Jen is CASBA’s Project Officer for Pregnancy to Parenthood. Throughout her life, she has achieved amazing things by speaking up, overcoming challenges, and advocating for her rights. She loves travelling and creating special memories with her family, especially her Mum. Earlier this year, they shared a journey that neither of them will ever forget.

Lourdes is a small town in southern France and one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. Millions of people visit each year seeking prayer, healing, hope and support. For many disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, Lourdes is also known for the way it welcomes and supports pilgrims of all abilities.

My Special Pilgrimage to Lourdes with Mum

This year, I managed to take Mum to Lourdes. I never succeeded in getting her to Rome to see the Pope, but I did get her to Lourdes, and it was worth every moment.
We travelled with the Birmingham Archdiocese and stayed in the Accueil, a hospital and accommodation centre for pilgrims who need additional support. As Mum’s main carer, I am used to looking after her needs, but Lourdes showed me the importance of accepting help from others too.

Although the pilgrimage gave me a break from some of my caring responsibilities, I could not stop checking that Mum was okay. Like many pilgrims, we used wheelchairs to get around. Having accessible support available meant Mum could take part in activities without worrying about long distances, allowing us both to enjoy the experience more fully.

It had been nine years since my last visit to Lourdes and even longer for Mum. Being able to return together felt very special. We enjoyed trips out, meeting people, visiting the shops and spending time with other pilgrims. A particular highlight was meeting Archbishop Bernard Longley and sharing memories of Bishop McGough, a dear friend and former chairman of the Lourdes pilgrimage. When I discovered the Archbishop would be joining us for dinner, it became a moment Mum and I will always treasure.

One of my favourite memories was watching the Torchlight Procession from the balcony of the Accueil. It was peaceful, beautiful and full of hope. However, our trip also reminded me how quickly challenges can arise when someone depends on medical equipment. Mum’s oxygen concentrator overheated, creating a stressful situation. Thankfully, the kindness and quick thinking of volunteers and fellow pilgrims meant another machine was found, ensuring Mum remained safe and comfortable.

That experience showed me the power of community. So many people stepped in to help without hesitation. Their support meant we could continue our pilgrimage despite the difficulties.
Our journey home was not straightforward. Because of the oxygen equipment issues, we had to change flights and wait much longer than expected before travelling home. We finally arrived back in the UK in the early hours of the morning, only to discover our suitcases had gone missing. Despite the challenges, the memories we made together far outweighed the stress.

As we waited for our delayed flight, I sat quietly on the balcony overlooking the sanctuary and said goodbye to Lourdes for both Mum and me. We had hoped for one last visit to the grotto and candle area but never got the chance. Deep down, we both knew this would probably be Mum’s final visit.

Looking back, this pilgrimage reminded me how important accessible support, caring communities and human kindness are. It also reminded me that making memories with the people we love matters more than anything else.

I would like to thank all the volunteers, young helpers, staff and organisers who made our pilgrimage possible. Your compassion, dedication and willingness to support others gave us a truly wonderful experience. The care Mum received allowed us both to focus on what mattered most: spending precious time together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Being part of CASBA has helped me develop the confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills needed to face life’s challenges. Whether I am supporting Mum, navigating complex situations, or advocating for myself and others, I know I am not alone. CASBA understands the importance of independence, inclusion and having the right support at the right time. The friendships, encouragement and sense of community I have found through the CASBA family of colleagues and the citizens I support have all helped me cope with difficult times and given me the confidence to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming. Our pilgrimage to Lourdes reminded me that kindness, support and community can make all the difference, and that is something I am proud to experience every day as part of CASBA.