HCPT Manchester Region helpers have to raise funds for approximately 50 children's fares costing around £550 each every year. Each of the groups within the HCPT Manchester Region likes to do its own bit to raise funds for the annual visit to Lourdes and are always looking for new ways to raise funds. This year, Paul Bretherton of HCPT Group 54 has jumped in with both feet and taken fundraising efforts to the extreme agreeing not to shave or cut his hair for up to 5 whole months!.

As travellers with Group 54 will already know, Paul is not really the shy and reserved type, in fact for the last two years he has traveled with Group 54 as a helper he has had the group in stitches throughout the week with his impressions, silly songs as well as clowning around whilst at the same time joining the group as a new helper showing the confidence, warmth and caring approach of helpers with many more years experience. It therefore came as no surprise when Paul announced that he would like to do a fundraising effort on behalf of the group and how he intended to do it!

Paul is already several weeks into the venture as you can see from the photos at www.hcpt54.co.uk/nowhairthis.htm. A hairy man at the best of times, we cannot wait to watch the progress unfold week by week as Paul quickly takes on his new look all in aid of a fantastic cause. We just hope he doesn't frighten too many old ladies in the street before the end!!!

You can find out more about HCPT Group 54 at www.hcpt54.co.uk and see pictures of Paul along with other helpers and the children they accompanied on the last 2007 trip at http://www.instinctive.co.uk/hcpt/gallery/index.asp.

Why not bookmark this page to keep an eye on Paul's progress and tell your friends and colleagues about it. You can also click the link below to do a quick on-line donation  if you would like to support Paul with this. Any gift is appreciated no matter how big or how small and can be taken securely in seconds from your credit or debit card. Please feel free to donate a single payment for the whole achievement or why not go one better and donate something for every month that Paul achieves and really give him and incentive to keep going!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor: HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor now!

Many thanks for your support.