Luke is an 11 year old boy who has an ultra-rare condition where he has episodes of paralysis and often stops breathing and was given the opportunity to travel to Lourdes at Easter 2023.

It was through school and his friends that Luke was introduced to HCPT. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Luke to experience a residential trip, something which he would have missed out on in year 6.Luke's journey to Lourdes had been planned for 2020 but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. He had never been on a trip like this before, but with the help of his group, he was able to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Regular meetings with the group's leader and helpers meant Luke's parents were able to share any worries they had prior to Luke travelling. This put their mind at ease and they knew he was in safe hands due to the reassurance and routines they would put in place to support Luke.

Luke is a cheerful boy who had his group laughing throughout their visits. He loves people, transport, music, and animals and with these interests, it is no surprise that Luke had a fun filled week in Lourdes. He played along to the music with his tambourine at Mass, played games on the prairie and took in the scenic views of Saint Savin, a small village that overlooks the Pyrenees mountains. With a great love for animals, Luke was able to visit the zoo at Hosanna House where he could pet some of the new additions to the farm and play games out on the terrace.

Luke's parents have expressed their gratitude to HCPT for giving their son the opportunity to have an incredible experience, saying that they would wholeheartedly recommend the trip to other parents in similar situations.

By supporting HCPT through our Big Give Christmas Campaign, you can help another 30 children travel to Lourdes this Easter. Donate through: https://bit.ly/4767zuQ