About ACROSS
An ACROSS Group visits the Grotto
ACROSS is a recognised charity created specifically to provide the pilgrimage of a lifetime by Jumbulance to the Christian Marian Shrine of Lourdes in SW France for those who are sick and disabled (whom we call our VIPs).
The Jumbulance is a unique vehicle with ambulance status, specially constructed to carry our VIPs accompanied by able bodied nurses, doctors and helpers.
Priority is given to those in terminal illness, those with progressive diseases and those whose medical conditions make it impossible or impractical to use conventional means of transport.
The aim of all volunteer carers is to allow our VIPs to enjoy a truly memorable religious pilgrimage, but at the same time to do so in a holiday atmosphere which provides the best of both worlds for everyone. The perfect balance of this holiday with Our Lady is sure to bring lasting memories and spiritual fulfillment for everyone
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A happy ACROSS group make friends
with a pilgrim from Brazil in a Lourdes cafe!
A Jumbulance takes a group of 24 pilgrims to Lourdes each week between Easter and October. Some groups are national groups to which any individual anywhere in the country can apply to join. These groups usually depart in the north of the country and travel southwards on motorways uplifting additional persons at motorway services en-route. Other groups are local groups organised by an individual in one locality from which the Jumbulance departs complete. Carers are required for all groups and need not have medical experience. There are two types of groups - national groups which are formed from individual applications from people all over the UK and local groups which generally are formed from persons from one locality or parish. The staff in the ACROSS office create national groups whilst local groups generally pick their own team of carers and VIPs. Check out the calendar to see when groups are leaving and if you are considering travelling as a carer please contact Sylvia or Julie at the office,
2010 National Groups -
To check the updated list of which help is required on a national group please click on to the news page.
Applications are always accepted from sick and disabled persons but places are allocated on need and not necessarily on a first come first served basis. VIPs do not require to be accompanied by their own carers, and often it is perfect respite for individuals who are cared for by a relative at home. However it often helps if a carer wishes to travel with a VIP.
In addition to providing pilgrimages to Lourdes, ACROSS can provide holiday transport by Jumbulance to anywhere in Europe for local groups who arrange their own accommodation. Note we do not accept individual applications for anywhere other than Lourdes. Click on latest news to catch up on what is happening. |
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