SUPPORT poured in for an afternoon tea that raised funds to help send a group of disabled and disadvantaged children to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
More than 100 people went along to Saturday’s event at St Thomas’ Church Hall, in Neilston.
It was organised by Geraldine McClune, of the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust (HPCT).
Every Easter, HPCT takes 1,000 disabled and disadvantaged children and young people to enjoy a life-changing pilgrimage holiday in Lourdes, in the south of France, where they are supported by volunteer doctors, nurses, helpers and priests.
Margaret McClune, who is Geraldine’s mum and also supports the fundraising efforts, told the Barrhead News: “We are part of the HPCT Group 207, which originally started off in Neilston and has now branched out in Ayrshire.
“We’re taking six children to Lourdes at Easter time. We go on Easter Sunday every year. Each helper has to raise £500 every year and we supply the children with a uniform to wear, which they get to keep.
“We do this every year and people from all over the world gather together in Lourdes.”
More than £1,350 was raised at the afternoon tea, which featured lots of tasty home baking.
“I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and all those who helped to make the afternoon a success,” said Margaret. “It was great to see everybody pulling together.”
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