Community
Haverfordwest man organises annual pub walk in memory of late father who had Parkinson’s
A HAVERFORDWEST man is organising the annual Haverfordwest ‘Pub Walk’ for Parkinson’s UK on Saturday, June 11, in memory of his late father who had Parkinson’s.
Bob Ratcliffe’s father had Parkinson’s for many years, and insisted that after his death, his brain and spinal column went to Parkinson’s research. He passed away in June 2010.
The first pub walk Bob organised, which raised just over £700, took place in Nottinghamshire in 2011 and has since grown each year. In 2020, it raised £6,500 with a record 204 walkers taking part in the walk. The event is now part of the local ‘social calendar’.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK, including 7,600 in Wales. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Bob said: “Since my father passed away in 2010, we’ve been fundraising for Parkinson’s UK and the great work they do. After three Great North Runs, we decided to organise a less strenuous and more enjoyable activity which could be inclusive for all and so the annual ‘Pub Walk for Parkinson’s’ was established in 2011.
“Traditionally, it was always held on the Saturday nearest to my father’s birthday in March. The 2020 walk had 204 walkers and we raised about £6,000. I’m delighted that the walk back in Nottinghamshire continues with new organisers as it has become a part of the social calendar there. Having moved to Haverfordwest in January 2021, my wife Jane and I have planned a similar walk here on Saturday 11th June. It’s a circular 7.5 mile route from the Cricket Club on Dale Road with suitable stops arranged around the town to replace lost fluids! There will also be a large raffle in the cricket club after the walk.’’
Parkinson’s UK is the largest European charitable funder of Parkinson’s research, leading the way in driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition.
Ann Rowe, Head of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Bob for organising this walk for Parkinson’s UK.
“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough. Fundraisers like Bob help us to drive forward the groundbreaking research we need to transform the lives of people affected by the condition.”
Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haverfordwest-pub-walk-for-parkinsons-2022-tickets-260324596877
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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