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Pembrokeshire Paralympian Jodie jokes about her waters breaking ‘on podium’

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Jodie Grinham, a Paralympic archer from Pembrokeshire, is preparing to compete for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, despite being seven months pregnant. Originally from Haverfordwest but now living in Crawley, Grinham will take to the field on Sunday, 1 September, at Esplanade des Invalides for the individual archery event.

Born with brachydactyly, which left her with a shortened left arm and only a half-thumb, Grinham faced early challenges. Doctors doubted she could ever participate in archery, but Grinham and her father refused to give up. After trying various methods, they found a specially designed bow grip that fit her hand, enabling her to pursue the sport she loves.

This marks Grinham’s second Paralympic appearance. She previously won a silver medal with John Stubbs in the Mixed Team Compound Open at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games.

Grinham’s determination to compete in Paris comes after overcoming significant challenges, including three miscarriages. Her son, Christian, was born prematurely at 28 weeks and spent his first 10 days in an incubator with severe jaundice. Reflecting on that time, Grinham said, ““I didn’t really get to hold him for the first 10 days, he was under a little light in this little box, which was heartbreaking.”

Although doctors have raised concerns that the added weight of the baby could cause complications or even premature labor, Grinham is steadfast in her decision to compete. “We decided we weren’t going to let a Games stop us from extending our family,” she told The Athletic. “We didn’t know if we would ever conceive again. Getting pregnant is not as easy as people think.”

Despite the risks, Grinham is determined to balance her career and family life. “My team have joked a few times that my waters could just break on the podium. That would be quite something,” she said. “I was aware I might not even get to these Games if I had the same problems as my last pregnancy but I’ve decided I want a family and a career, I want to be able to do both.”

I’m sure, like us at the Pembrokeshire Herald, the people of Pembrokeshire will be watching with immense pride as we cheer Jodie on this Sunday.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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