Hi everyone

My name is Lilly, and I’m really excited to share that I’ve been chosen to represent my school, St Michael’s, on their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes in May 2026.

There were just 25 places available on the trip, so being selected feels like a privilege. The pilgrimage will give students the chance to be part of a really special journey, supporting and accompanying pilgrims from parishes across the Diocese of Westminster.

The 2026 pilgrimage will also be meaningful, as it will take place alongside the International Military Pilgrimage, which brings together people from all over the world, including military personnel, veterans, and their families.

For a week, I’ll be helping care for the elderly, sick, and vulnerable, while also taking part in prayers and activities.

My catholic faith is very important to me, and this trip feels like a chance to connect with it in a deeper way. My four Irish grandparents all had a strong faith, and my grandmother Rita even completed a pilgrimage to Lough Derg in Ireland when she was young. Thinking of her inspires me to make the most of this opportunity and to do something as meaningful as this.

The total cost of the trip is £1,200, which covers flights, accommodation, meals, and activities. I’m hoping to raise funds towards this.

I have also chosen to donate 50% of anything I raise to a charity that supports pilgrimages. This is not a requirement, but something I would really like to do.

I will work with my school to choose which charity would benefit most. Therefore, every donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference.

To show how much this opportunity means to me, I’ve set myself a personal challenge throughout the month of April: to walk or run a total of 90km (56 miles). I’ll be building up this distance across the month, as part of my way of giving something back and showing my commitment to the trip

This pilgrimage isn’t a holiday - it’s a chance to serve others, grow as a person, and take part in something that truly matters. I genuinely want to help and make a difference wherever I can, and this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do that.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any support you can give. Your generosity will really help me along the way.

Lilly