After some careful reversing into the school drive, the Jumbulance arrived at De La Salle on Thursday 6^th December. This larger than usual coach is the largest registered ambulance in the UK.

Anne Saltrese, from the charity Across, then spoke to all of Year 10 during assembly. She explained that the Jumbulance has normal coach seats down one half of the coach with the other half kitted out with hospital type beds with full medical facilities. This is so people who would not normally be able to travel can be taken on pilgrimage to Lourdes, in France. Each week, ten sick or disabled VIPs travel, together with a group of volunteers who care for them. This includes one doctor and two nurses. Anne asked pupils to pray for the work that Across does, as well as asking pupils to think about volunteering their time when they are older.

After the assembly, some pupils had a look around the Jumbulance. At least two pupils are now planning to go to Lourdes as volunteers once they have reached the minimum age of 16. They are hoping to travel during the summer holiday after their GCSE Exams.

If you know anyone who would like to volunteer, or if you know someone who would like to travel to Lourdes as a VIP, here is a link to the Across website: www.across.org.uk