Sport

Wales to become first ‘Marmot Nation’ in drive to tackle health inequality

Published

6 months ago

June 16, 2025

Pioneering move builds on Torfaen success and Future Generations Act

WALES is set to become the world’s first official “Marmot Nation” as part of a bold new approach to tackling health inequalities, the Welsh Government has announced.

The initiative will see Wales adopt the eight Marmot Principles developed by renowned public health expert Professor Sir Michael Marmot. These principles aim to reduce the unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes that are influenced by social and economic factors—such as housing, employment, and access to services.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, confirmed the government will work closely with the Institute of Health Equity (IHE), led by Sir Michael, to embed health equity into policy-making across all government departments.

The move follows a successful pilot in Torfaen and the wider Gwent area, which became the first Marmot Region in Wales. Under the national plan, multiple communities across the country will now work to apply the same approach.

“This is a major step forward,” said Jeremy Miles. “We are placing health equity at the heart of government decision-making. By learning from the positive changes in Torfaen, we aim to support better health outcomes for people across Wales.”

The Marmot Principles focus on upstream action to address the social determinants of health. These include giving every child the best start in life, promoting fair employment and decent living standards, tackling discrimination, and supporting sustainable communities.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, will formally announce the commitment at the Canada-UK Council’s launch of the Fairer Society, Healthier Lives report in Cardiff on Monday (June 16).

“Becoming a Marmot Nation is about acknowledging that health is shaped by the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age,” she said. “By adopting these eight principles nationally, we are taking cross-government action to reduce inequalities and improve wellbeing for all.”

Sir Michael Marmot welcomed the announcement, saying: “Healthcare matters, but social circumstances matter more. Health equity must be a priority for all of government—not just the NHS. Wales is leading the way.”

The plan builds on Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act, which marked its tenth anniversary this year. The Act legally requires public bodies to consider long-term impacts and promote well-being in decision-making.

Professor Nicolas Maclean, UK Co-Chair of the Canada-UK Council, also praised the initiative: “This announcement sends a powerful message globally. Wales is setting an example for how governments can work to overcome unequal health outcomes.”

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40

If you’d like, I can also turn this into a shorter snippet for the website or expand with quotes, season context, or upcoming fixtures.

Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

15 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee
U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips
U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton
U10s: Rhys Davies
U10s Eagles: Frankie Campbell
U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards
U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler
U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis
U15s: Logan Keane
U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.