Move to Narberth administrative base described as “growth, not closure”

SANDY BEAR Children’s Bereavement Charity has announced it will relocate its administrative headquarters to Narberth in March 2026, as the organisation approaches its ninth year supporting children and young people across Wales.

Founded in Pembrokeshire, Sandy Bear originally supported around fifty children and young people each year. Today, the charity provides bereavement support to more than 1,000 children and young people annually across multiple regions of Wales.

The move from Milford Haven reflects the charity’s continued growth and its commitment to ensuring resources are used as effectively as possible, allowing greater investment in frontline bereavement services.

The new administrative base will be located at The Old School in Narberth, a community hub managed by PLANED, an organisation Sandy Bear already works closely with through its Carmarthenshire provision.

Lee Barnett, Chief Executive of Sandy Bear, said: “Our priority is, and always will be, the children and young people we support. This move is not about changing who we are, but about strengthening how we work. By using our resources more effectively, we can reach more families across Pembrokeshire and across Wales while staying focused on our core mission.”

The charity has confirmed the relocation will not affect service delivery across Pembrokeshire. Sandy Bear will continue meeting families and running peer support groups in community settings throughout the county and across Wales.

Welcoming Sandy Bear to The Old School, Iwan Thomas, Chief Executive of PLANED said: “When third sector organisations work more closely together, communities benefit. Shared spaces allow charities to collaborate more effectively, unlock new funding opportunities and ultimately increase the impact they can have both locally and nationally.”

Sandy Bear says the move represents a positive and sustainable step forward, ensuring the charity remains accessible, resilient and focused on its mission that no child, wherever they live in Wales, should grieve alone.

Fundraising stalwart has helped raise more than £1m for lifesaving charity

A TENBY volunteer who has dedicated three decades to saving lives at sea has marked her milestone anniversary with a celebration alongside the friends and colleagues who have supported her journey.

Doreen Mortimer MBE, long-time shop manager and fundraiser for the RNLI in Tenby, hosted a special gathering for fellow volunteers on Thursday (Feb 12) at Tudor Mount Gastrobar to celebrate both her 30 years of service and her recent royal honour.

Now in her 90s, Doreen remains a familiar and energetic presence in the town’s RNLI shop, where her tireless efforts have helped raise more than £1 million for the lifesaving charity.

She was one of six RNLI volunteers recognised by His Majesty The King as the organisation approached its 200th anniversary last year, receiving an MBE for her outstanding contribution to fundraising and community service.

Award-winning dedication

Doreen’s commitment has long been recognised within the charity.

In 2022 she received the RNLI’s Excellence in Volunteering Award from head of fundraising Jayne George, after the Tenby shop’s takings topped £100,000 within months of reopening following the Covid lockdowns.

Jayne George said at the time: “Although Doreen has a team of volunteers backing her up, she is the driving force that keeps sales rising, and whenever the fund-raising committee holds an event, she is there with her bucket.”

The following year she was honoured again for her long service, helping make Tenby the number one RNLI shop in Wales.

She was also recognised by RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie during his farewell tour of UK stations.

Still going strong

Despite her age, Doreen continues to volunteer for up to 50 hours a week during busy periods, supporting the shop, events and collections.

Friends say her energy and enthusiasm remain an inspiration to younger volunteers.

Thursday’s celebration was not only a thank-you for Doreen’s service, but also a chance to acknowledge the wider team whose efforts help keep the charity’s vital work afloat.

For Tenby’s lifeboat crews, every pound raised locally helps ensure they can launch at a moment’s notice — and for three decades, Doreen Mortimer has been at the heart of that mission.

A WEST WALES charity that delivers blood, medication and urgent medical supplies for the NHS has received a welcome funding boost thanks to the generosity of local driving examiners and instructors.

Blood Bikes Wales has thanked the West Wales Driving Examiners for raising money through a festive Christmas Jumper Day, with additional contributions from Approved Driving Instructors and staff from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

The fundraising effort has resulted in a sizeable donation that the charity says will go directly towards keeping its volunteer-run service on the road.

Blood Bikes Wales provides a free out-of-hours courier service for the NHS, transporting blood, samples, donor breast milk, medication and other urgent items between hospitals and healthcare sites. The service helps reduce costs for the health service while ensuring patients receive time-critical treatment as quickly as possible.

Mark, the charity’s West Area Representative, accepted the cheque on behalf of the organisation at a small presentation outside the local driving test centre.

A spokesperson for Blood Bikes Wales said the support would “go a long way in helping us continue supporting NHS services and patients across the region”.

They added: “We’re truly grateful for the generosity and community spirit shown by the West Wales Driving Examiners, local ADIs and DVSA staff. Every donation helps keep our bikes fuelled, maintained and ready to respond when the NHS calls.”

The group added a light-hearted note about the day, joking that while there may not have been an official “pass mark” for festive knitwear, the examiners would certainly have earned top marks.

Blood Bikes Wales is powered entirely by volunteers, who give up their time to carry out thousands of deliveries each year, often late at night and in poor weather conditions.

Anyone interested in supporting the charity, either through donations or volunteering, can find more information on the Blood Bikes Wales website.