Community

Tributes paid to Blood Bike volunteer killed in Pembrokeshire crash

Published

5 months ago

July 4, 2025

Motorbike rider delivering NHS supplies dies in collision with van near Blaenffos

TRIBUTES have been paid to a volunteer Blood Bike rider who died while delivering urgent medical supplies in Pembrokeshire.

The fatal collision took place at around 6:25pm on Wednesday (July 2) on the A478 between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos. The red Honda motorcycle, operated by Blood Bikes Wales, was involved in a crash with a van.

The rider, a man in his seventies, died at the scene. His name has not yet been released, but his family are being supported by specially trained officers.

The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of tributes from blood bike organisations across the UK, who described the man as a “hero” who died in the course of voluntary service.

Bloodrun Emergency Voluntary Service said: “This tragic news is a stark reminder of the risks that blood bike and blood car volunteers across the UK take every day.”

Merseyside and Cheshire Blood Bikes wrote: “It’s a stark reminder that volunteers put their lives on the line daily to perform this vital service for the NHS. Thank you for your service.”

Midland Freewheelers Blood Bikes said they were “deeply saddened” and offered condolences to the man’s family, friends and the Blood Bikes Wales team.

Social media users also shared their sorrow, with comments including “RIP hero”, “Rest in peace blood angel” and “Died while helping others.”

Blood Bikes Wales is one of 36 volunteer-run organisations across the UK that transport blood, plasma, medication and other urgent items between hospitals on behalf of the NHS.

Dyfed-Powys Police have launched an appeal for dashcam footage from anyone who was travelling the A478 near the crash site between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos on Wednesday evening.

A police spokesperson confirmed that a 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The road remained closed overnight for investigation work and reopened at 6:45am on Thursday (July 3).

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police by calling 101.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)