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Veteran opens Slimming World in Milford Haven

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ARMY Veteran, Rachel, has launched her own Slimming World group in Milford Haven after her own positive experiences. 

“I changed lives in the army and hope to continue changing lives for people in Milford Haven.”

Rachel was born and raised in Milford Haven. As a small child, she was “active and busy” and a real tomboy alongside her brothers. 

In 1998, she joined the Army at 16-years-old as a Combat Medical Technician. Following training, Rachel served in Germany, all over the UK, overseas in Cyprus, and was deployed to Oman, Kosovo, Bosnia and Poland before retiring from service in May 2021.

Her role as a combat medical technician meant she often had to deal with soldiers who had been injured in war zones. Rachel described dealing with the range of injuries as “life-changing”.

Rachel’s job not only consisted of helping soldiers physically recover; she also helped them with their mental well-being. 

She said she: “always pointed out the positives ahead of them for their lives and their families.

“The fulfilment I would get from seeing them recover and their family made whole again is so rewarding, I cannot put it into words.”

She has always been a strong, physically fit person. She enjoyed an active lifestyle and felt as though she “could always eat what she wanted.”

In 2017, she was posted to Harrogate. Rachel was 36 years old and had recently given birth to her third child, a daughter, after already having two sons aged 13 and 5. 

She says she was almost two stone overweight even before her pregnancy. 

Rachel said: “So here I was with four stone to lose. I had lost all confidence and was at a loss.

“I was at a GP surgery when I saw a poster for Slimming World. I was there for my daughter’s first vaccinations and that’s when I decided to join my local Harrogate Slimming World group.”

Rachel said she was welcomed to the group with open arms. She described the members as being lovely, offering to make her a hot drink after being weighed or hold her baby while she got settled into the group. 

It was at this group that Rachel found her love for Food Optimising, which is Slimming World’s unique plan to lose weight and get healthy. 

She swapped takeaway meals for ‘fakeaways’ using recipes she learned from her group. 

After only a week, Rachel had lost 4 lbs and knew this new plan was one she could follow. 

Over the next 10 months, she enjoyed curries, chillis, chips loaded with a variety of toppings and cheese within her daily allowance, and she could still enjoy treats every now and then. 

By June 2018, she had hit her target and lost the whole four stone. She said she “felt amazing!”

Unfortunately, during lockdown, she became a single mum and was at an “all-time low”. She moved back to Pembrokeshire in December 2021 and quickly swapped healthy meals for quick and easy, high-fat processed meals.

Rachel said: “Being stuck in the house with three children during lockdown was hard. 

“As I was working from home with nowhere to go, I found myself mindlessly eating as I was only eating out of boredom. 

“I put almost two stone back on and I was devastated.”

In January 2022, she decided to get into shape again. She joined the local Slimming World group in Johnston. 

Rachel said she had two stone to lose and was determined to return to her target weight. 

She claims she was blown away by the consultant Kelly’s knowledge of the plan and her motivation. 

“She guided me back through the new member talk, reintroduced me to my love of Slimming World and allowed me to fall in love with the plan all over again!” Rachel added. 

“The warm atmosphere and the gentle reminder that the plan can be used for all the family reignited my passion.

“Since January 10, 2022, I have lost one stone and five pounds. I am only two-pounds away from my personal target.”

After talking about Slimming World and the freedom it allows Rachel to have, she joined Slimming World and trained to be a consultant. 

Thanks to her time in the Army, helping those with their physical and mental health, Rachel feels that she would be well suited to helping those achieve their goals. 

She commented: “The training is thorough and covers not only the plan but the psychology of wanting to lose weight. 

“It has totally changed my views on how I shop, cook and eat food, and I hope my drive and motivation will help others to do the same.”

To join Rachel’s Slimming World group, call Rachel on 07391 634033 or visit Milford United Football Club, Marble Hall Road, every Thursday at 5.30pm. 

 

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Milford Haven man launches security firm after turning his life around

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Well-known local figure puts experience and determination into new venture

A WELL-KNOWN Milford Haven man who has overcome significant personal challenges is launching a new security business aimed at protecting homes, businesses and events across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Josh Davies has announced the launch of Blu Haven Security, a new company offering professional security services throughout west Wales and across the UK.

Many readers will already know Josh’s name. In recent years, The Herald has reported on his remarkable personal journey, including the challenges he has faced and the determination he has shown in rebuilding his life.

Now, he is channelling that same drive into a business venture that he hopes will provide reliable, professional and community-focused security services.

Blu Haven Security says it will offer fully licensed and insured security personnel, with services available for businesses, events, venues and private clients. The company is based in Pembrokeshire but intends to operate across the UK.

Speaking about the new venture, Josh said the business has been built on values of trust, professionalism and protecting people.

The company promotes itself as customer-focused, fully compliant and committed to delivering peace of mind for clients around the clock.

For many in Milford Haven, Josh is a familiar face who has earned respect for his resilience and willingness to help others despite facing difficulties of his own. Friends and supporters have described him as someone who has worked hard to create a positive future and become a role model for others looking to turn their lives around.

Launching a business in the security sector is a significant step, requiring licensing, insurance and compliance with strict industry standards. Josh says Blu Haven Security has been established with those requirements at its core.

The launch comes at a time when demand for professional security services continues to grow, particularly for events, retail premises, construction sites and hospitality venues.

Whether protecting local businesses, supporting community events or providing security personnel further afield, Josh hopes Blu Haven Security will become a trusted name across Pembrokeshire.

Anyone interested in learning more about the company’s services can contact Blu Haven Security directly on 07364 171636 or by email at [email protected].

Photo caption: Josh Davies has launched Blu Haven Security, offering professional security services across Pembrokeshire and the UK (Pic supplied).

 

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Fire Risk Assessments: A legal duty that saves lives

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FIRE SAFETY is more than a regulatory requirement; it protects lives, property and businesses. If you manage commercial premises, residential property, a holiday let, care home, school, office or hospitality venue, understanding and managing fire risk is essential.

Under current fire safety legislation, every responsible person must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment. The term “responsible person” applies to anyone with a degree of control over premises, including employers, owners, occupiers, landlords, facilities managers and managing agents.

A fire risk assessment identifies potential fire hazards, evaluates who may be at risk, and determines the measures needed to prevent fire and ensure safe evacuation should an emergency occur. You must carry out a fire risk assessment if you are: an employer; the owner or manager of business premises; responsible for a building where people work; visit; or stay; or in charge of common areas in a multi-occupied residential building. There is no minimum number of employees. Even if you’re a sole trader with no staff, you still have a legal duty to assess fire risks if you operate from commercial premises or a shared building.

Employers are required to consider the safety of staff, visitors, contractors and anyone else who may be affected by a fire, including those with additional support needs. They must also provide fire safety information, training and precautions.

At Fire Assessed, our assessors are accredited and on the NFRAR and deliver independent, professional Fire Risk Assessments across Wales and South of England.

Assessments cover a wide range of fire safety considerations, including fire hazards and their control, means of escape, emergency lighting, fire safety signage, firefighting equipment, sprinkler systems, fire door inspections, staff training, hazardous materials, heating installations, smoking arrangements and lightning protection systems.

Fire prevention is always more effective and less costly than dealing with the consequences of a fire. Investing in a professional Fire Risk Assessment not only fulfils your legal obligations but demonstrates a commitment to protecting people, property and business continuity.

Don’t wait for an incident to highlight a risk. Contact Fire Assessed to book your Fire Risk Assessment and ensure your premises remain safe, compliant and prepared. Telephone: 01437 887635.

 

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Donna Brown brings foot care home in Pembrokeshire

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Level 4 qualified foot health care practitioner provides home visits in Pembroke Dock and surrounding areas

MOBILE foot health care practitioner Donna Brown is offering professional foot care services across the local area, with home visits available for clients who may find it difficult to travel.

Donna, who is Level 4 qualified, fully insured and DBS checked, provides a range of treatments designed to help people maintain healthy feet and improve their quality of life.

Her services include nail cutting, general foot care, diabetic foot care, corns and callus removal, dry skin and cracked heel treatment, verruca management, ingrowing nail removal, thickened nail reductions, fungal nail support, and general foot care advice.

Donna said her aim is to provide a caring, reliable and professional service, helping clients feel more comfortable and confident on their feet.

The service may be particularly helpful for older clients, people with diabetes, those with mobility issues, or anyone who needs regular foot care in the comfort of their own home.

Donna Brown Foot Health Care Practitioner is also registered with the RFHP and is a Dementia Friend.

To book an appointment, call 07792 192183 or email [email protected].

More information is available at www.donnabrownfoothealth.co.uk.

 

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