Background

HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust was formed in 1956 when a young doctor, Michael Strode, took four children with disabilities to Lourdes. From the outset he insisted that they should be treated just like other pilgrims, and should be accommodated in hotels rather than hospitals.

Fifty years on HCPT now takes around 2,000 children with disabilities, or social and emotional needs, on a Pilgrimage holiday to Lourdes each Easter.The children come from all walks of life and may belong to any religious background, or none at all. The children and helpers travel in small family groups from all over the UK and Ireland. We also take groups from Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, USA and the West Indies. It is the largest children's Pilgrimage from the UK.

The holiday features visits to the Lourdes Grotto, outings to local attractions, or cafés and villages higher up amidst the spectacular scenery of the French Pyrenees. Longer trips could include beach trips to coastal towns of the Atlantic. The aim of the week is to give the children a safe, exciting and enjoyable holiday infused with the warmth and affection of caring friends.