From Newcastle to Lourdes via Walbottle

Caring children at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary in Walbottle have been putting their best feet forward to support their parish priest, who was in the process of walking the 1,070-mile distance from Newcastle to Lourdes to raise money for charity.

Father Damian Cassidy averaged 250 miles a month during his epic trek, and raised around £5,000 for the Hosanna House Children’s Pilgrimage Trust in Rugby, which provides holidays to the famous pilgrimage site of Lourdes in the South of France for disabled and disadvantaged children.

The pupils were keen to follow in Father Damian’s footsteps, so the school decided to hold a sponsored walk for the cause, with all age groups from Reception to Year 6 taking part – along with Father Damian himself.

“Each class walked for half an hour over the course of the day, completing laps around our running track,” said Deputy Headteacher Sarah Walsh, who oversaw the event.

“Children have been collecting sponsorship money from their friends and families. We have raised over £1,571 as a school – £1,600 is enough to fund the trip for one child to go on pilgrimage to Lourdes.”

“At St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School Walbottle, charity and service are central to our mission,” she added. “We believe in showing kindness, compassion and support for those in need – values our pupils live out every day.

“The generous donations have enabled a child to travel to Lourdes, an experience they will cherish for a lifetime.

“Supporting this charity is a meaningful way for pupils to live out the school’s mission in real and practical ways.”