Nursing students to care for Lourdes pilgrims

Student nurses will offer 75 hours of care during the pilgrimage, to more than 700 pilgrims

Nursing students from Sussex will join a week-long pilgrimage to Lourdes, supporting people living with serious health needs and disabilities as part of a international placement.

Every year, between four and six million pilgrims visit Lourdes in south-west France, one of the world's most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites, many while living with illness, disability, or frailty.

The students from the University of Brighton will accompany The Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton's pilgrimage, offering hands-on care to support more than 700 pilgrims.

Sarah-Jane Ryan, from the university, said: "Opportunities like this offer students life-shaping experiences."

The pilgrimage, taking place from 25-31 July, will be part of a new clinical placement for the university's nursing students.

According to the university, the programme offers rare professional experience in delivering round-the-clock, holistic care to people with complex needs in a deeply personal, faith-based setting.

Students will support pilgrims with daily personal care, medical needs, and emotional support throughout the journey.

Sally Hao, a third year nursing student, said: "As someone who isn't religious, I was curious to understand what this journey means to others.

"After the training day, I realised it's about belief, faith and hope – qualities that help people face life's biggest challenges. That resonated with me, reminding me of my own journey through nursing."

Natalie Timmerman said it was a "privilege" to travel to Lourdes

Natalie Timmerman is one of the seven nurses travelling to Lourdes, said it was a "privilege'.

"As nurses we provide holistic, person-centred care for our patients, that includes spirituality and emotional wellbeing alongside their physical wellbeing," she added.

The initiative is part of a wider drive by the University of Brighton to diversify placement opportunities for health students.

Alongside established NHS and community partnerships, the university is expanding its international placement offer – including programmes in Kenya and other countries.

Emma Moon, chief nurse for the Arundel & Brighton Lourdes Pilgrimage, said: "Nursing on pilgrimage is a truly rewarding experience – offering care to those who might not otherwise be able to travel."