A vicar has been putting his best foot forward this week by taking part in a 50-mile pilgrimage to raise funds for his church. Canon Dr. Patrick Thomas (seen left), vicar of St. David's and Christ Church, Carmarthen, is walking 50 miles from Carmarthen to St. David's Cathedral, to raise money for the rebuilding of part of St. David's Church, which was badly damaged last November. On Wednesday, he passed through Narberth, where he was met by the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Rees who presented him with a scroll to commemorate his visit, before accompanying him through High Street.

'Raising the roof': Patrick's pilgrimage to save church

In the Middle Ages pilgrims from all over South Wales used to make their way to St. David's Cathedral. Canon Dr. Patrick Thomas, vicar of St. David's and Christ Church, Carmarthen, has been following in their footsteps.

Canon Thomas is currently walking 50 miles from Carmarthen to St. David's Cathedral to raise money for the rebuilding of part of St. David's Church, which was badly damaged last November.

"A large number of generous people have sponsored me for the walk," said Canon Thomas. "We need to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the restoration work, so their kindness is greatly appreciated."

Canon Thomas began his walk on Tuesday from Carmarthen Guildhall where he was given a civic send off. Civic and church dignitaries have also been meeting him along the route at St. Clears, Whitland, Narberth, Haverfordwest and St. David's.

The first stage of the walk was from Carmarthen to the Hywel Dda Centre in Whitland via Bancyfelin and St. Clears.

The following day Canon Thomas and his fellow pilgrims walked on to the Haverfordwest Golf Club, going through Narberth on the way. Yesterday's stage was from Haverfordwest to Solva. Finally, today (Friday), the walkers will make their way along the Coastal Path from Solva to St. Non's Chapel. They will arrive at the cathedral by 2.30 pm.

The Dean of St. David's, the Very Rev. J. Wyn Evans, will then celebrate a special Eucharist for the pilgrims.

"A great many people have played a part in preparing for the pilgrimage and have offered assistance on the way," Canon Thomas remarked. "One of my parishioners has even had a special walking stick made for me, with a carving of the head of St. David on the handle. I've also been receiving very useful advice from a member of my congregation who is a chiropodist."

Among those accompanying Canon Thomas on the walk are Mr. Peris Rice, the Carmarthen undertaker, and Clr. Roger Nock MBE, who was married in St. David's Church and is now a churchwarden in Canon Thomas's former parish of Brechfa.

This is not the first time that Canon Thomas has made a pilgrimage to St. David's. In 1972, when he was a student, he walked and hitch-hiked his way from Shrewsbury to the cathedral.

"I was trying to work out what to do with my life at that time," he said. "The journey had such an impact on me that it eventually led to my being ordained in St. David's Cathedral in 1979, and I've served in St. David's Diocese ever since."

Dr. Thomas was made a Canon of St. David's Cathedral in 2000, and became the cathedral's canon librarian last year.