Community

Raising awareness for mental health marathon run up

Published

9 years ago

March 24, 2017

Determined to make a difference: Danielle and her friend David Clark (Flintshire) at the Cardiff Half Marathon

NEXT MONTH, a woman from Pembroke Dock will be taking on the challenge of running the ABP Southampton Marathon to raise money for the charity DPJ Foundation, in order to raise awareness of mental health.

20-year-old Danielle Rowe is currently in her third year at the University of Southampton, and is an Aeronautical Engineering student studying towards her masters, with the view to join the RAF as an Engineering Officer on graduating.

Danielle is from Cross Park, Pennar, Pembroke Dock, and studied at Pembroke Comprehensive School up until year 11.

She said: “I chose this charity as sadly my uncle, Martyn Shipton, took his own life before Christmas.

“Martyn also lived in Pembroke Dock. He was a large figure within the community, he set up the domiciliary care agency Prestige Care which provided a lot of people with the extra support and quality care that they required.

“DPJ Foundation is a charity that aims to support people with mental health issues in rural communities in Pembrokeshire. Mental health is a huge problem in men, a man in the UK will die by suicide every 1.68 hours, yet not very many people are talking about it.

“The DPJ Foundation plans to start at grass roots, supporting young farmers and young people in agriculture and give them the support that they require to deal with mental health. It is so important that everyone knows that there is support out there and that someone is listening.”

She continued: “I have always believed that mental health is an issue that needs to be tackled up front and that the stigma surrounding it needs to be broken down.

“I have experienced friends struggling with depression, anxiety and eating disorders now and in the past. It is very clear that the taboo topic of mental health only makes seeking help and even telling people about your struggles more difficult.

“I want to do what I can to help.”

Danielle has completed half marathons in the past, but thought it was time to finally tackle the full. Her training is currently in full swing with 6 days a week running, swimming or strength training.

Danielle has already raised 60% of her £500 target, and hopes to return home during this month and April, when she hopes to run some fundraising events in Pembrokeshire.

If you would like to donate and support Danielle, you can do so by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/Dani-Rowe-DPJ

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

27 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Menevia WI, Girl Guides and local groups among the winners at a packed Cross Square event

CHARITIES, schools and community groups lit up St Davids on 29 November 2025, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and festive spirit as hundreds gathered in Cross Square for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Competition.

The winners were chosen by public vote. Taking first place in the adults’ category was Menevia WI, whose extraordinary tree, nativity scene and decorations were ingeniously created from a clothes airer and wooden pegs.

Second place went to the City Council Coffee and Chat Group with a thoughtful Christmas-and-Remembrance design, featuring hand-knitted red, white and blue decorations. St Davids RNLI secured third with a lifeboat-themed tree celebrating their lifesaving work.

In the children’s category, St Davids Girl Guides took the top spot with a charming design featuring “Girl-Guide-ified” Santas, tents and the iconic Guide logo. Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (YPD) came second with a colourful puzzle-themed tree carrying the message: “In this school you are a special piece of the puzzle.” Close behind in third place was Brawdy Hayscastle YFC with an inventive cow-themed Christmas tree.

The wreath category also highlighted the community’s talent. The Drifters claimed first place with a striking star-shaped wreath, while Lego Church secured second with a brilliantly crafted Lego design. Third place went to Rebecca Thornton for her beautifully knitted wreath featuring Santa and his reindeer.

As the Christmas lights were switched on and Cross Square filled with families, the event once again showcased the creativity and community spirit that make Wales’s smallest city shine at Christmas.

Community

Haverfordwest’s first memory tree brings community together this Christmas

Published

4 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Spud Box is delighted to launch a brand-new festive initiative for the people of Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest’s first Memory Tree, now open to the public at our premises.

The idea, inspired by Drew from The Big Pembs Panto, invites members of the community to write and hang personal messages on the tree. These can be tributes to loved ones, cherished memories, or simple Christmas wishes.

The project has been created to give people a meaningful way to connect during the festive season. All materials – including paper, plastic pockets and ribbon – are provided free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, kindly supplied by Connect: Pembrokeshire, along with mince pies donated by Brakes.

Anyone who prefers to create their message at home can bring it in, and the team will be happy to help attach it to the tree.

Donations are being encouraged in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, making the Memory Tree both a reflective and charitable community event.

The tree itself looks spectacular thanks to Sion from DSR Batteries, who supplied the lighting. The project has also received generous support from Marty at Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pure West Radio. Spud Box welcomes other community groups or organisations who wish to get involved.

Community

Pembrokeshire Lottery makes Superdraw winner’s Christmas extra special

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE lucky Pembrokeshire Lottery player has scooped a festive windfall after winning the £10,000 Christmas Superdraw held on Wednesday 3 December.

The winner, Mr Damon McGarvie, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Llangwm, was selected with lucky number 41475. He plays through a salary-deduction scheme run by his employer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mr McGarvie’s name was announced live on Radio Pembrokeshire, after which the Pembrokeshire Lottery team made contact and presented him with his cheque later that day.

Speaking after the win, Mr McGarvie said he and his wife will be jetting off on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday over the festive period, thanks to the surprise Christmas windfall.

Pembrokeshire Lottery Manager Abigail Owens said:
“I am so pleased for Mr McGarvie. He has contributed to the Pembrokeshire Lottery for many years, and it is only by the continued support of our players that we are able to assist so many local businesses with interest-free funding from the loan fund.”

The regular weekly £2,000 draws continue in the run-up to the January Superdraw, which will offer a £4,000 prize.

To sign up or order Pembrokeshire Lottery gift subscriptions for Christmas, call 01646 690800.

Photo caption: Damon McGarvie with his winner’s cheque.