It is with sad hearts that The Friends of South Pembrokeshire Hospital have to announce the closure of their charity at the end of this year. Started in 2005 by Sue Paterson-Jones our aim has always been to purchase through our fund-raising and donations, items which the hospital budget cannot afford, and which would help make the patients’ lives a lot more comfortable. Items include new televisions in all the wards and side-rooms, specialist mattresses, wheelchairs to help with rehabilitation, blood-pressure monitors, specialist equipment for wards and the Day Centre, and even a greenhouse, as well as many, many more. To date we have raised in excess of £140,000.

However falling numbers in our volunteers have meant quite a struggle to maintain our group over the last few years, and so the decision has been made to close.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated and helped us over the past years with their time and expertise, and members of The Friends, past and present, for doing such a fantastic job raising money for our funds. In particular we wish to thank John Rolls of Showboat TV, for producing the posters each month to advertise our Coffee Mornings and events. Thanks also go to all local shops, pubs and businesses who have supported us so generously.

Our last Fund Raiser will be our Christmas Coffee Morning and Table-Top Sale, which will be held on Tuesday, December 11 in Pembroke Town Hall. With over 20 different exhibitors this promises to be a great event and a suitable way to finish on a high note.