Operations Team

operations team

Pilgrimage Director - Rachel Ward (Booth)

Rachel first visited Lourdes with Raphael in 1993 and she has attended most Pilgrimages since then. Over the years she has been a member of the youth group, been a handmaid and team leader, led the youth group and more recently been our Chief Handmaid. 2025 was Rachel's first year as our Pilgrimage Director. Rachel's role is to agree the pilgrimage programme and work with the operations team and our Spiritual Director to ensure we deliver a successful and enjoyable Pilgrimage. She also liaises with our tour operator, Tangney Tours to secure our flights and accommodation and liaise with the hotel team in Lourdes.

Chief Brancardier - Trevor McKean

Trevor joined the Raphael family in 1992, travelling overland with the Youth Group. He enjoyed the experience so much that he's still making that same yearly journey with Raphael. Trevor has been the Chief Brancardier for a few years now and describes his role as "doing what Rachel tells me 😂😂😂". He works with the other Heads of Department to make sure they deliver our week's program and get to our venues safely, whilst ensuring all of our helpers and assisted pilgrims have a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage.

Chief Nurse - Angela Searle

Nursing Support - Catherine Beadle

Catherine has been travelling to Lourdes with the Raphael Pilgrimage for over twenty years. During that time she has worked in the Nursing Team, being Chief Nurse with Angela Searle for fourteen years. Catherine has recently retired from her professional clinical nursing role as a Paediatric Nurse but still supports the nursing team whilst in Lourdes. Catherine say: "The Raphael Pilgrimage is small, friendly and welcoming to all age groups. My initial visit was with my dear Mum and Dad, and its friends I bring with me now. When asked how we describe the Raphael Pilgrimage- it’s the extension of our family on holiday together, where everyone helps each other."

Treasurer Chris Woodward
Assistant Treasurer Frances Maki