At this month’s meeting of Narberth Town Council, the town’s Mayor, Cllr. Charlie Meredydd, presented a ‘Mayoral Commendation Award’ to Jack Pallas - who was recognised for his remarkable and selfless achievement in running 135 miles to raise awareness and support for the Sammy-Sized Gap - in memory of his good friend Sam Price.

Described by his family as a ‘beautiful human being with a big heart’, an inquest heard that nineteen-year-old Sam ended his life in 2023, after an evening playing rugby and going to the pub.

Following his death his family set up the charity Sammy-Sized Gap [also known as the Yaki Da Boi project] which provides suicide postvention support for families and friends, education and harm reduction around drugs, alcohol, and mental health, and youth outreach programmes.

The Sammy-Sized Gap charity was founded to fill a critical gap in postvention support for families and friends affected by suicide in Pembrokeshire.

The charity aims to ensure that no other family endures the pain of navigating such a devastating experience alone.

It is committed to providing specialized, compassionate support to those who need it most, offering a range of services, including counselling, group therapy, workshops, and community outreach, tailored to meet the unique needs of the local community.

Its programme is designed to help individuals and families navigate the aftermath of suicide, offering guidance, support, and a sense of hope during the darkest of times.

Yaki Da Boi isn’t just a project - it’s a heartwarming hug of a community and a legacy that sparkles with life - created to celebrate Sam’s adventurous spirit and knack for connection.

The initiative keeps Sam’s vibrant memory alive, with its name ‘Yaki Da Boi’ coming from Sam wanting to teach the world how to say Iechyd Da!

Local runner Jack took on the challenge last year September, with his epic fundraiser taking him around the Narberth Station Loop in memory of Sam.

Jack and Sam were like brothers. He decided to run one mile for every life impacted by Sam’s loss — and every life affected by suicide.

It was seen as not just a run - but also a message, a movement, as well as a way to raise funds, awareness, and hope for young people in the community.

The presentation took place at the Community Library, with Jack’s family in attendance, and the Town Council was proud to formally recognise his dedication, compassion, and contribution to the community.

As well as Jack’s run, Sam’s friends and family also held the Sammy-Sized Day Out, a family-friendly festival full of fun, activities and music to celebrate his life.

The day took place in Narberth’s Bloomfield Centre and featured a kids zone, a wellbeing area, food and refreshments.

There was also music from The Sleeping Dogs, Heathens, Vikings of China and Mammoth DJ as well as a few special surprises including local drag artist, Angel Avenue, along with a Mamma Mia marathon, topped off with closing entertainment from the Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners.

The two events raised an amazing £7,357 for the charity.