Charity

Cycling enthusiasts complete mammoth challenge on tandem bike

Published

8 months ago

May 23, 2024

AGAINST all odds two cycling enthusiasts from Pembrokeshire have completed a mammoth challenge on a tandem called ‘Jean’ in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

Lee Berridge and John Mumberson, even slept in ditches as they took part in the nearly 300-mile, two-and-a-half-day event which starts and ends in Plymouth.

The pair wanted to “put money into a charity that has helped several people” they know who have been “airlifted out”.

The bike ride was no easy feat both were recovering from accidents themselves when they signed up.

49-year-old Lee had to have back surgery after a horrendous fall whilst on a work training programme. Whilst John injured his wrist and broke facial bones after falling in his garden.

Lee said: “I was learning new rigging techniques to do my summer job because I try and do festivals and different circus events that are on then.

“A piece of equipment came undone or failed. Nobody is sure what happened, but I fell six and a half metres, straight to the floor and shattered three vertebrae.

“I wasn’t airlifted out, but I was blue lighted to the nearest hospital that could do the best operation that I needed.”

He added: “I have also had several motorbike friends that have all been airlifted off site. Some recovered, some did not.

“A friend’s brother had a car accident a few weeks ago. He was airlifted out but sadly died the next day.

“His sister did a sponsored run, and it was that, that inspired and prompted me to want to fundraise for the charity.”

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

It is delivered via a unique Third sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

Lee says the air ambulance does “incredible work” and he wanted to say thank you by fundraising.

He said: “I have done lots of long-distance events, but only for myself. I have never done it to raise money for anything else.”

A biking enthusiast, whilst Lee was recovering from his injuries a friend of his asked him if he wanted to buy a tandem. That is when he was introduced to ‘Jean.’

He said: “I have two tandems already. I do not actually ride any of them, but this one came up I just thought I’ll buy it, do it up and sell it to make money, while I’m not actually working,

“But it transpired that I’d actually cycled with the original owners that got the bicycle made – so I bought it.”

Back in 2023, Lee and John had planned to do the Trans Dorset race but because of their accidents they had to put their fundraising on hold. When entry for the Trans Devon opened, they signed up.

Lee said: “We decided that we would do it on a tandem and we were the only tandem in the race. Everybody else who was on solo bikes was carrying as little amount of stuff as possible.

“But me and John, we just took all our own camping equipment and we literally slept on car parks in the front porch of a church and went over some of the most scrawling hills.”

So, far the pair have raised just over £1,000 and they are already planning more fundraising events.

Lee said: “The air ambulance is amazing it has helped so many people. It really should not take a charity to do what it does.

“It should not have to be raising its own money to run a lifesaving service.

“That is why I want to do as much as I can to help, and we are already planning two more rides this year.”

Wales Air Ambulance’s Head of Fundraising Mark Stevens said: “We are hugely grateful that Lee and John took on the Trans Devon in aid of our charity. They navigated some challenges, sleeping under the stars, covering unfamiliar terrain and on a tandem too!

“We need to raise £11.2 million each year to keep our helicopters in the sky and rapid response vehicles on the road.

“By helping us hit that target we are able to help thousands of people each year who are critically ill or injured thanks to the kindness of our supporters.”

Charity

Child of Wales Awards unveils headline sponsor and opens nominations

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ON the heels of a hugely successful event in Swansea in 2024, the Child of Wales Awards has announced its new headline sponsor and the official opening of nominations for its 2025 event, set for January 25, 2025.

Pembrokeshire-based Ascona Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing forecourt operators, has entered into a year-long partnership with the awards. This partnership culminates in the annual ceremony that celebrates the achievements and resilience of Wales’ young people while raising funds for children’s charities across the nation.

A community-focused partnership
With a network of 62 sites across the UK, Ascona Group serves more than 300,000 customers weekly and employs over 850 people. Recognized as one of the top 10 independent forecourt operators in the UK, the company has a strong commitment to supporting local communities.

Darren Briggs, CEO and Founder of Ascona Group, said: “We are thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the 2025 Child of Wales Awards. It’s a privilege to support an event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of young individuals and their families across Wales. The awards shine a light on inspirational stories of courage and determination, and we are proud to play a part in recognizing these incredible children. At Ascona Group, our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and supporting the Child of Wales Awards is a huge honor.”

Recognising extraordinary achievements
Now in its fourth year, the Child of Wales Awards will once again honor the remarkable accomplishments of young people across the nation. The event promises to be an emotional and inspirational evening, attracting media personalities, celebrities, sports stars, and entertainers to the Swansea Arena.

The awards feature 11 categories celebrating personal courage, sporting and creative achievements, environmental activism, community service, and fundraising efforts. Nominations are open to children under 18 based in Wales, and submissions are free. Eligible nominees include those who have overcome illnesses, disabilities, bullying, or discrimination, or who have excelled in sports or the arts despite significant challenges.

How to get involved
Nominations can be submitted via the Child of Wales Awards website, where full details of the categories are available. A panel of judges, comprising representatives from award sponsors, celebrities, and independent advisors, will have the tough task of selecting the winners.

Businesses across Wales continue to lend their support to the awards. Alongside Ascona Group, other sponsors include Blue Tiger Marketing, Mrs Bucket, Swansea Building Society, Trade Centre Wales, Gower College, Castell Howell, Princes Gate, Westacres, and Team Wales. Opportunities remain for businesses to sponsor categories, purchase tables, or donate auction prizes to support the event.

Founder Blanche Sainsbury expressed her excitement about the 2025 awards, saying:
“After the success of the 2024 event, we are thrilled to partner with Ascona Group and open nominations for the Child of Wales Awards 2025. These awards highlight an extraordinary group of young people who inspire those around them with their courage and determination. We’re excited to return to Swansea Arena and look forward to announcing the incredible performers who will join us in celebrating these young stars. We invite businesses to get involved and join us in honoring the real heroes of Wales – these amazing children.”

To sponsor the event, book a table, or donate an auction prize, contact Blanche Sainsbury at [email protected].

The Child of Wales Awards 2025 promises to be a night to remember, celebrating the resilience, determination, and compassion of Wales’ most inspiring young people.

Charity

Women take on Three Peaks Challenge to support mental health services

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TEN inspirational women are set to tackle the iconic National Three Peaks Challenge on June 7, 2025, to raise vital funds for PATH – Pembrokeshire Action for the Homeless.

Motivated by the support they received through free counselling provided by Pathway Counselling, these women are embarking on this ambitious challenge to help fund mental health services offered by the charity.

The gruelling challenge, organised by Lucy Brazier with the support of Aspire Fitness and Charlotte Neill, will see the group climb the three highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,345m), Scafell Pike in England (978m), and Snowdon in Wales (1,085m) – all within a 24-hour timeframe. In total, the event involves 23 miles of walking and 450 miles of driving between the mountains.

Lucy Brazier, the organiser, expressed the group’s determination to succeed in this challenge, stating: “We are doing this to give back to the services that helped us through difficult times. Mental health support is crucial, and we hope our efforts will make a difference to others who need help.”

The challenge is not just a test of physical endurance but also a significant fundraising effort. Donations can be made through the group’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/nationalthreepeaks.

PATH has been instrumental in supporting individuals struggling with homelessness and mental health issues across Pembrokeshire. The funds raised will ensure the continuation of essential services that positively impact lives.

The team is calling on the community to rally behind them and support their mission. Every donation, no matter how small, will help them reach their goal and make a difference.

For more updates on the challenge and to show your support, visit the JustGiving page and follow PATH’s social media channels.

Charity

Two shouts and nine hours at sea for Angle RNLI

Published

6 days ago

January 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ANGLE All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch at 9:15pm on Wednesday night, 15th of January to assist a 25 meter commercial landing craft with 8 persons onboard taking water in St Brides Bay. The vessel was under tow from a tug following a grounding and salvage operation.

St David’s All-Weather Lifeboat were on scene with their salvage pump having already been transferred onboard, and Little Haven Inshore Lifeboat had also attended during the evening.

Angle Lifeboat made best speed to the area and arrived on scene 30 minutes later and soon had their salvage pump transferred onto the casualty vessel to assist with keeping the water ingress at bay.

Both lifeboats began to escort the tow but whilst west of Skomer Island, however a change of plan, and in light of the vessel still taking water a plan was made to alter course and proceed to Broad Haven Beach with a view to beach the vessel to prevent it sinking.

The lifeboats then spent the next few hours escorting the tow and providing safety cover. Upon arrival off Broad Haven, and with the tidal state not right to beach the vessel the lifeboats stood by whilst pumping efforts continued.

At 3:15am, with the situation now improving, St David’s Lifeboat was released and returned fo station. Not long after at 4am, with the water ingress now under control, Angle Lifeboat was subsequently stood down after the master confirmed he was content with the vessels condition.

Just over 3 hours before, at 5:30pm the crew were paged to assist a 10 meter pleasure vessel that had suffered electrical failure off the VPOT oil terminal on the Milford Haven waterway.

As the crew were already at station preparing to launch on exercise, the crew were soon underway and with the casualty vessel not long after.