Charity
Charitable donations fund ambulatory heart monitors for Withybush Hospital

THANKS to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda Health Board – has funded 10 ambulatory heart monitors worth over £13,000 for Withybush Hospital’s Cardio-Respiratory Department.
The monitors are compact devices which are used to assess a patient’s heart rate and rhythm for a sustained amount of time.
The state-of-the-art monitors will help the Cardio-Respiratory Department provide the best possible service, with accurate, efficient and timely arrhythmia recognition provided on site or at home.
Rhys Bowen, Advanced Cardiac Physiologist, said: “We are so grateful that charitable donations from the local community have enabled us to buy the new monitors.
“The monitors are more adaptable to each patient’s presenting symptoms which will enhance the quality of the data gathered.
“They are more patient-friendly and easier to wear for the duration of the test, so there will be less need for repeat monitoring. They will also support quicker in-patient discharge due to an increase in the number of available monitors and the fact they can be worn by the patient at home and provide remote monitoring.”
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, visit here.
Charity
Fishing competition aims to raise £2,000 for lifeboat crews

A FISHING competition in Pembrokeshire hopes to net £2,000 to support lifeboat crews in Angle and Tenby.
The Angle and Tenby Lifeboat Fishing Competition is set to take place on Amroth Beach on Sunday, February 16, with all proceeds going to the RNLI teams that provide lifesaving services along the county’s coastline.
Former Pembroke Dock mayor Peter Kraus is leading the fundraising effort and is appealing for sponsors and raffle prize donations to help reach the target.
Mr Kraus said: “We are hoping to raise £1,000 for each of the lifeboat stations. With your help, that can be possible.
“I need kind sponsors willing to give £50, and I also need nice raffle prizes. This is such a good cause and a vital lifesaving service.”
Anyone wishing to support the event can contact Peter Kraus via email at [email protected] or call 07900 324287.
Charity
Princess of Wales becomes patron of Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice

THE PRINCESS OF WALES has been announced as the new Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, Wales’ first children’s hospice.
Tŷ Hafan, which translates to “Haven House” in English, provides free care and support for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, both within the hospice and in homes and communities across Wales. The charity offers essential assistance throughout a child’s life, including end-of-life care and bereavement support.
The Princess marked the announcement with a visit to Tŷ Hafan’s hospice in Sully, near Cardiff, where she met children, families, and staff.
A vital lifeline
At the heart of Tŷ Hafan’s work is a commitment to holistic care, addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the children and their families. The hospice fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring families do not feel alone in their experiences.
Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan, said: “We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become Patron of Tŷ Hafan, and it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our hospice for the first time today.
“As our Patron, Her Royal Highness will be an inspiration for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and everyone who so generously supports us.
“No parent ever imagines that their child’s life will be short. Sadly, this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can’t stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child’s short life alone.”
A longstanding commitment
The wellbeing of children and their families has long been a key focus for the Princess. One of her first patronages after joining the Royal Family was EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices), a role she continues to hold today. She now looks forward to developing a similar relationship with Tŷ Hafan and the families it supports in Wales.
Charity
Neyland Judo Club honours Barry Jones with 1st Dan award

NEYLAND Judo Club has celebrated one of its most dedicated members, Barry Jones, by awarding him his 1st Dan black belt in a surprise presentation on 30 January 2025.

Barry, known for his unwavering commitment to the club, is described as a “gentle giant” with an exceptional technical ability and a passion for judo that inspires those around him. His groundwork skills have earned him a reputation as a formidable judoka.

Club coach Damon praised Barry’s dedication, saying: “Barry is the epitome of a modern judoka. He is relentless, hungry to improve, and thirsty for knowledge. Whilst he continually gives his maximum effort in everything that he does, he can also be relied upon to help anyone around him, supporting the juniors and beginners and always wearing a smile. Barry’s courage and spirit make him a role model to everyone around him, and as a club, we are very proud to have him as a member.”


The award comes at a poignant time, as Barry was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a progressive condition affecting the nervous system. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains determined to fight every step of the way, embodying the very spirit of judo.
The club expressed gratitude to all who attended and helped organise the surprise event, as well as to Rubies Photography for capturing the occasion.
Barry is currently fundraising for treatments and equipment to support himself and his family. Donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/8692f46f.
For more information on MND, visit: https://www.mndassociation.org
-
Crime1 day ago
Pembrokeshire police officer accused of making sexual comments to women
-
Crime6 days ago
Milford man escapes jail for sexual offences against three young girls
-
Crime5 days ago
Man arrested in Pembrokeshire for attempted online grooming of young girl
-
Education5 days ago
Police warning as explicit video of Pembrokeshire schoolgirl shared among pupils
-
News3 days ago
Partial lockdown at Pembrokeshire Learning Centre Neyland now lifted
-
Crime3 days ago
Girl, 14, guilty of attempted murder in school stabbing
-
Community5 days ago
Saundersfoot café owner loses home in devastating fire
-
Business4 days ago
Authentic Turkish flavours come to Haverfordwest with exciting café opening