A local fundraiser who drove to northern France to commemorate Welsh soldiers who died in WWI has returned home to Haverfordwest, but his 80-year-old car didn’t last the journey.

Simon Moffett set off in his 1936 Morris Eight, known as Jemima, from county hall last Monday, with the aim of reaching the site of the Battle of Mametz Wood.

Accompanied by friend Stuart Churcher, Simon successfully made the journey and laid a plaque at the battle site on behalf of the 14th Signal Regiment.

However, on the return journey, the vintage car showed its age and ground to a halt. “On Friday we did about 110 miles before hearing a noise that began getting worse,” said Simon.

“I had a feeling that the power wasn’t all there. It’s hard to tell what exactly went wrong.”

The pair were able to get home thanks to insurance recovery, but Jemima remains in a garage in France. Simon hopes he will be able to get his beloved car back home in the coming weeks.

Despite the sad loss of Jemima, Simon enjoyed the “excellent” journey with 13 other vintage cars from Wales. The convoy received a send off from lord mayor of Swansea last Tuesday.

The main commemorations took place on Thursday with first minister Carwyn Jones and the Royal British Legion taking part. There was also a performance by the Treorchy Male Voice Choir in the basilica of Albert.

Simon recalls the emotion of the day: “When one of the generals was making a speech, the wind caught his microphone and it sounded like there was gunfire. It was really very spooky.”

The 38th Welsh Division attacked Mametz wood between July 7 and 14, 1916, with more than 4,000 men injured or killed.

Aiming to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cymru, Simon said he’s “amazed” by the £5,000 he has collected, but aims to keep adding to his total.

Despite the breakdown, Simon is not disheartened. “I paid £10 for the car 49 years ago, and it’s a hobby to repair it.

“I am preparing all my tools, and when there is a rainy day I will begin work on building a new engine,” Simon said optimistically.

To find out more about the journey or make a donation, visit the JustGiving page JemimagoestoMametz.