Testimonials

What was your experience?

  • “I just want to say a massive ‘Thank you’ and to the Rise and Shine Trust (former Irish Pilgrimage Trust) for bringing myself and Fionn to Lourdes. It was such a  fantastic opportunity for Fionn. He really had a great time.

    When I reflect and look back on all the obstacles we came across in order for us to get there, I really do think it was a miracle.

    It all came about when Aoife was selling tickets for an Easter Egg as a fundraiser. She told me I would love Lourdes – and I did. Aoife gave me Mary's number that day and I lost it and she kept coming back to me about it. She never gave up. Aoife has a genuine kindness and empathy for young people with special needs. She was outstanding on the trip.

    The carers in the group were the kindest group of people. The respect and kindness they showed the young people was outstanding. We were so lucky to have them with us. Only for them we would not have got through the week or enjoyed the week as much.

    I have to acknowledge Mary Clancy and all the work she put into getting us out there. Nothing was ever a problem. Even when I think of just one of the obstacles (the creams that were flammable) – she never faltered. She had everything covered to make it so enjoyable for us. I phoned her late one Saturday night about 6 weeks before the journey to tell her that I was thinking of backing out. My passport had been rejected, I was told the creams couldn't travel by courier, and I was overwhelmed. Mary listened and never gave up on us. She kept going until we got there. She is a remarkable lady, her kindness and understanding never stopped all week. She was so good and so kind to the young people in our group and also to her loyal carers.

    Mary was professional in all that she did. She told me next year she will be 30 years going to Lourdes so it will be a really special year for her. If there is anything that I can do to help it bring a memorable one for please let me know. Mary deserves nothing but the best. She has done tremendous work with young people and has given them the trip of a lifetime. She truly was the Angel among us.

    Thanks to you, Bernadette and Zoe, for doing the great work that you do.

    I never imagined I would get so much out if it personally. I was moved by  the serenity, peacefulness, all the happiness and positivity out there.

    More importantly, Fionn enjoyed it and had a great time. Such a big milestone for him to achieve and it's all down to Rise and Shine (former Irish Pilgrimage Trust).

    Simply fabulous.

    Thanks so much again.

    – Mum Roisin / son Fionn, Easter Pilgrimage 2025

  • “Our daughter Tia had the most wonderful week in Lourdes this Easter for which we will be forever grateful. It really was the making of her.”

    – Mum Tara / daughter Tia, Easter Pilgrimage 2024

  • “I would like you to pass on my sincere thanks to all of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (now Rise and Shine). I have only been coming the last two years but there is something very special about the Trust and Lourdes! 

    All of the kids benefit from the week and get something out of it which is the most important thing. 

    I'm sorry I didn't know about the Irish Pilgrimage Trust many years ago as it is an amazing organisation that helps kids and families and lets everyone be who they want to be.

    I know there is a lot of organisation that goes into it but it is a service that is essential as there is not enough services out there for kids and adults to be who they want to be such as seeing kids that never got up in front of a crowd before to by the end of the week up in front of people making speeches, laughing and benefiting from the amazing week.

    There is something for everyone from the religious aspect to the history aspect to seeing beautiful buildings and interacting with one another and making new friends!

    Thank you so much to all of the team for making this possible and I hope the Trust will be around for many years to come! Lourdes is a very special place and thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of an amazing team and organisation.

    Already looking forward to next year and catching up with everyone! 

    – Luke, volunteer Carer

  • “Liam has just gone to bed, having talked non-stop all the way home about his wonderful week. He said that this week was the happiest he has ever felt in his whole life. You have no idea how much it means to me to hear that! He loved everyone in the group and said he couldn't pick a favourite as everyone was so nice. He  unfortunately has no friends, so to spend a week with a fabulous group of people who made him feel like a friend and made him feel like he belonged was so precious to him. He said he's really sad now that it's over and he would definitely love to go back again sometime. Please could you messsge all the carers for us to thank each and every one for what they did for Liam in Lourdes. Between you all, you made one young man's difficult life amazing for a week and we will be forever grateful. We donated to the Trust before and will certainly be doing so again this week as a mark of our gratitude.”

    – Mum Dearbhla / son Liam, Easter Pilgrimage 2024

  • “While I don't know the details it is very clear that Rory had an incredible experience. The moment we arrived in the airport and everyone knew his name and made him feel welcome and that gave us great comfort and we knew he was in safe hands. And when he walked out into the arrivals hall at the end of the week myself and my husband both commented on his stature – it shouted to us that he was extremely comfortable with everything and very content in himself and I can’t begin to describe or explain how much that meant to us! It was just incredible to see.

    Apart from being tired he was in brilliant form when he got home. Every evening he was sitting in the kitchen with a book having the chats with some of us and we could see how much his social skills and verbal skills had increased. This week he hasn’t been such a happy camper as I guess reality has hit and it’s all a bit boring as far as he’s concerned. Only last night he said “Bye college, Frank please”! So he would definitely go again in a heartbeat and that is high praise from Rory. 

    So please pass on our heartfelt gratitude to all of the volunteers and helpers in Group 70!

    I hope you all realise what an incredible opportunity you gave to Rory and the rest of the guests who travelled (not to mention the weeks respite we, the families, got). 

    Thanks again for everything.

    – Mum / son Rory, Easter Pilgrimage 2023

  • “When we signed our son up to take part in this year’s pilgrimage, we truly didn’t realise just how wonderful and life-changing the experience would be – for him and for us.

    This was the first time Pierce had ever been away from us and as parents, that naturally brought a mix of emotions. But from the very beginning, the love, care, and support he received from group 69 has been nothing short of exceptional. It has brought us so much joy and comfort to know he was in such kind and capable hands.

    Pierce has had so much fun and has come home beaming with stories and confidence.  We’ve seen a new side to him – one that reassures us he can adapt, grow and thrive even when we’re not right by his side.  That’s a gift we’ll always be grateful for.

    A very special thank you must go to his group leader. She is, without a doubt, one of the kindest, most compassionate people we’ve ever met. The nurse and her medical support gave us immense peace of mind and Pierce’s helpers went above and beyond in every way. Their warmth, patience and genuine care made all the difference.

    The work The Irish Pilgrimage Trust/ Rise and Shine does is truly remarkable. For volunteers to give up their time, to leave their own families and dedicate themselves so completely to looking after others – it’s a rare and beautiful thing. Please know that your kindness has made a lasting impact on our family.

    From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”

    – Parents / son Pierce, Easter Pilgrimage 2025

  • “I had a wonderful trip to Lourdes over and an incredibly moving experience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to take part in such a meaningful and memorable week. I absolutely would. Travelling to Lourdes as a Volunteer Carer was a deeply rewarding experience, and I’d definitely recommend it to a friend. It's a unique opportunity to help others while being part of something truly special.”

    – Volunteer Carer, Easter Pilgrimage 2025

  • “Hi everyone! Today I am going to give you a brief overview of my experiences of the wonderful Lourdes trip I had three years ago with the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (now Rise and Shine). I hope that my experience of the trip will motivate and encourage you, or someone you know, to apply for a place on the pilgrimage in the future!

    In easter 2018 I was given the wonderful opportunity of going on a trip to Lourdes in France with a group called the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. Just the thought, that I was being offered to visit a different country, made me feel so grateful and it bought many pleasant emotions. When I got the letter stating my place on the pilgrimage was guaranteed my heart filled with excitement. I knew this trip would allow me to explore new things and see many beautiful sights.

    When it came to preparing for the trip, the leaders and carers visited me in advance to get to know me and to take notes of my medical history. They were committed to do everything possible to make sure I could enjoy every minute of the trip to the fullest. As I am a wheelchair user and happen to have limited mobility they were eager to know the best ways to support me in terms of transferring me from A to B.

    The leaders and carers really did go above and beyond and did everything possible to make me feel at ease, from the minute I got on the plane, to the minute we arrived back in Ireland.

    From the bottom of my heart I truly cannot praise the whole team enough for making the trip possible. To anyone who is thinking of applying for a place on the pilgrimage, my advice is “go for it, it’s a wonderful opportunity that cannot be missed.”

    – Guest, Easter Pilgrimage 2018

  • “I would like to thank your organisation so much for bringing my son Ian on the Easter pilgrimage 2019. He thoroughly enjoyed the trip. He went with the New Ross group 129 and he had a fantastic time and an action packed week. He is talking about Lourdes since he came home.

    His carer Danny was so good to him and Jackie, the group leader, is a wonderful person full of energy and enthusiasm as she organises the week to ensure all the children have the best experience.

    Your charity is fantastic and I can’t thank you enough.

    – Parents / son Ian, Easter Pilgrimage 2019

  • “My name is Daniel and I have recently travelled to Lourdes as a guest. I just wanted to say how much of an amazing week I had. I traveled with group 165 and I had the week of a lifetime.

    I am a 14 year old boy with mobility issues and everything was so inclusive. All of the carers were just lovely. I wanted to tell you how much I have to thank you for. I had one of the best weeks of my life and I’m sure many other guests felt the same.

    While I was there and watching what was going o, I noticed that I would love to be involved as a carer in the future!

    I would absolutely recommend group 165 and Marie our group leader who went out of her way to make sure we were all happy and well. I would also just like to say about Pat, who was a great friend to me during the trip. Pat went out of his way to make sure I was alright and that everyone else was alright too. Everyone else was just amazing all so kind towards us.

    Thank you very much, I have had an experience I myself and many other children will never forget.”

    – Guest Daniel, Easter Pilgrimage 2023