News
Pembrokeshire RNLI lifeguards get card and donation from rescued woman
A WOMAN who was treated by RNLI lifeguards after having a severe allergic reaction on a Pembrokeshire beach tracked down the lifeguard who helped her yesterday (Jul 14) to deliver a thank you card and a donation.
The incident happened on Amroth beach, near Tenby, on Monday afternoon (Jul 11) when members of a woman’s family came to alert lifeguards that she was having an allergic reaction.
Soon her condition had deteriorated into sever anaphylaxis and she was suffering seizures and vomiting and moving in and out of consciousness.
RNLI senior lifeguard Matt Davie and lifeguard Imogen Williams immediately called for an ambulance and began treatment on the beach.
The lifeguards administered emergency first aid, reassured the casualty and her family and maintained her airway until the ambulance arrived to take her to hospital for further treatment.
Thankfully the woman made a full recovery and was released from hospital later that day and yesterday she sprung a surprise on Matt while he was on water’s edge patrol lifeguarding at Tenby South Beach.
The lady and her husband had tracked him down to hand over a thank you card and a £50 donation to the RNLI charity.
The card said: ‘It was a real comfort to know what good hands I was in – the calm way you took control of the situation, the way you told me what was happening all throughout gave me confidence that I could keep breathing until the ambulance arrived. I can’t believe how lucky I was for this to have happened right next to you.’
Matt said: ‘We don’t help people on the beaches to get recognition, but it was lovely to receive this card and we’re so grateful for the kind donation to the RNLI charity too.’
Lifeguard supervisor Adam Pitman said: ‘This was a severe case of anaphylaxis and our lifeguards did a fantastic job of administering emergency first aid to the casualty until the ambulance arrived. I’d like to praise Matt and Imogen for how they handled this situation.
‘Our lifeguards receive comprehensive first aid training and carry a range of first aid equipment on the beaches, so anyone in need of assistance should contact the lifeguards immediately.’
With the summer holidays beginning next week, RNLI lifeguards will be entering their busiest period. Lifeguards in Pembrokeshire will be providing a daily safety service between 10am and 6pm throughout the summer on Amroth, Saundersfoot, Tenby North, Tenby South, Tenby Castle, Freshwater West, Broad Haven, Nolton Haven, Newgale, Whitesands, Newport and Poppit Sands beaches.
Adam added: ‘We would encourage anyone visiting the coast this summer to always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. Our lifeguards are approachable and happy to help so anyone with queries or in need of assistance should not hesitate to contact them.’
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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