Charity

Milford Haven charity honoured with King’s Award for voluntary service

Published

2 months ago

March 31, 2026

A PEMBROKESHIRE charity supporting vulnerable young people has received one of the highest honours in the UK for voluntary work.

Megan’s Starr Foundation, based in Milford Haven, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service — widely regarded as the MBE for charities — in recognition of its outstanding impact in the community.

The award was formally presented during a special event held at The Dizzy Bear, the charity’s base, where much of its day-to-day work supporting young people takes place.

The ceremony brought together community leaders, dignitaries, volunteers and young people who have all played a part in the charity’s journey.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest accolade given to local volunteer groups across the UK, recognising exceptional service and lasting benefit within communities.

Megan’s Starr Foundation was established following personal tragedy, with a mission to ensure that no young person feels alone or overlooked. Since its creation, the organisation has grown into a vital support network for young people across Pembrokeshire, offering guidance, understanding and a safe space to rebuild confidence.

Speaking at the event, representatives of the foundation said the award belonged not just to the organisation, but to everyone connected to it.

“This recognition is for every young person who has walked through our doors when they felt they had nowhere else to go,” a spokesperson said.

“It is for every parent who trusted us at their lowest moment, and for every volunteer who has given their time and compassion to support others.”

They added that while the charity was born from heartbreak, it has been driven by a determination to create something meaningful and lasting for the community.

The award presentation was attended by local dignitaries including representatives of the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff, who praised the foundation’s commitment to supporting young people and strengthening the community.

The Herald understands that the foundation’s work has already had a significant impact across the county, with increasing demand for its services as more young people seek support.

The setting of the ceremony — within The Dizzy Bear itself — served as a powerful reminder of the charity’s purpose, with many of those present having directly experienced its support.

For those involved, the recognition marks both a milestone and a motivation to continue.

“This is more than an award,” the spokesperson added. “It is a reminder of why we started — and why we will never stop.”

Charity

Family’s £570 donation in memory of devoted RNLI supporter

Published

2 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of the late Gerald Hartry, of Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan, have donated £570 to the RNLI in his memory.

Gerald was a long-standing supporter of the RNLI and had a particular affection for Tenby Lifeboat Station, which he visited many times over the past 40 years while staying at the family’s caravan near Narberth.

Relatives recently visited the station to present the cheque to the crew.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI said it was a pleasure to welcome the family and thanked them for their generous donation.

Pictured, from left, are members of Gerald’s family with Tenby Lifeboat Operations Manager Carl Evans.

Charity

Henry Tufnell visits St Davids RNLI lifeboat station

Published

2 days ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MP pledges to raise funding and regulation concerns after meeting volunteer crew at St Justinian

HENRY TUFNELL MP has visited St Davids RNLI lifeboat station to hear first-hand about the work of its volunteer crew.

The Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP met crew members at St Justinian, where he was briefed on some of the rescue missions carried out by the station off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Mr Tufnell said the visit had highlighted both the dedication of the lifeboat crew and the pressures facing the service.

He said: “It was a privilege to visit the RNLI St Davids Lifeboat at St Justinian and hear first-hand about some of the remarkable rescue missions the crew have undertaken.

“They do extraordinary work keeping our community safe.”

Mr Tufnell added that crew members had also raised concerns about ongoing challenges, including funding and regulation.

He said: “It was also important to hear about the ongoing challenges they face, particularly regarding funding and regulation.

“As your MP, I will continue to champion and protect the interests of our community heroes in Westminster.”

The RNLI station at St Davids is one of Pembrokeshire’s key coastal rescue bases, serving a busy and often challenging stretch of coastline popular with walkers, kayakers, boat users and visitors.

The charity relies on volunteer crews and public support to continue its lifesaving work.

Charity

More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day

Published

2 days ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.