SAUNDERSFOOT runners turned out in force on Sunday (Mar 2) to support the James Criddle Foundation, a Tenby-based food bank, in a successful event aimed at raising donations and awareness.

Now in its third year, the annual Food Bank Run saw runners and walkers take part in the well-attended event. Blessed with sunny weather, participants enjoyed a scenic route along the Heritage Trail to Pleasant Valley before returning to Wiseman’s Bridge Inn, which generously hosted the collection point in its beer garden.

The initiative was originally conceived by Sarah Don, who first organised the Food Bank Run at her club in Fareham, Hampshire. It was intended as a local effort to support food banks, but after seeing its impact, Sarah expanded the idea nationally and internationally in 2023, using social media to encourage running groups worldwide to get involved.

The James Criddle Foundation was founded in 2022 in memory of James Criddle, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident while living in Bali. His mother, Rachael, one of the foundation’s organisers, said: “James would willingly give his last to anyone in need and would be delighted with the Foundation and the ethos behind it. We love working with Saundersfoot Runners on the annual Food Bank Run – it’s such a friendly, happy occasion, even though the need for it remains a sad reflection of our times.”

The event was a great success, with participants donating food items and purchasing raffle tickets. The foundation also received £126 from Wiseman’s Bridge Inn, which organised a quiz night in support of the cause.

Those interested in next year’s event can find details on the Saundersfoot Runners Facebook page.

A MOVING VR360 recording of the Paul Sartori Community Choir singing Danny Boy at St. David’s Cathedral has reached a milestone of 7,500 views and over 100 watch hours.

The performance was part of the Light up a Life concert, an annual event held in memory of loved ones. Thanks to a collaborative project with health and community partners, the experience was filmed in virtual reality to bring the magic of the evening to those unable to attend in person due to physical or mental health conditions.

Shalom House kindly granted permission for the filming, ensuring that patients and carers could virtually take part in the special night. Organisers hope to reach even more people in Pembrokeshire who may benefit from this initiative.

To watch and share the performance, visit: YouTube link.

A WEST Wales mother’s poignant call for a permanent Pembrokeshire memorial – and sanctuary – in memory of her late daughter has been made to county planners.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council, Emma Thomas, of Ammanford, seeks permission for the extension of a forestry track to enable the planting of woodland along with a memorial pond to her late daughter Mia Haf Sahara Thomas Jones at a field off Brynheulog, near Llangolman.

A personal statement by Emma accompanying the application says: “My name is Emma Thomas, and I am setting up the Mia Sahara Sanctuary in memory of my beautiful daughter, Mia, who tragically and unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 16, on April 19, 2023.

“Mia was a very passionate young lady, and throughout her life enjoyed being in the natural environment absorbing everything it had to offer.

“As Mia’s mother, I must do something positive out of something so, so negative.

“As Mia was to inherit a property on her 18th birthday, as a family, we have decided to purchase land out of the proceeds from the sale.  The land is approximately 6.3 acres and lies on the western edge of Llangolman, Pembrokeshire.”

She adds: “My aim is to develop the land by placing a wildlife pond to provide a breeding space for frogs, toads, newts and dragonflies as well as a habitat for a host of other creatures from pond skaters to water snails.  The pond will be shallow at one end and will provide areas for birds and a watering hole for hedgehogs.”

Emma said produce grown in existing polytunnels “will be given and shared amongst local charities to support the local population and hopefully a local educational establishment with healthy eating seasonal produce”.

Emma went on to say: “I worked within education before Mia’s health deteriorated at numerous educational establishments internationally.  I have a learnt understanding of the issues faced by individuals that live within Pembrokeshire as a single parent caring for a child with needs.

“There is a need for support for so many individuals and a lack of funding and resources can have detrimental consequences.

“In December 2022 Mia and I decided to set up a charity and Mia wrote her introduction to the Forum in advance.”

Mia, in her own words, explained her reasons for the charity: “I have struggled throughout my life with various of different things…  At the age of just 16, I got an official diagnosis as being Autistic. But that is why we are here to help each other and to thrive with each other with that help/support!  I have also struggled with making/maintaining friendships and hopefully with setting up this forum I could make new friends!

“Also make changes for the better.  Use this charity for a network of people as a safety net to help and inform each other with information that you and others may need…”.

Emma concluded: “I envisage the Mia Sahara Sanctuary to be a place where nature will flourish with new life.  I will meet with representatives from the community and local groups to determine what produce would best support their service users with the aim of working collaboratively for the benefit of the local people.

“Mia is no longer here physically however my love for her fuels me to plan the Mia Sahara Sanctuary and to create something that will benefit future generations within Pembrokeshire, and I have the determination and passion, with your support, to make this a reality.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.