A team of young volunteers are aiming to help people with disabilities visit the spiritual town of Lourdes.

The trip is ran by Castlerigg Manor, which leads the youth section of the Diocese of Lancaster, particularly sick pilgrims. Every diocese in England makes a point of travelling to Lourdes throughout the summer months, so the girls will not just be attending to people within their own parish community. 

The students, who are currently in the school’s Sixth Form, are already planning a host of fundraisers to support them on their trip. Activities include bag packing at local supermarkets, sponsored walks, quiz nights and a bingo night. 

Ellie Geen, 17, of Wath Brow, said, “I’m really excited to be going on this pilgrimage. In addition to the sights and culture, it’s going to be incredibly rewarding. It’s always important for us to remember that community support, in whatever capacity, is something we all should take part in”. 

Richard Teasdale, school chaplain at St Benedict’s, said, “From a personal point of view, when I first went to Lourdes the experience changed my life. That experience of serving others is like nothing else in the world. It delights me that so many students from St Benedict’s are going to have that same experience. 

"It’s something that changes communities and to know you have cared for and looked after someone is, as I said, life changing. Which is why it’s important everyone gets behind the fundraising efforts to ensure the girls are able to go.” 

Lourdes has been a place of pilgrimage for over 150 years, since Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette on the February 11 1856. Since then, many miracles of healing have been attributed to Lourdes, particularly to its holy spring. 

For more information about upcoming fundraisers or for how to get involved in supporting the girls, call Richard Teasdale on 01946 692275.