The HCPT gives so much to the children who go and Group 97 are proud to have been a part of their children’s lives. It is touching to hear what some children have gained from their Group 97 holiday to Lourdes. One of the many children was Ieuan Thomas-Yendle, whose family have become involved with our group. We are grateful to Ieuan’s Dad, Wayne Yendle for writing the following.
Ieuan Jonathan Thomas-Yendle, came into the world on the 4th March 1994 and flew away on 3rd July 2007.
Ieuan was born perfectly healthy but when he was just a year old, he was diagnosed with Hypergammaglobulin Anaemia (CD 40 Lygand deficiency). This meant he had a low immune system and would require treatment on a monthly basis for the rest of his life. Although life seemed to revolve around hospitals, Ieuan lead an active normal life.
Ieuan loved life and from a young age had many hobbies and interests: singing, dancing, dressing up, entertaining. He loved everything about Disney and was a great fan of WWF Wrestling.
However, at the age of 10 years, Ieuan began having co-ordination problems. Over the following three years, despite gruelling tests, hospital admissions and biopsies, Ieuan lost the ability to walk, talk, eat and then see.
Sadly on 3rd July, 2007 at Ty Hafan Children‟s Hospice Ieuan passed away: he flew away to a better place. The cause of his death has been undiagnosed.
Leuan, during his short life had three visits to the Holy Shrine of Our Lady in Lourdes and each visit was very special to him. He enjoyed everything about Lourdes, he had great faith and took part in whatever he could. Ieuan had very happy times and made wonderful life long friends, he loved his Group 97 who were ALL very special to him. In 2003, which was his first trip when he was still very able, he cleared the dance floor. A memory that will stay with the group forever is him dancing the Salsa with his dancing partner Scarlet. Group 97 gave Ieuan such happy memories and all his family are all so very grateful that he was chosen to experience these trips to Lourdes, a very special place, and spend many times with Our Lady at the Grotto to pray and reflect.
