News
Milford Haven: Tributes paid to ‘genuine and kind’ Shakil Khaled, 19

TRIBUTES have been paid online to a young Milford Haven man who has sadly passed away, a week after being involved in a car accident.
His uncle, Abdul Mutlib, said that the cause of death was coronavirus, although this has not yet been confirmed.
The cause of death is currently officially being treated as ‘unknown’ by the police until a postmortem is undertaken.
Shakil Khaled, described by friends as genuine and kind, worked at the Essence of India Restaurant in Charles Street.
Friend Catryn-Nia Goffin said: “Rest in Peace Shakil, the most kind and caring person that would do anything for anyone. I am lost for words and honestly don’t know what to say – you will be missed by many.”
Kaitlyn Malloy said: “Absolutely lost for words, Shak you were one of the most genuine, kindest people I’ve ever met. You will be missed by so many people. Rest in peace mate”
Alfi Mason wrote: “I just want to say thank you for everything, you are not just my best mate but more like a brother.
“I want to thank you for being by my side when I needed it, making me laugh and smile. From London to Pembrokeshire we both took the same path but today your on to a better one with Allah. I wish I could write down how much you truly mean to me but there ain’t words to describe it. I love you brother so much and it hurts to see you’ve gone but I know I’ll see you again
Rest easy brother.”
Ben Fairbairn added: “Devastated about the news of one of my closest friends. He was the nicest guy you’d ever meet, would do anything for anyone.”
His uncle, Abdul Mutlib posted on Facebook in Bangla. Roughly translated he said: “We all belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. My nephew Shakil was only 19 years old. He has left the world forever after being infected with Corona. May Allah grant him a place in Jannah.”
The news came as the first member of staff at Withybush Hospital, Nicola Drake, an A&E consultant, received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. It was only approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the last few days.
Nicola said that she was privileged to be the first person in Hywel Dda to get the jab. She added: “It was very easy, I didn’t feel a thing and I think everyone who is in line to have the vaccination should have it, especially if you’re in one of the at-risk groups.”
Ros Jervis, director of public health at Hywel Dda, added: “The arrival of a Covid-19 vaccine this week is a world changing event, which gives us hope at the end of 2020.
“We are at the forefront of this historic landmark in the pandemic and here in Hywel Dda UHB we will be vaccinating 975 staff this week, which is incredible given the pace of this development.
“We are asking our community to be patient as it will take a number of weeks to vaccinate even those people within the first two, nationally agreed, priority areas.
“There will be a vaccine for every person who wants one.”

Nicola Drake, an A&E consultant, receives the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Farming
Applications open for £1,000 Pembrokeshire agricultural bursary

STUDENTS in Pembrokeshire with a passion for agriculture or related fields are being invited to apply for a £1,000 bursary to support their further education or career development.
The Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s Student Bursary Award is now open to applicants currently studying—or about to begin studying—agriculture, veterinary science, agricultural engineering, food technology, forestry, or other related subjects.
Last year’s winner was Catrin Palferey from Llanfyrnach, who began her studies at Aberystwyth University in autumn 2024.
Mansel Raymond, Chairman of the Society’s Bursary Committee, said: “I would urge all Pembrokeshire students who are pursuing subjects clearly aligned with agriculture to apply. This bursary will not only support your studies but will also give you valuable experiences—such as taking part in an interview, which is a key employment skill. It could make a real difference to your future career in the agricultural sector.”
Applicants will be shortlisted by an independent judge, with finalists invited to attend an interview. The winning student will also be asked to give a short presentation at a future meeting of the Society’s Show Council.
Mr Raymond added: “The standard of applications is always exceptional, and it’s heartening to see so many talented young people in our community. We are really looking forward to hearing from this year’s applicants.”
To be eligible, students must not have previously won the bursary. Applicants must either be currently studying, or have been accepted to study, a relevant subject at A-level or higher at a UK college or university. They must also have their family home in Pembrokeshire.
The bursary is tax-free and will be awarded to the student who submits the best-written dissertation explaining how the funding will help them complete their course.
The closing date for applications is 12:00pm on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.
Further information and application forms are available at:
pembsshow.org/at-the-show/student-bursary-award/
Pictured:
The 2023 Pembrokeshire County Show bursary winner Lottie Wilson receiving her £1,000 prize from Robert James (Image: PAS)
News
Cyclist airlifted after serious crash near Hundleton

A WOMAN was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a cycling accident in south Pembrokeshire.
The incident occurred on Sunday (Apr 13) at around 6:00pm on the B4320 between Angle and the Speculation Inn, near Hundleton.
Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene and closed the road for approximately one hour to allow emergency services to assist the casualty.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a woman who had come off her bike on the B4320 between Angle and the Speculation Inn at approximately 6:00pm on Sunday, April 13. The road was closed at around 6:30pm and re-opened just before 7:30pm.”
The woman was taken to hospital by air ambulance with serious injuries.
Health
NHS charity funds innovative surf therapy programme

FOLLOWING generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board – has funded a Tonic Surf Therapy programme worth £4,000. The funding paid for ten young people receiving support from mental health services to take part in the ten-session programme.
The Tonic Surf Therapy programme provides structured surf instruction and gives young people the opportunity to experience the joy and wellbeing that comes from engaging with the marine environment.
The sessions provide an effective way for Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (sCAMHS) practitioners to engage with service users in a positive way and help prevent mental health issues from developing or continuing into adulthood.
Alastair Wakely, Service Delivery Manager (sCAMHS), said: “We are so grateful that kind donations from our local communities have funded the Tonic Surf Therapy sessions.
“The sessions are an effective intervention for young people with mental health problems, delivering positive outcomes including improvements in mood, a reduction in thoughts of self-harm and suicide, reduced social anxiety and improved self-esteem.
“The project has also allowed us to evaluate and explore the potential of surf therapy as an effective intervention for young people with mental health problems.”
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “It’s great to see really ambitious and creative programmes like this being delivered thanks to charitable donations.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our local communities which allows us to offer services beyond what the NHS can normally provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda.”
For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk
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