The congregation present at the Benefice Eucharist at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, on Sunday, were pleased to welcome a familiar guest to the service.

Mr. Phil Thomas, the West Wales representative for the Ty Hafan Hospice, joined worshippers in order to receive a most impressive donation for the hospice.

Back in May, local hotelier and member of the church, Mrs. Julie Andrasco, had undertaken a tremendous challenge, cycling from Cardiff to Tenby as part of the CarTen event.

All 700 cyclists were riding for charity, many of them supporting the Juvenile Diabetic Research Association.

Julie, however, decided to donate her sponsorship money to Ty Hafan and was generously supported by many friends, family members and parishioners.

The cheque which Julie presented to Phil Thomas was for £1,000 and this fantastic amount is testimony not only to the marvellous support contributed via sponsorship but, of course, to the admiration and esteem in which Julie is held.

In gratefully receiving the cheque, Phil spoke movingly about the amazing work undertaken at Ty Hafan and reminded the congregation that the families using the hospice greatly value the staff there and the wonderful facilities and like Ty Hafan to be known as The Happy Place.

The vital support of Wales' only hospice for children is on-going at St. Mary's Church, via an annual donation of over £5,000 as a result of personal donations for memorial candles.

Phil was effusive in his thanks for this tremendous backing and expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to again visit this beautiful church.

Pictured at the cheque donation are the Rector, Rev. Andrew Davies, curate, Alex Grace, Julie Andrasco and Phil Thomas.

The entire service was recorded by cameras from the BBC, as part of their two-year filming of Alex, following her training for the ministry.

The programme is due to be screened in the autumn and parishioners await this blockbuster with great anticipation!