My name is Rory and I am in my early twenties and I’m the Deputy Team Leader. I have blue eyes and brown hair and lots of Irish charm. I am currently a Student in UWE Bristol, studying Occupational Therapy. I am also a PDA, which means I work closely with children and young people with profound physical and learning difficulties. I love working with children, something I discovered during my first trip to Lourdes in 2006.
I actually started travelling in 2006 with the HCPT as a member of Group 719 from London, which is a Service group. The service group does not take any children but does do a lot of odd jobs during the HCPT week. I spent many days with different groups and Group 97 was my favourite by far, I began travelling with them in 2011. The friendly vibes and atmosphere this group creates wherever it goes is incredible, I am so honoured to be a member and chosen as their Deputy Group Leader.
Due to my background in care, I have quickly become the unofficial manual handling guru for the group. My nickname is Roorrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyy (never to be said in a whisper), apparently he is a racing car? It developed while I was with the service group and popping back and forth to group 97, it seemed to be the standard way for 97 to announce my arrival to the children. I don’t have a favourite song, but Captain Jack and Ben’s rendition of ‘Delilah’ are definitely up there.
I really enjoy travelling to Lourdes. In fact, I begin looking forward to the next year’s trip from the morning after we arrive home! The whole year is spent fundraising and gearing up for Easter, the excitement builds and builds.
My favourite places are the cafes because there’s always a lot of banter within and between the different groups. We are regularly involved with sing-offs with other groups, which I am proud to say, we always win! The Welsh mass is always a highlight of my week, even though I am not from Wales I enjoy seeing all the Welsh groups come together. The region creates such a friendly, warm and joyful atmosphere, that fills whatever space we are in.
