At Easter each year the whole of Lourdes is 'taken over' by the brightly attired HCPT groups from all over the UK and increasingly also from around the world.

HCPT The pilgrimage Trust is from the outside an organisation like many others which was inspired by the desire to make a difference in peoples lives. The history of the trust encompasses nearly 50 years and now each year benefits about 2000 children aged between 7 and 18 years who have a wide range of disabilities and physical, emotional and social hardship Lourdes is a very special destination and whilst the week is a great holiday, there is also a strong feel of pilgrimage with processions and huge gatherings.
At Easter 2005 there was a new 'family' group which joined HCPT for the first time. We gained approval for a Norwich based group centred at Notre Dame. For me, over the past three years being involved in HCPT the most powerful part of the experience has been witnessing the changes not only in the children during the week, but also in every one of the helpers as each take on responsibility but also experience the friendship, fellowship and love that is so central to the Trust's existence. The family group travels together, stays together in a hotel, talks, eats, sings, plays and prays together for the week.
This experience really does have the power to change lives, to restore self-esteem and to create hope for a better future. We can only accommodate a small number of children in our group, but this is part of a much bigger picture. In order to provide the level of physical and emotional care necessary we aim to provide two helpers for each child within the composition of the group. Helpers will generally contribute a large proportion of the cost of their own fares as well as being heavily involved in fundraising for the group. As we will be take several Sixth Form students as helpers we aim to support their places financially as much as possible. All the costs of the childrens' places will be raised through charitable donations and fundraising.

We ask for your support in one of several ways.

A one off contribution towards the cost of next Easter's pilgrimage A prize, or 'promise' that may form part of a raffle or auction to support fundraising.

The offer of a venue for an event such as a race night, quiz or band organised by us.

Sponsorship of our group which could include providing group 'kit' in our own HCPT colours.

Contacts with families and children who might benefit from involvement in next years pilgrimage.

Attendance, sponsorship, assistance and support for events we organise during the year.

Please remember our group in your prayers as we will hold you in ours, especially during our week in Lourdes.

Thank you to everyone who's generosity giving time, thought, prayer and support will enable us to change lives for the better. Karen Sturt Assistant head of Sixth Form / HCPT Group 111 leader