Sport
Pembroke paramedic honoured for saving colleague’s life
A PARAMEDIC from the Welsh Ambulance Service who turned saviour for her colleague as he was choking has been awarded a Chief Executive’s Commendation for her actions.
Hayley Bennett, 39, from Pembroke, came to the aid of her colleague Gareth Jones after a very lucky chain of events led to them being partnered up together for a shift.
Hayley explained: “I was working an overnight shift in Pembroke Dock and a colleague had unfortunately called in sick so I was left on my own.
“Gareth was over in Tenby part way through his late shift and when he heard I was solo he phoned our duty manager and it was agreed after my next job I would head over to Tenby to team up with Gareth to form a conveying emergency ambulance resource.
“It was around 8pm when I walked in and Gareth was sat eating his dinner.
“We began talking and he just started choking.
“I knew he was in trouble straight away.
“His face was bright red and his eyes were bulging.
“He’d jumped out of his seat and was hammering on his chest.”
Gareth’s airways were completely blocked and quick-thinking Hayley took action immediately.
“I was on him in seconds,” she said.
“Back slaps to start with, and really shouting at him to cough as he was trying to breathe in.
“I moved on to the Heimlich Manoeuvre but it dislodged nothing.
“I returned to back slaps quickly and eventually he vomited which cleared his airways.”
Recalling the event, Gareth, 42, who has served 21 years with the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “It frightened the hell out of me.
“I felt like I was going.
“I’d read about the impending sense of doom in text books, and that’s exactly what I had.
“I’m eternally grateful to Hayley.
“Without her my wife would be a widow and my kids would have no father”.
After the incident, the pair stood there in disbelief and both have since admitted that what was over in a couple of minutes felt like a lifetime whilst it was happening.
Hayley said: “I think it felt like such a long time as we were there alone.
“It was one of the most bizarre things that’s ever happened to me – I’ve never had to work on a colleague before.
“It was shocking really, I wasn’t supposed to be there.”
Gareth said: “Someone was looking after me that night.
“They would have found me dead on the station floor if Hayley hadn’t arrived as there was no other medically trained people there that night.”
Whilst Gareth was recuperating, the radio went off and a top priority Red call had come in.
So whilst still reeling from the shock and with Gareth physically recovering, the pair rushed to their ambulance and set off to a seriously ill patient.
“I was still coming down really,” said Gareth.
“I had what was called inspiratory stridor or a high pitch voice as the airway was still partially obstructed.
“It took a little while for that to go.
“Hayley got me a drink and I was starting to feel a little better when I heard our pin number on the radio.
“Hayley joked it was for me, but we were on our way to a Red call.”
Gareth went on to make a good recovery and has recently completed a Masters in Advanced Paramedic Practice.
Hayley continues to work relief shifts around Pembrokeshire, juggling ambulance shifts with paramedic husband Mike and caring for her young son and older step daughter.
Hayley received her award on Tuesday from the Trust’s Chief Executive Jason Killens in a ceremony at Tenby ambulance station.
Jason said: “Gareth was really lucky that Hayley arrived and was able to administer that crucial first aid.
“Choking is something that can happen to anybody and it is important the public are aware of correct procedure should an emergency like this occur.
“I congratulate Hayley for stepping in and halting what could have been a disastrous outcome for Gareth, his family and his colleagues.”
Receiving the award Hayley said: “It’s a lovely gesture and I feel very honoured.”
Choking – Do you know what to do?
· Do you know what to do in a choking emergency? Here’s what you should do if you witness an adult choking:
· If you think someone is choking, ask them “Are you choking?” If they can breathe, speak or cough then they might be able to clear their own throat. If they cannot breathe, cough, or make any noise, then they need your help straight away.
· Cough it out: Encourage them to cough and remove any obvious obstruction from their mouth.
· Slap it out: If coughing fails to work, you need to give five sharp back blows.
To do this, help them to lean forwards, supporting their upper body with one hand.
· Squeeze it out: If back blows fail to clear the obstruction, give five abdominal thrusts.
To do this, stand behind them and put your arms around their waist.
Place one hand in a clenched fist between their belly button and the bottom of their chest.
With your other hand, grasp your fist and pull sharply inwards and upwards up to five times. Check their mouth again, each time.
Get help: If the blockage has not cleared, call 999 for emergency help straight away. Repeat five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until help arrives, re-checking their mouth each time.
If they become unresponsive at any point, prepare to start adult CPR.
TENBY Sailing Club was left becalmed last week, with scheduled races abandoned due to a complete lack of wind.
Both the Tuesday (Apr 8) and Saturday (Apr 12) dinghy races had to be called off. Despite the slow start, members are hopeful for more favourable weather when the National Redwing series gets underway on May 15.
Cruiser racing is set to begin on Sunday (May 4) at 11:30am, marking the start of a packed sailing calendar.
Meanwhile, two familiar vessels have now departed the club’s fleet. Cocoa, formerly owned by Frank Miller, has been sold and relocated to Aberdovey. Heather, once skippered by Denny Young, has been retired after reaching the end of her sailing days.
Looking ahead, a passage race from Pembroke Haven to Tenby on Saturday (Jun 14) promises to be a major event, bolstered by sponsorship offering £500 in prize money.
That same day, Swansea Sailing Club plans to cruise to Tenby, which could result in a large and impressive flotilla anchoring in North Bay. To assist visiting crews, Tenby Sailing Club will run a Rhib shuttle to shore.
In the junior section, 26 young sailors have enrolled in this season’s training sessions. From Wednesday (Apr 16) at 5:30pm, they’ll be out on the water in three newly acquired RS Teras, expanding the club’s training fleet to six boats.
The new dinghies were secured through funding from the Sport Wales Be Active Wales Fund. Senior instructor Harrison Richards welcomed the additions, which were delivered to the club by Jon Nuttall.
WELSH rugby fans have something extra to cheer about this year, as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) launches its 2025 Autumn Nations Series ticket sales with exclusive discounts for clubs, students, and young supporters.
In a first for the Union, tickets purchased through WRU Member Clubs will benefit from a £5 discount across all categories for every match in the series. The move is aimed at strengthening grassroots engagement and rewarding those who support their local clubs.
The senior men’s side will face a blockbuster line-up at Principality Stadium this November, taking on Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and reigning world champions South Africa in what promises to be an unforgettable month of Test rugby.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney said the initiative is about keeping international rugby accessible and supporting the clubs at the heart of Welsh communities.
Tickets went on sale today (April 15) for debenture holders and premium members. From May 20, WRU Member Clubs will be able to offer tickets to their communities at the new discounted rates. Public sale will follow shortly after.
“It’s incredibly important that international rugby in Wales remains accessible to a wide audience,” said Tierney.
“We want to encourage fans to purchase tickets from their clubs. Clubs are the beating heart of Welsh rugby, and rewarding early purchasers with a discount just made sense.
“We’re also excited to introduce student pricing for the first time, after a successful trial last year. Alongside our existing 50% concession for under-18s, students will now also benefit from half-price tickets — even on the discounted club prices.”
The series kicks off against Argentina on Sunday, November 9 — Los Pumas’ 13th visit to the Welsh capital — followed by Japan on Saturday, November 15, in their first Cardiff clash since 2016.
Wales then take on the All Blacks on Saturday, November 22, before concluding the series with a heavyweight showdown against South Africa on Saturday, November 29.
Hospitality packages for all matches are also available from £270 + VAT via WRU.WALES/VIP, while general tickets can be purchased from WRU.WALES/TICKETS.
Autumn Nations Series 2025 – Fixtures and Prices
WALES v ARGENTINA
3:10pm, Sunday 9 November, Principality Stadium
Priority sale:
- CAT A: £40 / £20 concession
- CAT B: £30 / £15 concession
- CAT C: £20 / £10 concession
- AFZ: £20 / £10 concession
Public sale: - CAT A: £45 / £22.50 concession
- CAT B: £35 / £17.50 concession
- CAT C: £25 / £12.50 concession
- AFZ: £25 / £12.50 concession
WALES v JAPAN
5:40pm, Saturday 15 November, Principality Stadium
Priority sale:
- CAT A: £40 / £20 concession
- CAT B: £30 / £15 concession
- CAT C: £20 / £10 concession
- AFZ: £20 / £10 concession
Public sale: - CAT A: £45 / £22.50 concession
- CAT B: £35 / £17.50 concession
- CAT C: £25 / £12.50 concession
- AFZ: £25 / £12.50 concession
WALES v NEW ZEALAND
3:10pm, Saturday 22 November, Principality Stadium
Priority sale:
- CAT A: £100 / £50 concession
- CAT B: £75 / £37.50 concession
- CAT C: £55 / £27.50 concession
- AFZ: £55 / £27.50 concession
Public sale: - CAT A: £105 / £52.50 concession
- CAT B: £80 / £40 concession
- CAT C: £60 / £30 concession
- AFZ: £60 / £30 concession
WALES v SOUTH AFRICA
3:10pm, Saturday 29 November, Principality Stadium
Priority sale:
- CAT A: £85 / £42.50 concession
- CAT B: £65 / £32.50 concession
- CAT C: £45 / £22.50 concession
- AFZ: £45 / £22.50 concession
Public sale: - CAT A: £90 / £45 concession
- CAT B: £70 / £35 concession
- CAT C: £50 / £25 concession
- AFZ: £50 / £25 concession
Anyone who has sailed with a yacht crew will know just how bonding that experience can be.
From the moment the boat is launched, the crew hauls away as one cohesive body, resulting in one of the strongest team ethics imaginable.
But if you’re female, then a degree of ‘gender division’ may rear its dampening head, quashing your confidence, your ability and your downright enjoyment of being at sea.
But now, thanks to the foresight of local vet Charlotte Hamilton and her iconic pink boat, ladies of all ages and all sailing abilities are being introduced to the joys of sailing whilst supporting two of the UK’s foremost breast cancer charities – Breast Cancer Now and Metup UK.
Two years ago Charlotte lost one of her closest friends to breast cancer, following a ten-year battle after she was diagnosed with the disease when she was just 23. In 2022, Charlotte’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer; thankfully has made a complete recovery.
“Because of what I’ve witnessed, with my mother and with Connie, who was my best friend from college, breast cancer is something that’s very close to me,” Charlotte told The Pembrokeshire Herald from her home in Neyland.
“Connie was only 23 when she was diagnosed, but by then, the cancer had gone to her liver as they initially thought it was hormonal. She fought it for ten years and always wanted to visit Pembrokeshire, but sadly she died two weeks before she was due to come and visit.”
As a result, the pink boat is being sailed in memory of Connie, while the women who are learning to sail her are called ‘The Pink Puffins’.
Charlotte, who is a vet with the Fenton Vets practise in Haverfordwest, was given the boat some 18 months ago by her husband, Lloyd.
“Lloyd is a keen sailor who regularly races on the Cleddau, but I’d never really taken part,” she explains. “So the idea was for me to start building my sailing confidence. Last summer I took the boat out with two other women and we enjoyed it so much it got us thinking about starting to race. If the men can do it, so can we.”
The boat is an Achilles 24 cruise-racer, capable of reaching decent speeds and covering good distances.
“She’s capable of crossing the Atlantic, although The Pink Puffins are perfectly content to stick with the Cleddau for the time being,” laughed Charlotte.
“Since launching her a few weeks ago, we now have around 40 women who are starting to sail her,. We train every Sunday at Neyland and we took part in our very first race last Wednesday.
“Ok, we didn’t win, but being able to take part was fantastic and that’s the whole purpose of The Pink Puffins. It’s about having fun, and the women taking part can do as much or as little as they like. A lot of women have never set foot on a sailing boat before, and because it tends to be such a male-orientated thing, the thought of learning to sail can be a bit intimidating. So if somebody wants to come out with us just to watch, that’s perfectly fine. And if they want to get involved with sailing her a little later on, then that’s great.”
The interest that is already being shown and the rise in numbers means that additional racing sessions will be introduced later this season on Sundays.
Everyone attending the training sessions and the races is asked to make a donation which will be shared between Breast Cancer Now and Metup UK, however individuals can give as much or as little as they choose. If anyone is interested in finding out more about The Pink Puffins can email Charlotte on sailpinkpuffins@hotmail.com
Festival pulls appearance by ex-MP despite acclaim for honest memoir
A PLANNED appearance by former Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards at this year’s Llandeilo Lit Fest has been...
Easter holiday help for families – Kids eat free or for a pound at these local eateries
WITH the cost of living still putting pressure on many Pembrokeshire families, it’s good to see some local businesses stepping...
Teen denies knife threat but admits damaging mum’s property
A HAVERFORDWEST teenager has denied threatening a man with a kitchen knife and carrying the weapon in public—but admitted damaging...
Former Welsh Secretary awarded peerage in Sunak’s resignation honours
Carmarthenshire politician among those elevated to House of Lords FORMER Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart has been...
‘Bitter disappointment’: Wales left out of UK steel rescue
Emergency bill to save Scunthorpe reignites anger over Port Talbot closure WELSH politicians from across the political spectrum have accused...
Tenby mobile signal branded ‘worse than the 1990s’ as coverage complaints grow
TENBY residents and traders are once again raising the alarm about poor mobile phone coverage, as the town enters another...
Haverfordwest opticians celebrate 100 years of long service
WALES’ LARGEST Specsavers store is celebrating a series of individual long service milestones, with nine team members collectively marking a...
Appeal launched as Welsh teenagers missing for nearly a week
POLICE have launched an appeal after two teenagers from Wales went missing almost a week ago. Isobel and Daniel, both...
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby
A MAN from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a baby. Rhydian Jamieson, aged...
Steel nationalisation talks ‘unfair on Wales’, says Plaid
PLAID CYMRU has accused the UK government of failing to support Welsh steel communities equally, after it emerged that nationalisation...
-
Crime5 days ago
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby
-
Crime6 days agoBroad Haven man admits stalking and bail breaches, denies criminal damage
-
Education6 days agoTeaching assistant forced to act after child left in locked toilet cubicle for hours
-
News4 days agoA40 closed after serious crash near Wolfscastle
-
Health2 days agoPembrokeshire ‘Pink Puffins’ race the Cleddau thanks to local vet’s vision
-
Business2 days agoMilford Haven and Pembroke Dock among top towns in Wales for sex toy sales
-
News7 days agoPort issues urgent statement following Milford Haven laser incident
-
News6 days agoArmed police with dogs close Narberth town centre