Jasmine was identified as being on the autistic spectrum. She was also diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder - meaning she was constantly worrying. She found it difficult to concentrate, and had an ongoing sense of dread.

Jasmine found out about HCPT when she attended an out-of-school group to help with her mental health. One of the people there worked with the leader of the local HCPT pilgrimage group. They put Jasmine's name forward because they thought the trip to Lourdes would be a good experience for her.

As you can imagine, a trip to a religious shrine, abroad, with strangers, isn't top of many teenagers' bucket lists. Let alone Jasmine's. It would be a very big step for her to be without her parents and be away from home.

Jasmine and her parents learnt that her local HCPT group was well used to taking local children and young people to Lourdes.

Jasmine's parents were reassured that all the volunteers were trained and vetted. The volunteers were all enthusiastic and spirited, and took time to get to know Jasmine. They reassured her and her parents that she'd be well looked after.

The volunteers also explained why HCPT goes to Lourdes, and the spiritual basis of HCPT's work – and that HCPT's pilgrimages are enjoyed by people of all faiths and none.

Jasmine felt very worried and afraid to begin with. But in Lourdes she quickly began to relax, and was at ease and happy all the way through her time away.

Jasmine enjoyed the breathtaking scenery. As soon as she got off the plane at Lourdes Airport she was wowed by the enormous snow capped Pyrenean mountains close by. And in Lourdes itself she was impressed by the large scale of the churches and basilicas, and simultaneously by the small scale of the modest Grotto cave - where Our Lady first appeared to St Bernadette all those years ago.

Throughout the week, Jasmine loved participating in her pilgrimage group's activities. She cuddled animals and played games with friends during the group's trip to HCPT's Hosanna House in the hills above Lourdes. She enjoyed the milkshakes and ice creams at all the group's café stops during the week. And the pizza and chips at the group's hotel in the town!

And she sung her heart out at every Mass, especially the Thursday "Trust Mass" when the whole HCPT pilgrimage of thousands of people, from all over the world, came together as one. After Mass the volunteers in Jasmine's group were struck by how much and how quickly she'd changed - from a shy nervous girl at home to a confident young woman in Lourdes.

Jasmine's pilgrimage to Lourdes changed her life. Before, she found it difficult to be apart from her parents - even for just a night. But Jasmine was proud to have spent an entire week away from home, and in a foreign country too. She never thought she could achieve such a thing. As you can imagine this did wonders for her self confidence and her self esteem.

The benefits of Jasmine's trip extended over months and years. Even now, Jasmine feels more able to deal with situations outside her control, and her outlook on life is brighter as a result.

Jasmine and her parents are full of praise for the incredible volunteers they met through HCPT. And they also wanted to thank you for your donations which helped get Jasmine to Lourdes. Without it who knows how she would be now?

For nearly 70 years, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people like Jasmine have enjoyed HCPT's Easter pilgrimages to Lourdes. We want our 2024 Easter trip to have maximum impact on those who need it most. For that we need your support. Please make a donation through our Christmas Challenge on Big Give: https://bit.ly/4767zuQThank you so much.