Case highlighted by The Herald prompts political intervention and treatment breakthrough

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who endured more than two years of severe dental pain has finally received the urgent treatment he needed following a campaign involving family appeals, community support, media coverage and political intervention.

The Herald previously reported in December on the case of Robert Probert, aged 51, who is severely disabled, non-verbal and relies entirely on his 80-year-old mother for care. At the time, his brother Alfie said Robert was “wasting away in agony” after being unable to access specialist dental treatment.

The case first gained attention after an emotional social media appeal from the family was widely shared across Pembrokeshire, prompting strong public reaction and calls for urgent action.

Following that publicity, local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz became involved, with his office contacting the family and raising concerns with the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board. He also referenced the case during proceedings in the Senedd while pressing ministers on access to dental care.

Robert has now undergone treatment at the Day Surgery Unit at Bridgend Hospital and is recovering safely.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “This is a welcome and much-needed outcome. While we are relieved that Robert has now received the care he urgently needed, this case highlights the challenges vulnerable adults face in accessing essential healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Pembrokeshire. No one should be left in pain for years.”

The case has renewed concerns about waiting times for specialist dental services in west Wales, particularly for patients with complex needs who often require hospital-based treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic.

It remains unclear whether Robert’s treatment had already been scheduled prior to political intervention, but the family say they are relieved that he has now received the care he urgently needed.

A PEMBROKESHIRE athlete is due to complete a gruelling triathlon on behalf of Hywel Dda Health Charities, for a cause he’s “honoured” to support.

Mathew Terry is taking on this year’s Long Course Weekend Wales to raise money for Cancer Services, Ceredigion, in memory of his best friend Rhian Mason.

Rhian sadly died at the age of 42 from cancer, but received “wonderful care” from the team at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth early on in her diagnosis.

Mathew will be competing in a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile cycle ride and then a marathon, in Rhian’s name.

He said: “Rhi received exceptional care from the Cancer Services Department at Bronglais Hospital. The compassion, professionalism, and support they provide to patients and families at the most difficult times is truly inspiring.

“They helped Rhi navigate the early stages of her cancer with kindness, professionalism and superb care.”

He added: “It’s a real privilege to take on Long Course Weekend in her memory, and to raise funds to help ensure this incredible team can continue supporting others when they need it most.”

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager for Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We’re so grateful for Mathew’s support. It’s a real privilege that he’s chosen to compete on behalf of our charity and the important work that Cancer Services do.

“The generous charitable donations we receive don’t replace NHS funding. Instead, they are used to provide items and activities above and beyond core NHS expenditure, such as more welcoming surroundings for patients, families and staff, and research into, and the development of, treatments.”

Long Course Weekend Wales is happening on 26^th-28^th June 2026.

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to https://hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales/

A WALES AIR AMBULANCE charity shop in Tenby will be welcoming supporters this weekend as part of a national fundraising campaign marking the service’s 25th anniversary.

The shop, located on Upper Frog Street, will host a Coffee and Cake event on Saturday (Feb 28) from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, inviting members of the public to drop in, enjoy refreshments, and make a donation towards the lifesaving charity.

The event forms part of the charity’s wider ‘Coffee and Cake’ fundraiser, which runs across March and April and encourages supporters to organise their own gatherings to raise funds.

Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise around £13 million every year to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles operating across the country.

Laura Coyne, Fundraising Operations Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It’s the charity’s 25th birthday on St David’s Day, and our shop in Tenby will mark the occasion by hosting its own Coffee and Cake event.

“Everyone is welcome and we’d be delighted if you joined us for some nice treats — you’ll be making a lifesaving difference and that really is the icing on the cake.”

Supporters are also being encouraged to host their own coffee mornings, afternoon teas or bake sales in their communities during the anniversary celebrations.

Laura added: “Many of us love a catch-up with a slice of cake, and whether you’re part of a community group, school, business or simply an individual, we would love to support you in holding your own event.

“It doesn’t matter if you bake or buy your cakes — the funds you raise will help support our lifesaving charity. It’s the perfect opportunity to get together with friends, family or colleagues while making a real difference.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-level treatment directly to patients at the scene of serious incidents and, when necessary, transfers them straight to the most appropriate hospital. This can save critical time and significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes.

The service operates through a partnership between the charity and the NHS Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), with highly skilled consultants and critical care practitioners working on board its aircraft and vehicles.

Its crews travel across the whole of Wales, delivering advanced treatments including anaesthesia, blood transfusions, and emergency procedures wherever they are needed.