There are some events you leave feeling genuinely better about the world. Saturday night's charity evening at Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, hosted by New Hedges Saundersfoot United FC, was one of them.
And it wasn't just the rugby stories - though Welsh legend Shane Williams had plenty of those.
This was the third celebratory meet and greet evening NHSU have organised, following previous sell-out nights with John Hartson and Bruce Grobbelaar. If that list tells you anything, it's that this club punches well above its weight when it comes to community spirit. Grassroots football clubs doing this kind of thing deserve to be talked about, and NHSU absolutely deserve their flowers.
This year's beneficiaries were the Maxwell Family Genomics Fund and Sandy Bear Children's Bereavement Charity - two causes that couldn't be more different in focus but equally vital to the people they serve.
Martin Jones, Business Development Manager at Sandy Bear, spoke to the crowd about the charity's work supporting bereaved children and young people across Wales. His message was straightforward and, frankly, uncomfortable in the best possible way: without community support and events exactly like this one, charities like Sandy Bear simply wouldn't exist. He didn't dress it up. Despite referrals from bereaved children and young people continuing to rise, Sandy Bear was forced to make redundancies last year — not because the need isn't there, but because the funding isn't keeping pace. That landed in the room the way it should. It's the kind of honest truth that turns a fun evening into something with genuine purpose.
Comedian Lenny Dee kept the energy high throughout, Shane Williams was every bit the gentleman his reputation suggests - humble, funny, and generous with his time - and the silent auction, run by The Events Room, did its job brilliantly. Sponsors Molson Coors and venues Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club and Regency Hall all played their part in making the evening run seamlessly.
The final fundraising total is still being confirmed, but expectations are high - and rightly so.
Perhaps most tellingly, the NHSU team are already working on next year. Watch this space.
To find out more about the incredible work being done by this year's chosen charities, visit www.sandybear.co.uk and the Maxwell Family Genomics Fund at www.facebook.com/maxwellgenomicsfund. Both are worthy of your time, your attention, and if you're able, your support.
Report and Photos Credit: Darth Marty Media
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