Super-ambulance on the road
People attending Mass at Paisley’s St Mirin’s Cathedral on Sunday will have the chance to learn more about a super-ambulance.
The vehicle will be used to take the sick from the town to the Roman Catholic shrine of Lourdes.
Dubbed a Jumbulance, the vehicle is specially kitted out to transport the sick and disabled who wish to make a pilgrimage to the French town in the hope of finding a cure or spiritual comfort.
It is funded by the Across charity, and there will be a chance for Paisley people to offer themselves as volunteers for the journey to Lourdes.
The charity’s Cormack Smith will bring the Jumbulance along and give a talk about it at the 10am and noon Masses.
He said:“The Jumbulance takes the sick and disable to Lourdes or other holiday destinations in Europe, although I focus on Lourdes. “It can take 24 people all together. “And there’s a nurse, and sometimes a doctor, a and priest. “And, of course, there are the helpers.” The Jumbulance will be leaving from St Mirin’s Cathedral for Lourdes in September next year, and will travel down to England, through the Channel Tunnel and on to Lourdes.
The idea behind the coach is to provide a safe and comfortable transport for travellers.
The coach will be available in the cathedral car park along with members of the Across team.
Parishioners will get a chance to have a look around the coach if they wish.
According to its website, Across took delivery of a new Jumbulance in 2017, and it cost £400,000.
Each standard Jumbulance incorporates seven aluminium beds, with pressure mattresses and safety strap, and 18 recliner sleeper-chairs.
It has a fitted kitchen with hot and cold running water, fridge and food heater.
There is a lavatory built for the needs of the disabled.
Those who would like more information can contact Cormack at cormacksmith123@icloud.com or telephone 07568 401416.