Every Easter, HCPT Group 3 take around 10 children with special needs, from Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire, on a week’s 'holiday of a life time' to Lourdes, France. I'm returning to Group 3 after more than 10 years and I'm hoping you are able to donate some money towards the children's fares and trip funds, to make the week special.

We are part of a wider organisation called “HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust,” which is a Christian organisation, taking around 1000 children and 4000 helpers to Lourdes annually.

HCPT Group 3 moved to taking children from Gloucestershire in 2004 and Ruth and I have travelled with the group a number of times. Our group is very much a “broad church” taking people of all faiths and some with no faith at all.

Our holiday concentrates on having FUN at every turn! It's hard to describe the magic and joy that the week brings to the children. There is always laughter, singing and silliness. All I can say is that it's something special, unlike anything else I've experienced.

Lourdes is located in one of the most picturesque regions of France, on the edge of the French Pyrenees and we take full advantage of this, engaging in a wide range of activities from visits to the mountains, the Animal Park, trips to the Forest and Lourdes Castle, to mention but a few!

It costs over £1000 for each child to go on the trip and I'd love it if you could contribute anything to help towards group funds. Even the smallest amount can go towards an ice cream or hot chocolate.

Thanks for your support!

Craig