The HSBC Cares For Children Fund is covering the cost of a visit to Lourdes by 10 children suffering from various illnesses.

Parents and medical staff are accompanying the children together with volunteer helpers from among HSBC staff.

The pilgrimage to Lourdes is being organised by the Assocjazzjoni Voluntarji Lourdes.

"The scope of such pilgrimages is twofold," the association's chairman Albert Mamo, said. "There is not only the spiritual belief that a pilgrimage to Lourdes is done on the express wish of Our Lady but also the belief that a change of environment and different company will provide solace for these children and their parents.

Mr Mamo said this was not the first time the HSBC Cares For Children Fund had offered considerable support to help organise pilgrimages to Lourdes. He thanked the fund for the continued solidarity it was showing towards the children.

The association organises pilgrimages to Lourdes on an annual basis and throughout the year conducts fund-raising campaigns to enable those who wish to visit Lourdes to do so.

The problem is particularly acute with regard to children whose parents frequently have to give up their employment in order to provide necessary care and who, therefore, cannot afford to make the pilgrimage to Lourdes.

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