History of HCPT

HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust was formed in 1956 when a young doctor, Michael Strode, took four children with disabilities to Lourdes. From the outset he insisted that they should be treated just like other pilgrims, and should be accommodated in hotels rather than hospitals.


Today HCPT takes about 2,000 children from the UK, Ireland, West Indies, Slovakia and the USA who have a wide range of disabilities, or who are physically or emotionally deprived or neglected. The pilgrimage is now the largest from the UK.Organised into over 200 family groups, the children are assisted by helpers, many of whom are young people who are present as companions, as much as to help with mobility as to ensure the children enjoy the holiday to the full. Each child has at least one helper dedicated to their care throughout the week. There are also doctors, nurses and chaplains to give specialist support.

Group Leaders are all previous helpers with a strong track record in caring for children with disabilities. All of them have been carefully vetted so as to ensure the children receive the best possible care while they are away from home. The Trust also has its own medical centre in Lourdes which has close links with the local medical services in order to provide a comprehensive service in case of need. HCPT regards preparation as a key part of the trip.

Children come as part of a localy-organised group which arranges meetings between helpers, the children and their parents, so they all have the chance to get to know one another before the pilgrimage. Home visits may be made to ensure the children get to know and trust their helpers.

HCPT charters planes from various UK airports or the boat/train via Calais and has built a strong relationship with a number of the best hotels in Lourdes. These are carefully selected and well used to accommodating children with disabilities. HCPT selects children on the basis of their medical needs and raises the funds for the sponsorship of all the children. Parents are welcome to make a contribution to the Trust, but not to pay their own child's costs. Helpers pay their own costs, but a concessionary scheme is available for those who find it difficult to pay the full amount.