Sian

I joined the group in 2004 ready for my first trip as a helper in 2005. But I first went to Lourdes in 1999 when Group 97 took me as a child because I had problems with my leg. This week was magical because I realised that with my problems I wasn’t alone. My memories of this week was fun and laughter, I was made to feel so special. I knew I would always go back! I am a qualified primary school teacher and a respite carer on weekends. As a helper within the group now I can see the other side to the Pilgrimage. I want to give the experience to the children we take now the same as I had when I was a child. In the group I have been given the nick name “Stan” as my door poster was vandalised every year by Dave and so this name stuck. In 2009 the group decided to create a newsletter to inform the community of our work and events, I have been involved with this from the beginning. As a group we decided we needed a website, I created it and now currently maintain it. In Lourdes I oversee the arts and crafts the children undertake. My favourite part of the week is decorating candle, because it gives me a chance to spend time with the children one to one, talking to them, getting to know them a little bit better and finding out who they we would like to remember on the candle so that we can pray for them as a group. My favourite song is, “Shine Jesus Shine” because it gets all the group dancing and involved in the Mass. It is an upbeat song which everybody loves. HCPT Group 97 has always been in my life, my family have always been involved with the group and so I have been brought me up with it. One of my earliest memories is going on the coach with the group to the airport and giving out the sweets and waving everyone goodbye. My favourite moment of the week is the last Mass we have as a group. It is the water and light ceremony when the children and helpers wash each others hands, we bless the group candle and say goodbye.