H C P T Group 7 9

HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust is a charity organisation that was formed in 1956. Michael Strode, a young doctor, took four children with disabilities to Lourdes on a pilgrimage holiday. He wanted these children to experience a time when they would stay in hotels, take trips into the mountains and visit cafes in the village. Dr Michael's work with these children has expanded to the Trust's present form.

HCPT and IHCPT (founded 1972) take over 2000 children (aged 8-18) to Lourdes each year. From HCPT developed Hosanna House, a place just outside of Lourdes to which young pilgrims could return once they reached 18. The HCPT pilgrimage is the largest children's pilgrimage from any country. Each year, HCPT and IHCPT are joined by other countries also taking part in this pilgrimage...USA, West Indies, Slovakia, Romania...and the list continues to grow.

Every Easter, about 7000 people pile onto aeroplanes, buses or trains and head out to France. The children are sponsored by the trust but most volunteers pay for themselves. The children have a wide range of special needs whether physical, mental, social or emotional. They are cared for by voluntary helpers, including doctors, nurses and chaplains.

Group 79 have been travelling to Lourdes with HCPT for 25 years. The group is mostly from Bristol but increasing numbers of students have meant that it is a truly national group. In fact this year its international as I am living in France! This web page has been created for you to learn more about us and the work of the Trust and also for us to reminisce. It will include (hopefully!) photos, comments, introductions to the group members, fundraising updates and other fun gimmicks. Enjoy!