26 Woodlea
Coulby Newham
Middlesbrough
TS8 0TX
6th June 2006
To the Editor
Reading my Evening Gazette lately makes me wonder what is wrong with some young people - those who terrorise the older generations and make them afraid to go out at night, those who stab innocent people and steal cars etc. It seems amazing to me that while we hear about this sort, we never hear any news about the good youngsters, such as the Scouts and Guides or those who help with their local charities or church groups.
I have recently returned from a Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes where all the bishops and priests, doctors and nurses, brancardiers and hand maids paid their own fares and gave up their holiday allowances to take care of everybody. The medical care in the hospital was excellent - thanks to Dr Paddy and Dr Helen! Further, I was absolutely amazed by the number of young boys and girls (who also paid their own fares) who were there to push people in wheelchairs to the Grotto and to all the different Church services. The sick people were really taken care of - these young people will even take you shopping if you want to buy anything.
There were pilgrims of many other nationalities present who also have their country’s youth available to help out, including German and Dutch youngsters. These children mixed together and had a great time without any trouble at all. This is a great thing to see in this so mixed up world (unity and kindness personified).
It gave me great faith and hope - something I thought was lost - and an amazing experience brought about by the groups of wonderful people concerned. Especially the youngsters; without whom I could not have made it.
Thanks to them all!
A grateful pilgrim
Coulby Newham
