on Tuesday, June 30.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued a photograph of Umar and a tribute from his family following the tragedy.

His family said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and grandson. There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family.

“Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

“Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym, and being with friends and family.

“We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Community

Hywel Dda reaffirms commitment to Armed Forces community

Published

5 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant was signed at the Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026 event, held at Pembrey Country Park on Saturday, June 27.

It was signed on behalf of the health board by Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board Member Michael Imperato, alongside Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly. It supports serving personnel, veterans, service leavers and their families, with a veteran defined as anyone who has served for at least one day.

By re-signing the covenant, Hywel Dda says it is continuing its role as an Armed Forces friendly employer and healthcare provider across west Wales.

This includes supporting the recruitment and employment of veterans, recognising military skills, providing additional support for reservists, offering flexible working for service families, working with partner organisations, supporting cadet groups and Armed Forces charities, and improving access to healthcare for veterans.

Anyone currently serving, or who has previously served in the Armed Forces, can find out more about the support available through Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Armed Forces Covenant pages.

Staff who are part of the Armed Forces community can also access support through the health board’s Armed Forces Staff Network by contacting [email protected].

Community

British Empire Medal ceremony held at County Hall

Published

5 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN INSPIRATIONAL Pembrokeshire woman has been presented with the British Empire Medal at a special ceremony at County Hall.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, presented the BEM to Mrs Lynne McCutcheon during the ceremony, which was held in the Council Chamber on June 22.

Mrs McCutcheon received the honour for services to disadvantaged children in Nepal and India.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. It recognises sustained local contribution, or innovative and high-impact work within a community.

Mrs McCutcheon was honoured in recognition of her 22 years as funding trustee and chairman of New Futures Nepal, through which she has helped transform the lives of disadvantaged children, many of them living with disabilities.

Her voluntary leadership has supported care, education and opportunities for vulnerable young people, helping to create lasting change and improve thousands of lives.

Mrs McCutcheon said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but it really reflects the efforts of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go to fellow trustees, partner charities in Nepal and India, and all the donors, volunteers, friends and family whose support has made our work possible.

“I accept this recognition on behalf of everyone who has trusted us to change lives and bring hope to those most in need in Nepal.”

Mrs McCutcheon was joined at the ceremony by family and friends, along with Council Chairman Cllr Delme Harries.

Miss Edwards said: “It was both an enormous privilege and a huge pleasure to present Pembrokeshire resident Mrs Lynne McCutcheon with her British Empire Medal for her many years of commitment to helping disadvantaged children and young people in Nepal.

“Her dedication to supporting and improving the lives of these young people, ensuring that they all have better futures in Nepal, is truly inspirational. I warmly congratulate her on her very deserved honour.”