A CLASSIC car is preparing to make a special journey to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Mametz and commemorate Welsh soldiers who fought and died there.

Jemima, a 1936 Morris 8hp series 1, belongs to proud owner Simon Moffett who acquired her in 1967 for just £10 and carried out extensive restorations.

“She was called Jemima by the family as she leaves little puddles wherever she goes and tends to waddle a bit when seen from behind,” explained Simon.

Jemima joined in the recent St David’s Day celebrations in St Davids and at Brawdy’s Cawdor Barracks, where Simon presented a bouquet of daffodils to Lt Col. Mark Stoter, the commanding officer of the 14th Signal Regiment.

In return Simon was presented with a shield which he will take with him when he drives Jemima to Mametz in northern France in July.

Accompanied by Stuart Churcher, they will attend a commemoration service at the memorial to the fallen of the 38th Welsh Division.

The Battle of Mametz Wood was part of the Battle of the Somme. It saw Welsh soldiers attack and take the wood, but it came at a price, with 1187 killed or missing, and 2806 wounded.

Simon and Stuart are hoping to get sponsorship for their journey, raising £10 per mile. You can make a donation on the JustGiving page JemimagoestoMametz.

All the money will be donated to ProstateCymru, with Simon and Stuart covering all the expense of the journey themselves.

Simon said: “Jemima’s challenge is supported by the Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru. Our goal is to improve Welsh prostate health all across the country by improving equipment, training staff and raising the nations understanding of prostate disease.”

You can follow Jemima’s journey on Facebook: JemimagoestoMametz