Tom's Experience
Lourdes: October 2006
"On Thursday 19th October I boarded my Across Ambulance at South Mimms along with several others. The Ambulance had started out in Glasgow at 6am that morning. There was one more stop before the Channel Tunnel and then we drove through France stopping only for the drivers to switch before reaching Lourdes at 11am on Friday 20th October. The Ambulance was well equipped with eight trolley beds, resuscitation equipment, basic drugs, a disabled toilet and a fully stocked kitchen. The disabled passengers - known as VIPs - were loaded onto the coach via a lift at the back.
During the first night on board all the helpers were allocated a two hour shift so that the VIPs could be assured of help should they need it in the night. If they wished to go to the toilet a helper walked in front of them and one behind to reduce their risk of falling with the unsteady motion of the coach as it travelled south. A 'chair on wheels' was used for anyone who was unable to walk to the toilet. The more disabled passengers had catheters passing their urine from their bladder into bags which needed to be emptied from time to time. The nurses and helpers provided meals and drinks for everyone on board. Across passengers were the only ones allowed to stay on the car deck while the ferry was at sea.
My shift was from 10pm until midnight and it was quiet as all the VIPs had been settled into bed. I got water for a couple of people and helped lift one lady down from her bunk so that she could go to the toilet. Once my shift was finished I did my best to get some sleep sitting in one of the chairs.
Unloading the coach was a long process as the VIPs had to be unloaded one by one on the lift. Most required wheelchairs. The male helpers unloaded the luggage and distributed it to the hotel rooms. Each VIP had a helper allocated as a room mate. Those requiring nursing care were allocated to rooms with a nurse.
I shared with a team leader but was allocated to help the main carer of a man with Cerebral Palsy. Before the day was out I had helped shower him using a hoist. I spent a lot of time with this particular VIP who had a wicked sense of humour. He was difficult to understand and a feeling of panic would come over me as I failed to understand what he was saying to me for the second and then third time. He was very patient with me and would keep repeating his sentence until I got there. I frequently sat next to him at meal times and would help feed him as he could not do this for himself. I had to be careful as he could choke on his food very easily. He enjoyed going to the Grotto at night when it was peaceful - and I had the privilege of being able to take him myself one evening. He was desperate to go up the Funicular Railway. The Group Leader organised transport for two VIPs along with four male helpers to go up the Mountain Railway - but as it was the end of the season it had closed early and we were unable to go. The bus driver took us all on a free tour of Lourdes instead - showing us areas the more experienced carers had never seen.
We were accompanied on our trip by Father Sean who said mass everyday. Going to mass was not boring. I enjoyed mass and looked forward to going. Each day we went to a different venue. We had mass at the hotel, in two of the chapels in the Basilica, in the Polish Convent and in the Ukrainian Catholic church. During our journeys to and from France Father Sean said mass on the coach. He brought communion to any one who missed Mass. Two VIPs had short stays in hospital but they either had communion when they got back to the hotel or Father Sean brought it to them in hospital. Not everyone was Catholic but everyone was included within the Mass. The kiss of peace was a hug - to everyone. For many of the VIPS this human contact was exactly what they needed as they had lonely lives. Watching J** change from an expressionless lady with a left sided weakness from her stroke to a chatty smiling, singing lady was amazing. The human contact and the fun made a huge difference to her.
During the week we went to the Grotto, those that wanted to went to the Baths and everyone participated in a hand washing service in the Meadow, across the river from the Grotto. Our Lady said to wash in the water so it is not essential to go into the Baths. I did go to the Baths - it was as cold as everyone had warned me but it was an experience that I would not like to have missed. We had picnics in local parks, had free time to do as we wished and even visited the Hypermarket. We took part in the Torchlight Procession and the Blessed Sacrament procession. We had a group photo taken and we all got a copy of this. On our last day we visited the Crowned Virgin to pray to her to enable us to return to Lourdes if that is her wish. Father Sean says that if it is Our Lady's wish it will happen. Across's motto is to make the impossible possible - and for the VIPS on my trip this was certainly true.
Sylvia, the Senior Group Leader, worked like a Trojan. Most of the helpers and nurses were in their fifties and sixties. This is a problem as younger people are not coming forward to volunteer their services. It was very hard work. I was up by seven every morning as the VIPs needed help with washing and dressing, I 'worked' all day helping with meals, pushing wheelchairs and chatting. I did not get to bed early as many of the VIPs enjoyed sitting in the Bar in the hotel - with a pint and I felt obliged to join them! I was glad to get home, to have a bath and 'escape' from the ill health and disabilities. But I am lucky to be able to do that. The VIPs are taking their problems home with them. So, anyone out there who thinks that they would like to accompany Across on their pilgrimages to Lourdes as a Helper, a Nurse or a Doctor should contact Sylvia Stark at Across. It is great fun and very worthwhile."
Thomas Lovegrove (Age 17)
The contact details for ACROSS are:
ACROSS
Garron Bridge House
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8XQ
Tel: 
01499 302715
Fax: 01499 302716
E-mail:
contactus@across-uk.org
Website: www.across-uk.org