Rugby players in virtual challenge New mayor is ‘determined’ to do his best for the town
PONTARDDULAIS RFC players have arranged a virtual distance challenge to run, walk or cycle to raise funds for St John Cymru in memory of Gerallt Davies MBE, who was the first paramedic in Wales to die with Covid19 on April 20.
A paramedic at Cwmbwrla Station in Swansea, Gerallt was appointed MBE in 2019 for his work with St John Ambulance Cymru, where he was a national operations officer.
Gerallt had also given 20 years of service as a first aider for Pontarddulais senior team as well as service to St John Ambulance for 40 years.
The challenge has been planned in three stages: Stage 1 – 3,885 miles – (total mileage of their away match journeys in Division 2 West) x (15 players on the field of play) (259 x 15); Stage 2 – 6,332 miles – Gerallt’s paramedic pin number; Final stage – 10,000 miles.
The challenge is open to all players and members of the club and has been embraced by players and members from as young as seven years of age up to some in their 60s.
The current total is more than 3,000 miles and the final stage is to be completed by the end of June.
To donate, go to www. justgiving.com/ fundraising/prfc-gerallt
LLANELLI’S new Town Mayor has said he wants to do his absolute best to support the town during the current coronavirus lockdown.
Cllr Chris Griffiths, who represents the Lliedi ward on Llanelli Town Council, has become the first Conservative councillor to hold the office in its 46-year history.
Cllr Griffiths said he was deeply honoured to be voted in by his fellow councillors after his election at a hybrid ceremony, with councillors taking part via phone, video chat and in person.
Plaid Cymru councillor Terry Davies, who represents the Tyisha ward, will serve as Deputy Mayor.
Cllr Griffiths’ wife, Sara, also a Lliedi ward councillor on Llanelli Town Council, will serve as Mayoress.
Cllr Griffiths, 45, said: “I’m over the moon to be given this amazing honour.
“I want to thank my fellow councillors and the people of Llanelli, particularly my constituents in the Lliedi ward who I’ll work so hard to champion.
“I won’t let you down! “The year ahead is going to be a lot different than any of us had in mind, but
I’m absolutely determined to do my best for this town that I care about so much.”
Welcoming the news, Cllr Siôn Davies, leader of the Conservative Group on the council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted Chris has made history becoming the first Conservative mayor of Llanelli, and I know he and Terry will make a great cross-party team.
“It goes to show that nowhere in Wales is a “nogo zone” for the Welsh Conservatives as we look seriously at taking Llanelli from the Labour Party at next year’s Senedd elections.”
In next week’s Star, Robert Lloyd interviews Cllr Griffiths on his political career so far and his hopes and aspirations for the future of Llanelli town.