PEMBROKE Rugby Club were delighted to turn over the ground to charity fundraiser Quinnfest recently.

The event was part of the fundraising effort by friends of the local Catermole Family and there was a huge community turn out, which raised over £6,000 on the day.

The friends posted on Facebook: “A very special little girl in our lives, Quinn, has recently been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension (IPH), a rare condition, particularly so amongst children with few young patients in the UK being diagnosed.

“IPH is a very serious condition caused by high blood pressure in the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs.

“The condition damages the right side of the heart, causing it to have to continually work harder and as a result gradually become weaker.

“This significantly affects quality of life over time and ultimately leads to heart failure.

“Quinn is just 10 years old and as it stands IPH has no cure.

“We decided to put on Quinnfest to have a fun filled day for all ages that will raise funds for and awareness of Pulmonary Hypertension, aiding vital research and providing equipment to make Quinn’s life as accessible and fun filled as a 10 year olds should be.

Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK (PHA UK) are the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by this rare disease and work tirelessly to raise the profile of the condition and ensure equity of access to treatments and services and provide support for patients and those around them.

“PHA UK are committed to supporting the PH community and raising awareness of this serious condition – in the hope of one day, finding a cure.”

The friends also organised a bike ride from and back to Pembroke Castle, taking in the castles of Haverfordwest, Wiston, Llawhaden, Narberth, Tenby, Manorbier and Carew en route and they intend doing a Bikeathon at Adsa Cribbs Causeway (Bristol) on Saturday, 7 September.

They have opened an online JustGiving page for donations and remains open until after the Bikeathon.

All funds raised will go to PHAUK (Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK) Charity.

Organisers of QUNINNFEST which was held at Pembroke Rugby Club
Organisers of QUNINNFEST which was held at Pembroke Rugby Club (Photo supplied)

On Saturday, 17 August, alongside the first home senior pre-season match, there will be a BBQ organised by the Edwards Family.

This is the first of a range of fundraising activities to support Chantelle, wife of ex-player Matthew, who will be running the London Marathon next year to raise funds for Nerve Tumours UK (they have opened an online just giving page, in her name). 

The club announced the appointment of Lloyd Davies as club captain ahead of the new season for his second year in charge.

Everyone wishes him and the squad every success as they start in Division 4 West, whilst the Panthers and Youth are yet to name their leaders.

All squads across all age ranges have been training for weeks now and some have taken advantage of the Friday social rugby sessions to increase their workload.

There are a number of pre-season fixtures arranged and these are on display at the club. The First XV start on Saturday, 17 August with Pontyates (home) 2.30pm KO, the Youth play Carmarthen Athletic (home) Friday, 16 August, KO 7pm, whilst the Panthers are yet to confirm and advertise their pre-season fixtures.