Catholic Medical Quarterly Volume 75(4) November 2025
Across: An Appeal.
Keeping the Wheels Turning for
Life-Changing
Pilgrimages
A Message from Maria Thomson, Group Leader & Trustee
Since 1973, Across has enabled thousands of people who are elderly, sick, or disabled — whom we call our VIPs — to make pilgrimages of a lifetime to Lourdes in South West France. Each group travels in a specially designed Jumbulance: part coach, part ambulance, and uniquely equipped to provide the care and dignity our VIPs need.
Every pilgrimage is accompanied by a doctor, nurses, helpers, and a priest — all volunteers who give their time freely. Together, they create more than just a safe journey: they create a community filled with joy, friendship, and hope.
A Journey of Miracles
For our VIPs, many of whom live with serious illness or disabilities, travelling to Lourdes would otherwise be impossible. Yet on a Jumbulance pilgrimage, the extraordinary happens:
“At 95 years old, I paddled my feet in a lake again.”
“I joined the procession carrying a banner with pride.”
“I shared laughter in a café with new friends.”
These are the small “miracles” we see each day — the moments that make Across so special. Families, too, are transformed: some join their loved ones on pilgrimage, others find respite knowing they are cared for with dignity and compassion.
Why Across Matters
Across is open to people of all faiths and none, yet every journey brings a powerful spiritual uplift. Lourdes is one of the few places where disabled people are treated as equals, where inclusion is lived in every smile and every prayer.
“He has had a ball. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
“Lourdes is the only place I know where disabled people are truly included.”
Our Urgent Challenge
But these life-changing pilgrimages are now at risk:
- Covid-19 forced our Jumbulances off the road for two years, draining reserves.
- Brexit has driven up operating costs.
- One Jumbulance urgently needs replacing — a £500,000 challenge
- We also need core funding to modernise systems and strengthen fundraising.
Without help, many who cannot travel in any other way will lose their one chance each year to experience friendship, faith, and freedom.
How You Can Help
Your
support will keep the wheels turning — and keep the door to Lourdes open
for those who need it most:
- £50 helps two volunteers complete vital DBS checks.
- £200 provides safeguarding training for an Across team.
- £1,500 buys essential medical supplies for the Jumbulance.
- £5,000 covers a year’s servicing of Jumbulance medical equipment.
Donate Today
- Online: https://www.across.org.uk/donate/
- Bank Transfer: Sort code 80-08-64, Account no. 00101485
- Cheque: Payable to Across, post to: 30C Twyford Business Centre, London Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3YT
Thank You
On behalf of all our volunteers and VIPs, thank you. With your generosity, we can continue our ministry of mercy — offering companionship, joy, and faith to those who need it most.
“You gave us a wonderful pilgrimage.”
“It was a beautiful experience; everyone was so thoughtful and kind.”
With your help, we can keep making those words a reality.