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National Park expands beach wheelchair scheme thanks to inspiring family fundraiser

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A NEW beach wheelchair has been added to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s mobility scheme — thanks to the remarkable fundraising efforts of a family honouring the memory of a much-loved mother.

The new wheelchair, now based at Manorbier, forms part of the Park Authority’s ongoing drive to improve access to the outdoors for people with limited mobility.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is renowned not just for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its commitment to inclusion. The Authority’s network of free-to-use beach wheelchairs has transformed visits to the coast for people who might otherwise struggle to enjoy the sand and sea — often giving them the chance to return to the beach for the first time in years.

The scheme relies heavily on the generosity of local supporters — from businesses and community groups to individual fundraisers — who host, maintain, and help fund the equipment.

One of the latest additions has been made in memory of Fiona Hutchinson, who passed away in June 2024 after living with a rare illness that required her to use a wheelchair for 20 years. Despite this, Fiona remained passionate about outdoor adventures with her family.

Her son, Stuart Hutchinson, said: “We have enjoyed fabulous family breaks over the years. Mum took a huge amount of pleasure in being able to access the beaches with all of us via the beach wheelchairs available at various locations.”

To celebrate her life, Fiona’s family spent the past year raising almost £4,000 to fund a new D-Bug beach wheelchair, purchased via the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust. The new equipment will be stationed at Manorbier, a village which has warmly welcomed the opportunity to host it and is eager to see more visitors benefit from improved beach access.

Stuart added: “Thanks to the generosity of my mum’s family and friends, many more people will be able to create precious seaside memories with their loved ones, just as we did.”

The Park Authority says the growing network of accessible equipment is making a real difference across Pembrokeshire’s beaches, helping more families to enjoy the coastline together.

Anyone wishing to support the project — through fundraising, hosting equipment, or volunteering — can contact Angela Robinson, Health and Wellbeing Officer, at [email protected].

For details of the free-to-use mobility equipment available throughout the National Park, visit
www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/beach-wheelchairs.

Further information about the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust can be found at
https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales/.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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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)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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Charity

Haverfordwest businesswomen launch 2026 charity calendar.

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Bold fundraiser aims to boost breast cancer support and celebrate local female entrepreneurs

HAVERFORDWEST Business Women have launched their 2026 charity calendar, with 100% of profits from every sale being donated to breast cancer charities.

The calendar, revealed this week, features a striking and humorous design promoting body positivity while celebrating the women who run and shape businesses across the town. Organisers say the project has a two-fold purpose: to raise vital funds for breast cancer research and to highlight the diverse and growing range of female-led enterprises operating in Haverfordwest.

Each purchase will help fund life-saving research and provide essential support to those affected by breast cancer — a cause many within the group say is deeply personal to them.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest Business Women said: “A huge thank you to all the fantastic ladies brave enough to ‘bare all’ for such an important charity. This project shows the strength, humour and solidarity of the incredible women involved.”

Calendars are available now from Victoria Book Shop and other local stockists in Haverfordwest, with all profits going directly to breast cancer charities.

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