A NEWPORT-based charity that helps children with learning difficulties has embarked on its 40th pilgrimage to Lourdes.

HCPT Group 97, which has been running since 1974, takes children with emotional, physical or learning needs on a week-long pilgrimage to the small market town lying in the foothills of the Pyrenees every year.

With around 10 children brought to Lourdes by the charity, hundreds of children have benefited from the chance to reflect and be part of a movement that has branches throughout the world.

Through fundraising initiatives, the charity aims to raise £10,000 every year to pay for 10 children to embark on the pilgrimage. The charity also tries to subsidise the costs for 19 helpers.

Rosie O’Donnell, the current head of the local Newport group, said: “Group 97 is part of Newport’s rich history.

“For 40 years, we have been taking children on the trip of a lifetime.

“Whilst on this pilgrimage, they are made the centre of attention – they get to celebrate life with thousands of other children from across the world.

“This is my ninth trip and it has been a privilege to be part of it. You just come back buzzing and we’re already gearing up for next year.”

Group 97 is part of the larger HCPT Pilgrimage Trust, which has held an annual Easter Pilgrimage to Lourdes – a site that is sacred to Catholics around the world – since the 1950s.

Every year thousands of children and adult helpers embark on the pilgrimage, travelling in small local groups together.