News

Nigel completes ultra-marathon ‘Race To The Stones’ for charity

Published

5 years ago

August 9, 2021

A VOLUNTEER coastguard rescue officer has raised over £1,500 by completing the ultra-marathon Race To The Stones.

Last month Nigel Williams, 39, from Milford Haven, joined over 3,400 runners and walkers to take on one of the UK’S most popular endurance events.

The event, which has been voted the UK’s Best Endurance Event for the past three years, was 100km long along Rideway in Oxfordshire to Avebury in Wiltshire. Nigel completed the ultra-marathon at 4am with a finishing time of 20 hours and 32 mins.

He has raised £1,574 which will be split between the Wales Air Ambulance and the Coastguard Association, the funds included £250 for each charity from Nigel’s employers Valero Pembroke Refinery.

Nigel said: “This was a massive challenge which took a lot of time to train for, so I’m happy I completed it. This was an amazing experience with a finishing time of 20hrs 32mins. I was planning on doing the run anyway, so I decided to do it for worthy charities.

“I’ve seen the Wales Air Ambulance operating in the area many times and it is such an amazing service to have available. I decided to do my run for both the Wales Air Ambulance and the Coastguard Association.”

Nigel Williams raised £1,574 which will be split between the Wales Air Ambulance and the
Coastguard Association

In December 2020, the Charity achieved its aim of operating a 24/7 service. Wales now has access to the service’s Emergency Department-standard critical care around the clock and to keep the helicopters in the air, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year.

The Valero Pembroke Refinery inspector is grateful for the support he has received, he added: “I have had amazing support from my family and friends and I would like to say thank you to them.

“I raised a lot more than I thought was possible. The money will be split 50/50 between the Charities.”

Katie Macro, the Charity’s South West Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “A huge congratulations to Nigel on competing Race To The Stones in the amazing time of 20hrs 32mins. His determination and commitment to the event is shown by the support and donations that he has received from family, friends and his workplace – Valero Pembroke Refinery. Thank you for supporting us and for raising over £1,500 for two important charities. Every penny you’ve raised will help people who need the Wales Air Ambulance across Wales.”

There’s still time to show your support to Nigel by donating to his fundraising page – Nigel Williams Race To The Stones 100km https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NigelRTTS

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance.

These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com.

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

18 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.