Community

Narberth dad celebrates London Marathon triple crown

Published

10 years ago

May 19, 2016

Martin Bowen: Took part in the gruelling 26 mile run for Diabetes UK

MARTIN BOWEN crossed the finish line at this year’s London Marathon for Diabetes UK Cymru to help raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes.

This marks the third time that the 44 year old from Narberth has completed the marathon after being diagnosed with the condition 16 years ago. Martin previously ran the 2006 and 2009 London Marathons.

This time he completed the 26.2 mile race around some of London’s greatest landmarks in three hours and 55 minutes, beating his previous personal best by four minutes.

So far Martin has raised £1,100 for Diabetes UK but hopes further donations might help him to raise even more.

After crossing the line, he said: “I am so proud to have completed my third marathon and would like to thank everyone who has donated to my fundraising or helped me raise awareness of diabetes.

“The support from the crowd on the day is incredible, it is amazing to have people who didn’t know me shouting my name and offering words of support. It was really inspiring, and gave me the impetus to keep going through the pain.

“I’ve been living with Type 1 diabetes since I was first diagnosed in my late twenties and I’ve never let it stop me from achieving my goals. I want people to know that this is a serious condition but that with the right training and preparation you can still be active every single day. It doesn’t need to hold you back and completing the marathon is my way of showing this.”

He added: “Would I do it for a fourth time? Never say never.”

There are around 18,000 adults living with Type 1 diabetes in Wales. It isn’t known what causes the condition but it cannot be prevented and has nothing to do with being overweight.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or younger people where the signs and symptoms are usually very obvious and develop very quickly, they include feeling tired, thirsty, losing weight and needing to urinate more often.

However, as in Martin’s case it can develop at any age so it is important to be aware of the symptoms.

Diabetes UK Cymru’s Director Dai Williams said: “We are so proud of Martin for taking on such a huge challenge for Team Diabetes UK and we send a huge congratulations and a massive thank you to him for putting in the months of training and dedication to support us.

“Martin’s achievement goes to show how much people living with a long-term condition can achieve with the right support. The money he is raising will help us to improve things for people living with diabetes, fund research and raise awareness of the condition by the time he signs up for a place in his fourth marathon.”

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

7 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

7 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.

Community

Police issue A477 crash appeal after five taken to hospital

Published

9 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIVE people were taken to hospital, three with serious injuries, following a collision on the A477 between Llanteg and Red Roses on Sunday (May 24).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:00pm and involved a grey Honda Civic i-VTEC and a white Kia Soul 2.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving on the A477 at around the time of the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage of either vehicle before the crash, to come forward.

Police said visitors to Pembrokeshire who may not know the area should check their route in case they were travelling along the A477 at the relevant time.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference: 326 of May 24.