News
Ocean rowers launch gruelling Irish Sea leg in £57m fight against MND
A TEAM of ocean rowers has today (Saturday, March 7) set off on the next leg of an extraordinary endurance challenge to raise £57 million for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and treatment.
The ROW4MND team, made up of four experienced endurance athletes, began the demanding second stage of their mission from Dale in Pembrokeshire. Over the next ten days, they are expected to row continuously across the Irish Sea towards the Western Isles of Scotland, battling cold temperatures, darkness and unpredictable conditions.
The campaign builds on last year’s successful challenge, during which the team raised more than £140,000 while rowing around 1,000 miles of UK coastline. The latest leg forms part of a four-year campaign which aims to raise £57 million for MND research and treatment by 2028.
Funds raised will support My Name’s Doddie Foundation, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity.
The 2025 challenge unexpectedly drew national attention when the crew were mistakenly identified as “illegal migrants” by MP Rupert Lowe while rowing past Norfolk. The incident quickly became one of the year’s most talked-about news stories, but the team turned the publicity into momentum for their cause — even receiving a £1,000 donation from the MP afterwards.
This year’s rowing team consists of Mike Bates, Matt Parker, Aaron Kneebone and Gareth Timmins. The campaign’s £57 million fundraising target is symbolic, inspired by the shirt numbers worn by rugby legends Doddie Weir (5) and Rob Burrow (7), both of whom died after battling MND.
The crew includes some of the world’s most experienced endurance rowers. Joining the team this year is Gareth Timmins, a former Royal Marines Commando who is now a bestselling author, behavioural and cognitive performance strategist, and researcher.
He rows alongside campaign co-founders Mike Bates, a solo Atlantic rower and former Royal Marines Commando, and Matt Parker, chief executive of cyber security firm Xypher and a purpose-driven entrepreneur who has completed numerous endurance challenges. Aaron Kneebone, an accredited ocean rowing coach and Royal Marine veteran, also returns to the crew.
Matt Parker, co-founder of ROW4MND, said: “When people go out of their way to sacrifice and suffer in the name of such an incredible cause, we hope it gives people hope that change is possible in the future.
“We can’t lose sight of the fact that this is an endurance mission which will bring short-term pain for us. We are determined to do everything we can to raise £57 million for MND research and treatment by 2028 and we are grateful for the support we receive every row of the way.”
Mike Bates, also a co-founder of the campaign, added: “We are even more resolute this year in our ambition to raise vital funds for MND research and treatment. The challenge ahead will be tougher because at this time of year it will be colder, wetter and darker.
“What we will have in our minds is the fact that one in 300 people are affected by MND. That is a hard reality to face and it means almost everyone in the UK knows someone impacted by this cruel disease.
“These challenges are tough, but they are nothing compared to the pain experienced by those diagnosed with MND and their families every day. ROW4MND is about helping change the future of treatment.”
Readers can follow the crew’s progress and support the campaign by visiting www.row4mnd.com
Crime
Pembrokeshire child killer stabbed to death in prison cell, murder trial hears
Kyle Bevan, jailed for the murder of Haverfordwest toddler Lola James, was allegedly stabbed 25 times and left ‘as if asleep’ in a maximum-security prison cell attack
KYLE BEVAN, the man jailed for murdering two-year-old Lola James in Haverfordwest, was stabbed 25 times during an attack in his prison cell, a murder trial has heard.
Bevan, 33, was serving a life sentence at HMP Wakefield after being convicted of killing his partner’s daughter, Lola, whose death shocked Pembrokeshire and led to major questions about child protection failings.
Leeds Crown Court heard that Bevan was attacked on November 5 last year by three fellow prisoners, Lee Newell, 57, Mark Fellows, 45, and David Taylor, 63.
All three deny murder.
‘Left to bleed to death’
Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC told the jury the attack lasted four minutes and 39 seconds after Bevan entered his cell on A Wing.
He said the defendants followed him in “with real purpose” before allegedly carrying out a joint attack intended to kill him.
The court heard Bevan suffered at least 30 injuries, including 25 stab wounds from a sharp weapon. His heart and major blood vessels were damaged.
Mr Pitter said Bevan was then placed in bed “as if asleep” and left to bleed to death. His body was not discovered by prison staff until roll call the following morning.
Weapons found
Jurors were told a makeshift weapon, described as a folded piece of metal, was later found hidden behind a television and had Bevan’s blood on it.
Other weapons were allegedly found hidden in a container of chilli sauce in Taylor’s cell.
The court also heard that Taylor was allegedly heard saying: “Nice working with you and the Ice Man,” with “Ice Man” said to be a nickname for Fellows.
Pembrokeshire case
Bevan was jailed in 2023 for the murder of Lola James, who died after suffering catastrophic head injuries at her home in Haverfordwest.
Her mother, Sinead James, was also jailed for causing or allowing her death.
The case caused widespread anger in Pembrokeshire and led to serious questions about how Lola had been left in danger despite concerns being known before her death.
The trial continues.
News
Alarm over brown sea around Fishguard cruise ship as harbour gives explanation
Residents feared pollution after muddy water appeared around the Oceania Marina, but officials say sediment was churned up by the ship’s propulsion system.
BROWN discolouration seen in the sea around a cruise ship visiting Fishguard sparked concern among residents this week, after some feared it could indicate pollution in the harbour.
The large cruise vessel Oceania Marina arrived in Fishguard on Monday (Jun 8), bringing more than 1,200 passengers and hundreds of crew to Pembrokeshire as part of this summer’s growing cruise season.
But as the ship remained offshore, locals noticed muddy-looking water surrounding the vessel and took to social media to question whether waste had entered the bay.
The Herald understands concerns were raised with Fishguard Harbour, prompting enquiries with the ship’s operators.
According to an explanation passed to local county councillor Billy Shaw, the discolouration was not pollution but sediment disturbed from the seabed.
Harbour officials were told the ship had been using its propulsion system to hold position in strong winds and currents while tender boats ferried passengers to and from shore.
A statement from the vessel said the “brownish sea” seen around the ship had been caused by propulsion bringing mud to the surface.
The operators also stressed that no waste discharge takes place near land, saying all ship discharges stop before entering UK territorial waters and that the vessel complies with international maritime pollution rules.
The Oceania Marina, operated by Oceania Cruises, was making her first visit to Fishguard. Excursions took passengers to locations including St Davids and Cardigan, while many visitors spent time in Fishguard itself.
The call marks one of around two dozen cruise ship visits expected in Fishguard and Goodwick this season, with further vessels scheduled throughout the summer.
Charity
More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day
A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.
The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.
A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.
Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.
A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”
Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.
Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.
Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.
“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.
“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”
The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.
For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.
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