1070 miles to Lourdes for Fr Damian Cassidy

Fr Damian Cassidy, HCPT’s Trust Chaplain and a member of the charity’s Board of Trustees, will begin a remarkable fundraising challenge on 1 October 2025. He will take on a virtual prayer walk of 1,070 miles, the distance from his parish of St. John Vianney, in Newcastle, to Lourdes in France. The goal of Fr Damian’s Big Prayer Walk is to raise £70,000 to mark the 70th anniversary of HCPT, the charity which takes thousands of children and adults with disabilities and life limiting conditions to Lourdes on life changing pilgrimages each Easter.

Fr Damian will log miles locally, walking, praying and sharing reflections, until he reaches the virtual finish line in Lourdes at Easter 2026 when he will join HCPT’s 70th anniversary pilgrimage.

“HCPT has brought hope, joy and faith to so many children and families over the past 70 years,” says Fr Damian. “By walking the 1,070 miles to Lourdes in prayer, I want to give thanks for their work and help more children experience this beautiful pilgrimage. I will be praying for everyone who supports me along the way.”

Throughout the walk Fr Damian will post weekly updates and video reflections on HCPT’s social media, inviting others to join him in prayer as he journeys towards Lourdes. Donations can be made at: justgiving.com/campaign/thewalkingpriest

HCPT Chief Executive, Tricia Macfarlane, welcomed the initiative:
“We are thrilled that Fr Damian is undertaking this extraordinary challenge to celebrate 70 years of HCPT. Every donation will help us continue to bring joy and hope to children who most need it.”