My name is Tim, I am 24 and for the last 7 years I have been a volunteer musician for the Lourdes Pilgrimage at Easter, playing lead keyboard, trumpet and even drums at the Trust Mass, Regional Mass and Torchlight Procession and all the other musical activities. This year I had resigned myself to not being able to go because of other musical commitments here in the NE. However, on Wednesday I received a message asking if I could possibly go once more to play for them this Easter, for the Core masses and to be available for other groups needing a musician. I have managed to negotiate some time off in order to go to Lourdes for the 8th time. It is such an honour and a privilege to play for the 5,000+ handicapped youngsters and see the unbridled joy on their faces as they sing and dance along to 'Rise And Shine' and all their other favourite hymns and songs. The week long Pilgrimage also provides their regular carers with some respite from the heavy demands placed upon them. Because of the short notice, I have not had the opportunity to raise funds for this particular 2018 Pilgrimage so I hope that my friends, family and also anyone else who is sympathetic to the aims of the Lourdes Pilgrimage will dig deep and pledge a donation, large or small, in order to get me there. The target figure is £750. Please spare whatever you can and thank you in advance for your support. I can't wait to go for the 8th time in order to play for them all.