A Pembrokeshire charity that aims to ‘empower its users through education and support’ has been chosen as Valero Pembroke Refinery’s charity of the year.

Following a site-wide vote, Pembrokeshire Cancer Support will join forces with the refinery’s workforce to raise funds for the group.
 

Rugby match should be a major fund-raiser

 
And one of the first major fund-raisers for the year will be the special rugby match where a Valero team take on a Pembroke County Select XV at Crickmarren, Pembroke, on Saturday, 26th February, starting at 1pm.
 
Wales play England at Twickenham at 4.45 pm that day so it gives local rugby enthusiasts of a double-dose of rugby because they can watch it at the club or head for home in plenty of time.
 
The teams met two years ago in their first charity meeting at Bierspool, the home of Pembroke Dock Quins, with Pembrokeshire edging through in a cracking game of rugby played at a high pace and with running rugby alongside commitment aplenty – and now they will do battle again for what is sure to be another big day for raising funds.
 
As in the previous match, the ‘Man of the Match’ adjudicators will be local sports journalists Gordon Thomas, Fraser Watson and Bill Carne.



 

Started by Doreen – and been growing ever since

 
The Pembrokeshire Cancer Support Group was formed in 1991 by Doreen Wormell, who felt that as a cancer sufferer there was a gap between the patient being diagnosed and being able to come to terms with the fact they have the condition.

Over the years and with the help of other sufferers the group has grown from meeting twice monthly to having a dedicated facility in Pembroke Dock that allows them to hold meetings, one to one contact and group relaxation therapies.

The charity’s co-ordinator Lyn Neville said they are thrilled to have been chosen:

“Being named as Valero’s charity of the year was a great way to start the year after what has been a difficult couple of years,” he said. “For obvious reasons we haven’t been able to do as much as we would have liked over the past two years but hopefully, fingers crossed, we can provide a fuller service soon.”

Valero’s Public Affairs Manager Stephen Thornton added:

“Pembrokeshire Cancer Support understand what those with the condition are going through. This not only helps the individual but their family and friends too and we’re delighted to be able to team up with Pembrokeshire Cancer Support for the next 12 months.”


 
Pembrokeshire coaches involved are Steve Martin (Milford Haven); Jonathan Evans (Tenby United); Gareth Bennett (Whitland) and John Davies (Crymych), whilst the Valero coaches are Nathan Williams (Milford Haven), Chris James (Narberth); Lee and Gareth Scourfield (Pembroke Dock Quins), with Jack Mason (Whitland and Pembrokeshire) and Geoff Martin (Tenby United and Valero) as captains – and next week we will produce some pen pictures of all the coaches!