My husband Paul Fidler has Myotonic Dystrophy and Parkinson's  . Two years ago he was discharged from hospital with little hope of seeing the year out . On the day he was discharged the medical team came to our home on a very hot summer night and all managed to fit into my lounge .  Doctors, Nurses and Health Care assistants . The team got to work on a care plan to enable Paul to be part of the pilgrimage which was only a few weeks away . Training to use cough assist machine , night ventilation , peg med regime and feeding regime . All of which was new to me since Paul's eight week stay in hospital very poorly with sepsis  and pneumonia . The team were an inspiration to us both a members of the team have supported us at home in this last two years . Paul was anxious about the trip but gained so much from taking part . His mood was lifted his confidence grew , he talked endlessly of his experiences both spiritual and emotional . It's true to say he returned a different man from the depressed person , who had had to endure 8 weeks in 2 different hospitals . Whilst in hospital he was told he could no longer eat or drink ever again .  I didn't no how I was going to cope with this as food and drink a large part of socialising and family life . The time Paul was in Lourdes gave me time to adjust  and prepare a comfortable environment to accommodate his nursing needs and storage of equipment . Paul was being so we'll looked after I had peace of mind . He was so happy in Lourdes . At 50 yrs old he was deprived on food and drink as we no it , mobility, continence , self esteem , communicating through speech ,  independence and much more .   Two years have passed I believe the strength he gained in Lourdes is a major contributor to his continuing strength to endure living with his disabilities . I now plan to raise funds for the medical team so they can provide expert care for sick. In the hope they can benefit  , like Paul from the pilgrimage to Lourdes  . In also offering my services as part of the medical team and hope to take part in August for the first time . 

I thank you for taking the time to read my story and hope you will support me and the Salford Diocesan pilgrimage team . 

Marcelle  

 27%of target reached so far many thx for donations x