HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust was formed in 1956 when a young doctor, Michael Strode, took four children with disabilities to Lourdes. From the outset he insisted that they should be treated just like other pilgrims, and should be accommodated in hotels rather than hospitals.

Fifty years on HCPT now takes around 2,000 children with disabilities, or social and emotional needs, on a Pilgrimage holiday to Loureds each Easter. the children come from all walks of life and may belong to any religious background, or none at all. the children and helpers travel in small family groups from all over the UK and Ireland as well as groups from Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, USA and the West Indies. It is the largest children's Pilgrimage from the UK.

HCPT takes children on the basis of their medical or social needs, and raises the funds for the sponsorship of all the children. Parents are welcome to make a contribution to the Trust, if they wish. Leaders and helpers pay their own costs, but a concessionary scheme may be available for those who find it difficult to pay the full amount.