A donation of £3,500 from Saundersfoot Festivities, organisers of the renowned Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim, is helping to support Robotic Surgery at the University Hospital of Wales while celebrating the life and legacy of much-loved community member Terrence “Terry” Pugh.
Terry, who was well-known and highly respected throughout the Saundersfoot community, featured in the first episode of season two of the BBC documentary Saving Lives in Cardiff, which aired in April 2025. The programme followed his treatment at the University Hospital of Wales, where consultant surgeon Dr Stuart Quine carried out a pioneering robotic procedure to remove an aggressive tumour located at the back of Terry’s nose. The operation, believed to be the first of its kind in Wales and one of only a handful performed across the UK, was successfully completed using advanced robotic technology
Although the surgery was a success, Terry sadly passed away afterwards.
Now, in his memory, Saundersfoot Festivities has chosen to donate £3,500 to support robotic surgery services, ensuring Terry’s story continues to inspire others.
The Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim has become one of the most popular events of its kind in Wales, regularly attracting more than 3,500 swimmers and thousands of spectators to the seaside village every January.
Chris Williams from Saundersfoot Festivities said: “The aim of the day is to bring people together, the community together, to work with organisations and charities and raise as much money as possible. Everyone makes the day special. It’s a fantastic day in the village.
“For more than 40 years we’ve come a long way and it shows the good, hard work the committee does is paying off. People come in their droves to support the event. There’s an awful lot of preparation that goes into it and we’re usually working 12 months ahead. It’s a phenomenal event, well-respected, the community loves it and people buy into it. That’s what makes it such a special day.”
The committee’s decision to support robotic surgery was deeply personal.
“We also have so many fabulous sponsors and volunteers without whom cheques like these in memory of Terry simply wouldn’t exist.”
“Terry was someone who was always well-respected and well-known in the community, and we on the committee had known Terry for more than 20 years. He was our friend, an individual who inspired other people, and we wanted to support his legacy and his family.
For Terry’s wife, Marysia, the annual swim holds countless cherished memories.
“Terry loved doing the New Year’s Day Swim which he did every year unless he was working. In those years I’d dress up and head there in his place,” she said. “I think one year I dressed up as Mario from Super Mario Kart.
“The day itself is very poignant. People turn up because they’re swimming in memory of loved ones and fundraising for numerous worthwhile charities. It helps keep memories alive and brings people together. It’s a big community.”
She added: “Terry and I used to go for the swim, pop home to shower and change, and then come back for the afternoon and evening festivities. I’ve got a lovely photo of Terry with a gin in his hand. It’s always been such a great day.”
Each year, swimmers receive a unique commemorative medal, which changes annually and doubles as a bottle opener, a reminder of an event that has become a cherished New Year tradition.
This donation ensures that Terry’s memory will live on not only within the Saundersfoot community he loved, but also through the continued development of cutting-edge robotic surgery in Wales, a cause that became such an important part of his own remarkable journey.
For Terry, the pioneering robotic surgery gave him an extra eight months to enjoy life. Marysia said, “Along with our youngest son, we were able to take a trip to New Zealand to visit our eldest who’s been living out there for the past five years. Terry was able to see his home, meet friends, and see the life he’s made for himself. Terry was extremely proud of both our boys and the wonderful young men that they have turned out to be.”
At Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, we are incredibly grateful to Saundersfoot Festivities for this generous donation in memory of Terry. Robotic surgery is transforming care for patients across Wales, enabling surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and helping to improve outcomes and recovery times. This donation will help us continue supporting the development of robotic surgery services at the University Hospital of Wales, benefiting patients for years to come while creating a lasting legacy in Terry’s name.