A KEIGHLEY organisation which raises funds to help take sick and elderly people on an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes is planning its next venture to this destination.

The Massabielle Group, which is working in association with the London-based Society of Our Lady of Lourdes, has already booked 53 places on a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to southern France at the end of May.

Sean Gilligan, of Massabielle, said: "Following the very successful pilot from last year it is hoped that we will once again be able to organise a group of families to be with us in Lourdes.

"A further 30 staff and students from Holy Family Catholic School in Keighley will continue a long and proud tradition of service to the sick.

"We're raising money to help make the pilgrimage more financially accessible for those taking part.

"In September the Keighley Italian community held a successful dinner which generated £1,244. After the meal Aaron Keane, a hairdresser in Fell Lane, presented a cheque for over £2,075, which were proceeds from a sponsored Tough Mudder he'd done with friends.

"In December we arranged a Christmas fair at The Catholic Social Centre and raised £600. Marie Mullins, one of our carers on the pilgrimage, collected another £600 in sponsorship from her completion of The Great North Run."

Massabielle's next event will be an Irish ceilidh night at Branshaw Golf Club on Saturday February 6.

Local band Rakish Paddy will provide music during the occasion. £8 tickets are available at the offices of local Catholic schools.

Mr Gilligan added: "The ceilidh will see the launch of our annual charity golf tournament, to be held at Branshaw Club on May 2.

"People interested in taking part in the tournament should call Ian O’Neill on 07903 033741 for further information."