'Lourdes trip reminded me nursing is a loving act'

Student nurses have returned from Lourdes supporting pilgrims

Nursing students from Sussex have returned from a week-long pilgrimage to Lourdes, supporting people living with serious health needs and disabilities as part of an 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.

The students from the University of Brighton accompanied The Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton's pilgrimage, supporting more than 700 pilgrims.

Student nurse Anna Goacher said: "Lourdes reminded me that nursing is, at its heart, a human and loving act, and that is something I will never take for granted."

Natalie Timmerman said the trip reminded her of the "human side of healthcare"

Ms Goacher described the trip as "one of the most personal, emotional, and spiritually significant experiences of my nursing journey so far".

"Leaving Lourdes, I carry with me not just clinical skills and experiences, but a renewed sense of the nurse I want to be," she added.

Fellow student Natalie Timmerman said she looked after a man who had been "dreaming of coming to Lourdes for years".

"Despite his health issues, his spirit was unshakable," she said.

"Moments like that stay with you – they remind you of the human side of healthcare that textbooks can't teach."

The pilgrimage, which took place from 25-31 July, was 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 supported pilgrims with daily personal care, medical needs, and emotional support throughout the journey.