A CARMARTHENSHIRE priest is preparing to embark on a five-day solo pilgrimage of around 75 miles to St Davids Cathedral, raising money for her local church and foodbank along the way.

The Reverend Canon Ali Reeves, Priest in Charge of Betws with Ammanford Churches, will set off from Ammanford on the morning of Monday, August 31, walking across West Wales before arriving at St Davids Cathedral on Friday, September 4.

Canon Ali plans to complete the journey entirely on foot, walking alone and unsupported, with the pilgrimage providing an opportunity for personal retreat and reflection while also raising vital funds for All Saints Church, Ammanford, and Ammanford Foodbank.

She is aiming to reach St Davids Cathedral at around 5.30pm on the Friday, where she will be welcomed with prayers ahead of Evensong.

Canon Ali has been documenting her preparations and training for the challenge through her Facebook page, The Rambling Reverend, and plans to share updates and reflections from the road throughout the five-day journey.

Canon Ali said:

“I wanted this walk to be a genuine pilgrimage and retreat, which is why I’ve decided to undertake it on my own and unsupported. There’s something very special about setting out from the community I serve in Ammanford and making the journey on foot all the way to St Davids Cathedral.

“Walking around 75 miles over five days will certainly be a physical challenge, but I’m looking forward to having that time for prayer and reflection as I make my way across west Wales.

“I’m also delighted that the pilgrimage gives me an opportunity to support two causes which mean a great deal to our community: All Saints Church and Ammanford Foodbank. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me so far, and every donation, however large or small, will help spur me on towards St Davids.”

Canon Ali has already raised more than half of her fundraising target ahead of setting off.

Donations can be made through her JustGiving fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ali-reeves

Updates from Canon Ali’s pilgrimage will also be shared through The Rambling Reverend on Facebook.