Charity
Dad celebrates his son’s first Christmas thanks to the Wales Air Ambulance
THERE will be an extra bit of festive sparkle in the Jones household this year as dad Richard and his partner Michaela celebrate their son Dougie’s first Christmas.
But this wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the Wales Air Ambulance. Without them Richard, 34, wouldn’t be here today, he wouldn’t have met his partner and his son wouldn’t have been born.
Richard is one of the Wales Air Ambulance’s survivors and, thankfully, he is here this Christmas to celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year” with his loved ones.
It could have been a lot different. The father-of-one had been travelling to work in his truck and had a road accident resulting in catastrophic injuries. The early and critical care he received from the Wales Air Ambulance crew undoubtedly saved his life.
Upon arrival, Dr Bob Tipping and Critical Care Practitioner Marc Allen spotted signs of internal bleeding. At the roadside they gave six units of blood products to help Richard’s significant blood loss, and due to the severity of his injuries, particularly his leg, they gave general anaesthetic and put him on a ventilator to control his breathing.
Richard, of Tenby, was transferred to the nearest specialist centre for limb injuries and was so ill the decision was made to amputate part of his right leg. Whilst recovering in Swansea’s Morriston Hospital he got to know a nurse, who is now mum to their beautiful eight month old baby boy and they are looking forward to spending their first Christmas as a family of three.

Richard said: “For me, my Christmas miracle is my life. My feelings towards Christmas have certainly changed since the accident. As much as you try not to, you do find yourself wondering ‘what if.’ I don’t take anything for granted like I used to. It will be an extra special occasion for me and my family this year and celebrating my son Dougie’s first Christmas.
“I look forward to spending time with my family and friends and enjoying lots of delicious food – especially pigs in blankets!”
Since his accident, Richard has had to learn a whole new way of living, including walking with a prosthetic limb. He admits he has good days and bad days and now puts more time aside for himself instead of rushing about as much as he did before the accident.
He said: “The whole team at Wales Air Ambulance have inspired and given me so much. I am giving back in my own way – I give peer support to others who have limb amputations, and I recently took part in a fishing competition raising funds for the Charity; fishing has been one of my lifelong hobbies.
“I’ve always heard stories about all the amazing things the Wales Air Ambulance do.
“However, I never really thought about the service before and never thought I’d end up needing their assistance. I was surprised to find out that, despite the amazing work they do, the Charity is solely funded by public donations. They operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, even on Christmas Day.
“Whilst I’m tucking into my Christmas Dinner and enjoying time with loved ones, I will be thinking of those who have given up their Christmas to save lives.”
If like Richard, you would like to support the Charity and help them save more lives this Christmas you can donate by visiting A Christmas Miracle | Welsh Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (walesairambulance.com)
Charity
Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride
Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity
A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled 75 miles across west Wales on Wednesday (May 6) in memory of colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The annual “Chief’s Tour of Pembs 2026” saw participants travel from Fishguard to Carmarthen while raising money for the charity Care of Police Survivors, commonly known as COPS.
The force said the event raised £2,690, with funds going towards support for the families of police officers who have died while serving their communities.

Along the route, cyclists stopped at several locations to meet relatives of fallen officers and take part in moments of reflection.
In a statement shared on social media, the force said the tour was held “in memory of all Dyfed-Powys Police officers who have lost their lives in service.”
The post added: “Those we’ve lost will always remain in our thoughts.”
COPS supports the families of officers who have died on duty by organising national and regional events, helping survivors build support networks and friendships with others who have experienced similar loss.
Dyfed-Powys Police thanked members of the public who supported the cyclists during the challenge.
“A huge thank you to our community for showing our Chief’s Tour cyclists support as they passed through Pembrokeshire,” the force said.






“Your cheers, waves and encouragement kept spirits high for those taking part.”
The 75-mile challenge took riders across parts of north and west Pembrokeshire before continuing east towards Carmarthenshire, combining physical endurance with remembrance and fundraising.
Police charities such as COPS often work quietly behind the scenes, supporting bereaved families long after national attention fades following the death of an officer.
Charity
Milford Haven Town Council Continues Support for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home
MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting local residents by awarding funding to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home following a successful application for financial assistance.
The £500 contribution will help support the ongoing delivery of vital day and night home nursing care for people receiving end-of-life care in the Milford Haven area.
The Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott, said: “It is a privilege for Milford Haven Town Council to continue supporting this important and vital service, which provides much-needed care and reassurance to residents in our community when it is needed most.
The work of Paul Sartori is incredibly important, and we thank them for all they do — not only for people in Milford Haven, but across the whole county.”
Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is a registered charity providing high-quality end-of-life care and a wide range of free services to individuals and families throughout Pembrokeshire. Through an open referral system, patients, carers, and family members can access specialist clinical care, emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance, with many services delivered directly in patients’ homes.
A cheque for £500 was presented by the Mayor of Milford Haven to Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.
Judith Williams said: “We are extremely grateful to Milford Haven Town Council and its councillors for their continued support. Donations such as this make a real difference locally, helping us provide compassionate, dignified care to people in Milford Haven at the end of life.
Support from town and community councils not only helps sustain essential nursing services, but also reflects the strong partnership between Paul Sartori and the communities we serve. We truly value this ongoing commitment.”
The Paul Sartori nursing team currently provides approximately 150 hours of care each month within the Milford Haven area. Funding from Milford Haven Town Council will directly support local residents, enabling them to remain at home and receive professional, compassionate care surrounded by loved ones.
Alongside day and night nursing care, the charity also offers equipment loans, complementary therapies, bereavement and counselling support, and future care planning services — all free of charge and designed to maintain dignity, comfort, and independence for patients and families.
Families across Pembrokeshire living with a life-limiting illness can benefit from Paul Sartori Hospice at Home services. However, as a charitable organisation, the service relies heavily on the generosity of local communities, supporters, and fundraising initiatives to continue delivering this essential care.
Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is encouraging town and community councils across Pembrokeshire to consider supporting the charity to help ensure high-quality end-of-life care remains accessible throughout the county.
Photo Caption:
Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, pictured with the Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott.
Charity
Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return
Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront
MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.
The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.
Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.
Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.
Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.
The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.
Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.
Community support
Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.
“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”
Ticket information
Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.
Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.
The event is strictly over-18s only.
Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.
-
News2 days agoBaby in critical condition after Fishguard emergency
-
News2 days agoFormer housing officer admits drink-driving in Pembrokeshire retail park
-
Crime2 days agoJob loss threat for convicted Pembrokeshire drug-driver
-
Crime2 days agoMilford motorist disqualified for drug-driving
-
Crime2 days agoPolice tip-off leads to driving ban for Milford motorist
-
Crime2 days agoDelivery driver caught twice over legal drink-drive limit
-
Crime10 hours agoRacial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge
-
Community1 day agoSixth-former firefighter balances schoolwork with saving lives








