My first year was in 1987. I was a very young, but adventurous seventeen year old, who was asked by Sr Columba, a work colleague and great friend if I wished to join Group 111 Newport as a helper. I could not start to describe how I felt when I returned home from my first trip I just said, “I think you have to go there to experience it!”
That I still believe to be true today! I completed six years then had a break until 2007 when I travelled as a friend of Group 97 for three days. I got ‘The bug’ again and started travelling with Group 97 in 2008.
My role in the group is Helper and Nurse.
I do not have a specific nick name but have been known Day Nurse.
My biggest contribution to the group’s fund raising is the collection of aluminium drinks cans, throughout the year, which provides a small, but significant amount of money for the children. This would not be possible without the help of the many Public Houses and individuals that support me in this venture. We even have our own annoymous Can Man now, you know who you are!
I go to Lourdes to be part of a group which provides care, love, friendship, support and the opportunity to be part of a family orientated group providing a holiday opportunity of a special kind.
My favourite place in Lourdes is the Grotto, for its calm, feeling of togetherness, and peace you feel as an individual and across many nations.
