Staff from the Port of Milford Haven have once again gone the extra mile for charity, raising £15,000 during a two-day coastal walking challenge along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Saundersfoot to Milford Haven.
Employees took on the demanding 45-mile trek over two days while raising funds for three local charities: Pembrokeshire People First, Tŷ Hafan’s Children Hospice and Sandy Bear Children's Bereavement Charity. Each charity has received £5,000 from the fundraising effort.
The team were supported by colleagues, local businesses, family members and the wider community. The £15,000 raised will help the three charities continue providing vital services to people and families across Wales.
Niall Yeomans, Head of Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality at the Port of Milford Haven, who organised the event, said: "On behalf of everyone who took part in the challenge, I'd like to say a huge thank you to those who donated and supported us along the way. Knowing we were raising money for three fantastic charities kept the team motivated throughout what was a demanding but incredibly rewarding journey."
"We're particularly proud that the funds raised will directly support organisations that make such a positive difference to people's lives. Reaching £15,000 is a fantastic achievement and reflects the generosity of our community, as well as the determination and teamwork shown by everyone who took part."
"I'd also like to thank the colleagues who supported us behind the scenes, helping with logistics, refreshments and encouragement across the two days. The challenge was a brilliant demonstration of our Port values in action, with people coming together to support worthy causes while promoting health, wellbeing and community spirit."
Lee Barnett, CEO of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity said: “‘With so little statutory funding for bereavement services, support from our local communities really does enable us to put funds to good use back in those areas in which it was raised. Last year saw us support 280 children and young people within Pembrokeshire, with over 1,000 supported across Wales. It was great to meet the team who took part in the challenge, and also to hear from those who know families who have been supported by Sandy Bear. Thank you, Port of Milford Haven.’”
Tracy Thomas, Senior Operations Manager at Pembrokeshire People First, said: “Everyone at Pembrokeshire People First would like to say a huge thank you to the Port of Milford Haven for their generous donation to our Charity, we are incredibly grateful for your kindness. Your support means so much to us and will help us to continue our work with supporting our members to be heard, feel included and to live more independent, confident lives.”
Penny Collins, Corporate Fundraising Officer for Tŷ Hafan, said: "We were so pleased to be chosen as a charity partner by the Port of Milford Haven for this amazing challenge. At the moment, we are only able to support one in ten families who need our help.
When a child's life is going to be a short life, Tŷ Hafan will walk alongside the family every step of the way, through life, death and beyond. By highlighting the work we do, as well as the wonderful donations raised, they'll be helping us to walk alongside every family that needs our support."
The Port of Milford Haven supports and encourages colleagues to volunteer and take part in community initiatives that contribute to thriving communities, a resilient environment and a safe and enjoyable waterway. As a Trust Port, it is committed to creating positive social impact across Pembrokeshire and beyond.
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Photo Caption: Port of Milford Haven coastal challenge participants with representatives from Tŷ Hafan’s Children Hospice, Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pembrokeshire People First.