One of the Seven Wonders of Wales ' St Winifred’s Well' here in Holywell has long been known for its 'miracles'. However apart from my verruca incident - which frankly is best left forgotten (see Dixi Wills article in the Guardian March 1st if you want to read about it) - I have only heard in general terms about the miraculous cures. That is until this morning. We had a guest staying with us en route to Ireland – our B&B perfect for an overnighter for the Holyhead ferry – and after our usual post breakfast chat he mentioned that he was off to the Well to load up on holy water before heading for the ferry. He then recounted the following story.
In about 1992 he was with an Irish couple who had visited the Well several times before, but on this occasion the lady decided to go for full immersion. She had been suffering with bad knees for years having already had keyhole surgery on one knee, and was told there was now nothing to be done expect replacements for both knees. She went in the water (luckily prepared by wearing her swimming costume under her clothes) and because she believed you had to have three goes – she ducked in and out three times. She then changed and left with her husband and our guest and got into his car. After only 50 or so yards she started to scream in pain and say ‘my knees are burning’. They stopped the car and tried to help offering to take her to hospital but she was convinced that it was the holy water working. After sometime the pain eased and they continued their journey. Our guest finished he story "That was nearly 20 years ago and she has had no problems with her knees since. She does now need a stick but that is to do with her sciatic nerve and at more than 80 she is entitled to I think".
Well my husband Les and I were quite opened mouth about the story and I may well be off to the Well myself. But as our guest said ‘is it because she believed it would work – or it in fact a miracle? ‘
In about 1992 he was with an Irish couple who had visited the Well several times before, but on this occasion the lady decided to go for full immersion. She had been suffering with bad knees for years having already had keyhole surgery on one knee, and was told there was now nothing to be done expect replacements for both knees. She went in the water (luckily prepared by wearing her swimming costume under her clothes) and because she believed you had to have three goes – she ducked in and out three times. She then changed and left with her husband and our guest and got into his car. After only 50 or so yards she started to scream in pain and say ‘my knees are burning’. They stopped the car and tried to help offering to take her to hospital but she was convinced that it was the holy water working. After sometime the pain eased and they continued their journey. Our guest finished he story "That was nearly 20 years ago and she has had no problems with her knees since. She does now need a stick but that is to do with her sciatic nerve and at more than 80 she is entitled to I think".
Well my husband Les and I were quite opened mouth about the story and I may well be off to the Well myself. But as our guest said ‘is it because she believed it would work – or it in fact a miracle? ‘
I'll be right over. Might start with my feet and work upwards!
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