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Sporting splendour across West Wales: A summer of athletic endeavours

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AS the warmer months beckon, West Wales prepares to play host to an array of sporting events that promise both the thrill of competition.

Spearheading the season is Activity Wales Events, renowned for organising some of the most picturesque and challenging athletic contests in the UK and beyond.

The season kicks off with the much-anticipated Mumbles Duathlon in Swansea.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gower Peninsula, this event offers flat and scenic routes that cater to both seasoned athletes and those new to the sporting world. The event sets the tone for a summer filled with physical challenges and natural beauty.

The sporting calendar is brimming with opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels.

On 11th May, the Mumbles Triathlon invites participants to the sheltered waters of Mumbles Bay, followed by a bike route through the Gower Peninsula, culminating in a flat, scenic run. This event boasts two distances, catering to both sprinters and those ready for a middle-distance challenge, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all competitors.

Adding to the aquatic excitement, the Swansea Swim on 25th May offers swimmers of various abilities the chance to navigate the safe and sheltered waters of the Prince of Wales Dock.

This event serves as a perfect precursor to the Swansea Triathlon on 26th May, which has quickly become a must-attend for triathletes seeking a sprint distance challenge in an iconic setting. Complementing the day’s activities, the Swansea 5k offers a fast, flat course along the picturesque bay, open to a wide age range of participants.

June heralds the Challenge Wales and Fishguard Triathlon on the 9th, showcasing Pembrokeshire’s unparalleled coastal beauty. These events are celebrated for their unique courses and welcoming atmosphere, appealing to a broad spectrum of the athletic community.

The crown jewel of Wales’ summer sporting events is undoubtedly the Long Course Weekend Wales, from 21st to 23rd June.

This festival of sport is unparalleled in Europe, drawing thousands of athletes and spectators from around the globe to the west coast of Wales.

Competitors can mix and match swimming, cycling, and running distances across three days, or brave the full long course for the coveted fourth medal.

The summer’s offerings continue with the Wales Swimrun on 13th July and the Saundersfoot Triathlon on 20th September, each presenting unique challenges and stunning settings that embody the spirit of Welsh sporting events.

Established in 2010, Activity Wales Events has carved a niche in delivering award-winning sporting events that not only challenge participants but also showcase the natural beauty of Wales and other locations worldwide. This summer’s lineup reaffirms their commitment to offering diverse and scenic sporting adventures, cementing Wales’ status as a premier destination for athletes from across the globe.

Community

Former Port Chair Dr Chris Martin Awarded OBE in New Year Honours

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DR CHRIS MARTIN, former Chair of the Port of Milford Haven and a proud Pembrokeshire native, has been awarded an OBE in The King’s New Year Honours list for his outstanding contribution to the maritime and ports sector.

Dr Martin’s leadership journey at the Port began in August 2017, following his appointment as Chair by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Prior to this, he had served as Vice Chair for four and a half years, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a successful entrepreneurial career.

Having built and sold pharmacy chains across South West England and Pembrokeshire, he transitioned into leadership roles across healthcare and advisory boards. Between 2009 and 2014, he was the lead Chair for all health organisations in Wales, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service.

During his tenure at the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin played a pivotal role in steering the organisation through a significant period of change and diversification.

His strategic vision ensured the Port maintained its position as the UK’s leading energy port and a cornerstone of Pembrokeshire’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting inward investment.

Beyond the Port, Dr Martin’s dedication to public service extended to a variety of leadership roles.

He served as Deputy Lieutenant, Chair of Life Sciences Hub Wales, Trustee of Marie Curie UK, Governor at Pembrokeshire College, Co-Chair of the Bevan Commission, and Vice Chair of St John Ambulance Cymru.

Each role reflects his deep commitment to improving the lives of people across Wales and beyond.

This recognition is a moment of immense pride for the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin, and his family.

Congratulations, Dr Chris Martin, on this well-deserved honour, and thank you for your tireless dedication and service.

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Health

Critical incident declared by Welsh Ambulance Service due to demand

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A “CRITICAL INCIDENT” was declared by the Welsh Ambulance Service on Monday (Dec 30) evening due to significantly increased demand and extensive handover delays.

The service, which covers more than three million people across Wales, reported over 340 calls waiting to be answered at the time the incident was declared.

More than half of the ambulance vehicles were stuck outside hospitals waiting to hand over patients, resulting in some people waiting “many hours” for an ambulance and delays in answering emergency calls.

Ambulances outside Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest (Image: Herald)

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, James Evans MS, said: “Another critical incident declared by the Welsh Ambulance Service with over 340 calls waiting, ambulances stuck outside hospitals, and patients waiting hours for care.

“This is not just a winter crisis, it is a symptom of long-term failures in Labour-run Wales. Patients and frontline workers deserve better.

“It’s time for real leadership to fix this problem once and for all.”

The public has been urged to call 999 only in the event of serious emergencies.

The Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust said it had implemented additional measures to ensure services could continue.

Stephen Sheldon, Head of Service, said: “It is very rare that we declare a critical incident, but with significant demand on our service and more than 90 ambulances waiting to hand over patients outside of hospital, our ability to help patients has been impacted.

“Regrettably, this means that some patients will wait longer for an ambulance to arrive and for their calls to be answered.

“For that, we are very sorry because this is not the level of service we want to provide.

“We understand that this is frustrating for patients, but can assure them that we are doing everything we can to relieve the pressure on our service.”

A critical incident is the highest alert level used by the NHS, allowing management to take immediate steps to create capacity.

Sheldon added: “The public can help by only calling 999 in the event of a life-threatening emergency – that’s a cardiac arrest, chest pain, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, choking, or catastrophic bleeding.

“If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, then it’s important you use one of the many alternatives to 999, starting with the symptom checkers on our NHS 111 Wales website, as well as your GP, pharmacist, and minor injuries unit.”

Earlier on Monday, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, which operates Walsall Manor Hospital, also declared a critical incident due to rising numbers of people needing urgent and emergency hospital care, predominantly for respiratory conditions.

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News

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Andrew Edwards resigns suddenly

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THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of PembroTHE CHIEF executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, Will Bramble, has released a statement announcing that Cllr Andrew Edwards has resigned for personal reasons. A notice of a casual vacancy will be published today (Dec 30).

The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted Cllr Edwards, who issued the following statement:

“Family matters have made my position as a county councillor untenable.

“I have therefore decided to resign from the council, as I feel unable to carry out my duties to the standard I would wish at this time.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff and fellow councillors who have supported me during my tenure.

“I wish the very best to my successor, who I am confident will serve the community with dedication.

“This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is in the best interests of those I represent.”

Edwards, a barber, has served on the council since May 2022.

In April 2023, the Conservative councillor referred himself to the Public Services Ombudsman following the emergence of a recording in which he appeared to make offensive remarks suggesting all white men should have a black slave. However, it was later suggested that the recording may have been artificially generated using AI to discredit him.

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