A KEIGHLEY organisation that takes sick people on pilgrimage to Lourdes each year is planning its 2020 trip.

Massabielle Lourdes is taking expressions of interest from local people who want to join the trip during the Spring Bank holiday, May 22-29.

The group recently took 76 pilgrims from the Keighley area including sick and elderly, medical volunteers and helpers.

They were accompanied by staff and students from Holy Family School in Keighley, which has been taking students on pilgrimage to Lourdes for over 40 years.

Group member Steve Kelly said: “We are confident that we will be travelling from a Northern airport directly to Lourdes airport, and are working hard to keep the price similar to this year’s.

“We will be having various fundraising events over the next 10 months to offer financial assistance to sick pilgrims and help with the costs of caring for them, building on the success of this year's pilgrimage.

“We are eager to invite and encourage past pupils from Holy Family School to join us. Single travellers and families can be accommodated and are welcomed.”

Mr Kelly paid tribute to everyone who contributed to the fundraising through 2018/2019, adding: “We and acknowledge the tremendous support of the Society of Our Lady of Lourdes, whose generous grants made it possible for us to go.

“We worked together, warmly supporting our sick pilgrims, who are provided with 24-hour care. Our youngest pilgrim was six years old and our oldest were 88.

“It was marvellous to see young and old, and everyone in between, sharing experiences and enjoying time together.”

Email stevevkelly@blueyonder.co.uk for further information.