WOGLE (Weybridge Old Georgian Lourdes Experience)
The Old Georgians and College staff at the Cowboy and Indian fancy dress party night in Lourdes
from left to right – Dr. Iain Coxon (Old Georgian), Lorna Wilson + baby bump (Old Georgian), Dr Mike Hewitt-Wilson (Old Georgian), Rebecca Roberts (St. Georges’ College Marketing Executive), Father William Muir (Josehite), William Drummond (Old Georgian), Ann Sweeney (College Matron)
Last week I returned from a really special, fun week in Lourdes with WOGLE. We took one group of 24 travelling out on the Jumbulance with The Across. The group consisted of 10 disabled VIP travellers, a doctor, 2 nurses, Father William Muir and 10 helpers.
Lourdes really is unique, full of 1000’s of tourists all with such positive, friendly attitudes. Also as such a large percentage of the visitors to Lourdes have disabilities, those in wheelchairs who normally in their everyday life feel at difference and a burden to society; have the rare chance to blend in.
The WOGLE week is a busy one with daily masses in historic churches, basilicas or abbeys. Daily trips out included the 16th Century Abbey at St. Savin, up to Gavarnie a World Heritage Site in the Hautes-Pyrenees with breathtaking mountain views and picnicking around Lac d’Estaing, a beautiful mountain surrounded lake. And of course daily visits to The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes or the Domain (as it is most commonly known) the area of ground surrounding the shrine (Grotto) to Our Lady of Lourdes, including the Blessed Sacrament Procession and the Torchlight Procession.
Many thanks to all of the WOGLE supporters and fund raisers; it is really great to see firsthand how the money raised directly helps people. Nikki a 33 year old lady, with rheumatoid arthritis is unable to travel without a medical team, she told me that the inspiration which the week with WOGLE in Lourdes provides her with enough positivity and strength to see her through the rest of the year. She is in constant pain and spends half of her life in hospitals. Also seeing how Janna, a 28 year old autistic girl, developed over the week; initially she was very introverted and tearful, by the end of the week she was approaching some of the helpers who she bonded with giving them hugs! Giving someone a hug, an everyday part of most people lives, is such a huge step for something that Janna is comfortable with.
This year was particular special for me as my Mum, who has Alzhiemers, travelled as one of our VIP’s. The impact of spending a week with a group who genuinely cared, and took the time and patience to speak with her was notable. It was so lovely seeing her interact socially.
WOGLE will be taking another group to Lourdes next summer and we always need support from Old Georgians to travel as helpers and with the fund raising. Our fund raising for the next 12 months is due to include a sponsored walk around the Isle of Wight, a September BBQ at the Club House plus other social fund raising events. As I am currently expecting a baby I am stepping down from my work with WOGLE, if you would like to get involved please contact Katherine Freeman on katherinefreeman@hotmail.com
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2011 by Lorna Wilson (OG)
