Community

Swim the Channel distance for Diabetes Cymru

Published

10 years ago

March 7, 2016

Swim the Channel: In your local pool for charity

DIABETES UK CYMRU is looking for people in west Wales to take on its Swim22 challenge and swim the distance of the English Channel at their own pace.

Swimmers will get three months, from February 22 to May 22, to swim 22 miles in their local pool though they can sign up any time before the end date. They can either take part on their own or as part of a team. There is no limit on team size, so keen swimmers can do it by themselves, or 22 swimmers can take on a mile each.

Everyone from swimming pros to doggy paddlers have plenty of time to take on the distance – and be able to say at the end that they have swum the distance across the Channel.

The Swim22 website helps swimmers to keep track of how many lengths have been completed and earn badges.

As well as being a fun way of raising money for Diabetes UK Cymru, swimming is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy weight, which is key to reducing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Joseph Cuff, Fundraising Officer for Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “If you’re looking for a challenge to help keep fit then Swim22 is the event for you. It takes roughly 50 lengths a week in a 50-metre pool to cover the distance, so it is a real challenge that is still achievable. And you can split that distance with other swimmers and say you worked together to swim the distance to France.

“There are thousands of people in Pembrokeshire with diabetes and raising funds through our Swim22 challenge will help us at Diabetes UK to support people with the condition – and one day find a cure.”

Sir Steve Redgrave who won gold medals in five successive Olympic Games and has Type 2 diabetes, said: “Getting in the pool is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and Swim22 is a fantastic idea. Why not join the thousands of people who will be able to say they have swum the distance of the Channel, while raising money for a great cause?

“Whether you’re still developing your stroke or an Olympian in the water, this challenge works for everybody. I am often asked by people for advice about living with diabetes and keeping healthy and active with events like this is a great way to start.

“As a proud ambassador and supporter of Diabetes UK I have seen some of the vital work you will help fund. This work in research, campaigning, and offering education and support to the 4 million people in the UK living with the condition, and millions more at risk of Type 2 diabetes, couldn’t be more crucial.”

Sir Steve Redgrave was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1997 and is Vice President of Diabetes UK.

For more information and to sign up visit www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22 or call 0345 123 2399. There is no closing date, so swimmers can sign up anytime so long as the challenge is completed by May 22.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

19 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

19 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).