Community

Family pays heartbreaking tribute to young boy who died suddenly

Published

6 months ago

October 31, 2025

The family of a much-loved 12-year-old boy from Carmarthenshire have paid an emotional tribute following his sudden death, just days after he reportedly said: “I think it’s my heart, mummy.”

Harrison Angell-Chapman, known affectionately as Harry, passed away on 6 May last year at the family home in Betws, near Ammanford, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His sudden death has left his family and the local community in profound shock.

A popular figure at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Harrison was remembered at his funeral with balloons and his favourite basketball, reflecting the joy he brought to those around him. Friends and teachers gathered at the Chapel of Rest at Bwtrimawr, Betws, to celebrate his life.

Harrison’s mother, Sarah Angell, said he had no known underlying health conditions and had never been seriously ill. “He had a severe viral infection in the weeks before, but he hadn’t otherwise been ill,” she recalled.

“The heart isn’t something you think about at that age, is it? We thought we’d be better safe than sorry and booked an appointment, but Harry said he’d improved, so we cancelled it. I was a GP’s receptionist myself and knew how precious appointments were.

“But on the Friday morning, he suddenly said: ‘I think it’s my heart, mummy.’ He wasn’t right that bank holiday weekend, but he wasn’t too bad either. He wasn’t playing his games as usual but was lying on the sofa with a hot water bottle on his shoulder. I remember he came with me to Tesco, and he seemed okay.

“He talked about going back to school on Tuesday after the bank holiday, but about half an hour before he collapsed, he said: ‘I don’t think I can.’ I said, ‘okay,’ and was making arrangements for him to stay with his gran the next day as I needed to go to work.

“He was upstairs in the bathroom and suddenly screamed: ‘Mummy, I’m dizzy.’ As I opened the door, he collapsed to the floor. His eyes had rolled and he wasn’t responsive. He did regain consciousness, but when we got him to the hospital, we realised how serious it was.”

At Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, Harrison was found to have an extremely high heart rate and blood pressure. While being prepared for surgery, he began coughing and suffered a cardiac arrest. CPR was administered for eight to nine minutes, reviving him temporarily, but he later experienced a second cardiac arrest and passed away at 9.53pm.

A post-mortem examination provided a provisional medical cause of death as myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle – alongside a respiratory tract infection, a rare combination for someone of his age.

“There was nothing they could have really done at that stage,” Sarah said. “They tried. They tried so hard. They kept me and his dad with him the whole time. They allowed me to be with him right until the end. They were amazing.

“When they were taking him into theatre, Harry kept pulling his oxygen mask down and saying to the doctors: ‘Thank you for helping me.’ That was the sort of boy he was. He was such a gentleman. We didn’t know he was dying at the time, and I really hope he didn’t either, but to have a 12-year-old boy thanking the medics like that just breaks my heart.”

Sarah praised the ongoing support from hospital staff, who continue to monitor her daughter’s heart health. “His sister has been unbelievable. She is so determined and resilient and hasn’t stopped revising for her GCSEs. She’s incredible,” she said.

Paying tribute to her son, Sarah said Harrison loved Pokémon, gaming, basketball, cherry blossom trees, and Christmas. She now has two cherry blossom trees in the garden as a remembrance area.

“The whole community has been really shocked by Harry’s loss. I think they’re also worried for their own children.

“Harry was the best. He was insecure in many ways, yet so popular. His friends made him the centre of attention. He was even prom king in Year Six, and he couldn’t believe it. His group of friends, which he had from nursery, are inseparable. They took their own money to buy a bunch of flowers and turned up at our doorstep. They’re a beautiful bunch of kids.

“Harry hadn’t been at secondary school very long, but he was already well-liked. His teachers, who hadn’t known him for long, signed the condolences book with such lovely messages. Many start by noting his infectious smile, which is absolutely right. He always wanted to make people smile.

“I know every mother thinks their child is special, but Harrison was truly wonderful. He had a lovely 12 years, but he should have had so much longer.”

Harrison’s inquest was opened in August and is expected to conclude next year. Sarah said the family hopes it will provide answers about how and why their son died. “Why did it happen? This doesn’t normally happen to children. It is so cruel. We still have no real understanding,” she said.

Community

Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood

Published

4 hours ago

May 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.

He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”

The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.

A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.

The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.

Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].

Caption:

Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Community

Tenby lifeboats called out five times in ‘exceptionally busy’ week

Published

16 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Volunteer RNLI crews dealt with reports of people cut off by the tide, a vessel with engine failure and a possible kitesurfer in difficulty

TENBY lifeboat crews have been called out five times in a week, dealing with a series of incidents around the south Pembrokeshire coast.

The latest launch came just before 5:30pm on Sunday (May 3), when the inshore lifeboat was sent to Monkstone Point following a report that people may have been cut off by the tide.

As the volunteer crew arrived on scene, it was confirmed that the people were fishing and did not require assistance. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

The call-out was the station’s fifth shout of the week.

On Friday (May 1), the all-weather lifeboat launched shortly after 10:00am after the occupants of a 21ft pleasure boat reported engine failure between Lydstep and Giltar.

The lifeboat arrived around ten minutes later and found the vessel at risk of drifting onto rocks. The crew decided the safest option was to tow it back to Saundersfoot.

With the tide out, the vessel was moored in the bay and those on board were taken ashore using the lifeboat’s Y-boat, where they were met by Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team. The lifeboat returned to station at 11:25am.

On Wednesday (Apr 29), the inshore lifeboat was launched shortly after 4:30pm after a report that a kitesurfer appeared to be in difficulty between Tenby and Caldey Island. The crew searched the reported area and extended the search towards Giltar Point, but no one in difficulty was found.

Earlier in the week, both Tenby lifeboats were launched at 6:15pm on Monday (Apr 27) after a report that two people may have been cut off by the tide at Gilman Point, near Pendine.

The all-weather lifeboat arrived first, with choppy conditions slowing the inshore lifeboat. Coastguard rescue team members on the cliffs above directed the crew to two people on rocks.

The Y-boat was launched and the pair confirmed they were in difficulty. They were taken aboard and brought ashore at Pendine, where Coastguards were waiting. The inshore lifeboat also collected the casualties’ bags before returning them ashore.

The busy week came as three Tenby RNLI volunteers — Eddie, Alice and Jack — successfully completed their ALB tier one pass-out on Sunday.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI congratulated the trio, saying: “Well done guys.”

Community

Whitland street food festival draws thousands for biggest event yet

Published

18 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Record crowds, live music and over 100 traders make bank holiday celebration a major success

THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Whitland on Sunday (May 3) as the Whitland Street Food Festival returned to Parc Dr Owen for what organisers described as its biggest and best event to date.

The annual festival, organised by Together Hendygwyn Gyda’n Gilydd CIC, brought together food traders, performers and community groups from across West Wales, with strong ticket sales suggesting attendance in the thousands.

Record scale and strong turnout

More than 30 street food vendors and over 80 market stalls filled the site, offering everything from Welsh produce and artisan goods to international cuisine, sweet treats and speciality drinks.

A large big-top tent provided covered seating for festivalgoers, while crowds gathered across the field to enjoy live music, entertainment and family attractions throughout the day.

Pre-event figures suggested over 1,300 tickets had already been sold, with some estimates rising closer to 1,800 — continuing the festival’s growth as a major regional attraction.

***Hit attraction: The Queen Hall’s famous cheese stall was at the event***

Music and entertainment headline the day

The event featured a full programme of live performances, culminating in a headline DJ set from BBC Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin.

Local acts also played a central role, with performances from 4th Street, The Western Shires, P’tcheaow, The Home Shores and Just Dylan. Community groups including Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Whitland & District Male Choir also took to the stage.

Visitors were entertained beyond the music, with live circus shows and interactive activities from Big Top Mania, alongside a popular hot wing challenge.

Family focus and community spirit

The festival placed a strong emphasis on being family-friendly, with a free bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and dedicated toddler area attracting younger visitors.

Across the site, a mix of families, groups and visitors from neighbouring counties created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with many staying into the evening as entertainment continued.

Pure West Radio broadcast live from the event, interviewing traders, performers and attendees, capturing what many described as a “buzzing” and “fantastic” day.

***The event had a carnival atmosphere (Pic: Pure West Radio)***

Supporting local business and causes

Organisers said the festival was designed to celebrate local food, businesses and community spirit, while supporting independent traders and raising funds or awareness for local causes.

Charity presence on the day included Wales Air Ambulance, which hosted an awareness stand alongside the commercial stalls.

Whitland, a small Carmarthenshire town, has seen the festival grow into a key annual event, drawing visitors from across West Wales and providing a boost to the local economy.

Looking ahead

With strong attendance, a packed programme and widespread community involvement, the 2026 festival is expected to build further momentum for future events.

Organisers are likely to review this year’s success as they look ahead to an even bigger return in 2027.