The story of Wigan HCPT Group 194

The Wigan Division of HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust is called 'Group 194' and was formed in July 1996. Group 194 came into being when the West Lancashire Group, 171, became too overstretched to cover the Wigan area. Group 194 was conceived as a Wigan based group to take children, on a Pilgrimage holiday to Lourdes, from Wigan and the surrounding areas.

The first group consisted of six children, Sheila Toman (the Group Leader), a nurse, a chaplain and ten helpers.

It was an exciting time learning how to put a group together. Finding helpers was the first job and by September the group consisted of Sheila, five male helpers and a chaplain. Soon a nurse and five female helpers were found. It was now time to look for the children to join our fledgling group.

That first Pilgrimage, Easter 1997, was a very happy and exciting year. The children had a joyous, spiritual and playful time with the caring and lively helpers.

Group 194 is well established now with many helpers who have returned every year since the first wonderful Pilgrimage. Whilst some new helpers have joined and some other helpers have moved on.

Over the years we have taken many children to Lourdes, averaging nine per year. The group raises much of the money for the children's fares but helpers pay for themselves. Many of the children from our group attend Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley.

In recent years we have received invaluable financial, spiritual and practical support from the Wigan Lourdes Association. Many other sponsors come forward every year to support the children, most wishing to remain anonymous.

The children we take to Lourdes have a range of disabilities - most are serious, many terminally ill, but the children are so happy and joyful that the week passes in a haze of laughter, singing and prayer - with many sore backs, feet and throats amongst the helpers.

On our last night in Lourdes we light the candles for each other, our families and the generous people who have helped us to make the Pilgrimage to Lourdes for yet another wonderful year.

Love Sheila Toman
Group Leader
HCPT Wigan Group 194

To contact Sheila send her an email by clicking on this link.