The latest edition to Pilgrims Hospices retail stores was opened in Hythe on Monday. Long standing volunteers Christine Pledger and Doreen Ashdown officially opened the shop for business.
Many staff, volunteers and local businesses supported with the preparations, from carpeting, decorating, designs and displaying the wonderful array of gifts and clothing donated by Pilgrims supporters.
Tim Stewart, Pilgrims Hospices Retail Manager said: “Hythe is an important town for Pilgrims to have a shop in. We’ve been looking for some time for a suitable site, and were so pleased when this space became available.
“It’s a modern and stylish shop and we hope you’ll enjoy visiting. We’re selling clothes, ornaments, household and electrical goods and furniture – so there really is something for everyone.”
Takings on the first day were around £2,000 – enough to cover the cost of 100 hours care from a Pilgrims nurse, whether in one of the charity’s three Therapy Centres, on its wards or in the community.
A big thank you to everyone who has already supported our new Pilgrims Hospice shop in Hythe.
Added Tim: “A big thank you to everyone who has already supported our new Pilgrims Hospice shop in Hythe. You generously volunteer your time or purchase from our stores, which helps Pilgrims to continue to provide the vital care our patients and their families need throughout east Kent.”
Get that extra feel good factor knowing all profits from your shopping go straight into providing your local hospice care. All Pilgrims shops are stocked with goods donated from the local community and staffed entirely by volunteers.
Your local hospice shops and our online eBay store can also convert your unwanted items into cash to fund our services.
Or donate saleable items, such as clothing, household goods, items of interest and anything else you think will raise money for Pilgrims Hospices!
Among our shops we have specialist outlets in Margate and Canterbury offering a great selection of vintage goods. We also have dedicated bookshops in Margate, Dymchurch and Canterbury stocked with thousands of titles – so you’re sure to find something to your liking.
Donations are also sold on our eBay store to reach shoppers worldwide. If you have something you’d like us to sell online, please call 01227 640002 or email [email protected].
If you are interested in becoming a Pilgrims Hospices volunteer there are many ways you can help. Every hour and every minute of volunteering for Pilgrims Hospices is hugely valued and goes a long way for the people needing our care.
Our volunteers play a part in every aspect of life in our hospices: they offer support, skills, kindness, care, raise money; they can be a friendly face helping in our shops and working on our receptions. By generously giving their time, volunteers support our staff as they work to provide the outstanding levels of care for which we are well known.
If reading about Pilgrims huge community of volunteers has inspired you to find out more about our current volunteering opportunities visiting volunteering or download a fundraising pack.
Laid-back dog Rodney makes friends at the hospice
Retired pharmaceutical industry worker and Pilgrims Hospices volunteer Martyn Ponting has owned dogs for years.
Then, when he was looking for a new way to give his time and energy to the hospice in Ashford, his canine friend Rodney gave him the perfect opportunity.
Rodney, a two-year-old black labrador, is now a regular visitor to Pilgrims Hospice Ashford. As a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, he enjoys his regular Wednesday social morning in Pilgrims Therapy Centre and also visits patients on the ward.
Martyn from Sellindge said: “My career in the pharmaceutical industry often took me to environments where PAT dogs attended. Knowing how special the service is and how uplifting seeing a friendly furry face can be for patients, I thought I’d enlist Rodney’s gentle skills.”
Rodney’s owner Martyn can often be found at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, whether it’s as part of the volunteer gardening force that keeps the Ashford grounds in such beautiful condition or to bring along Rodney, the very much loved PAT dog for patients, families and of course Pilgrims staff to enjoy.
“Rodney is very well behaved and absolutely loves his time with everyone at the hospice. He was such a laid-back puppy, I thought he would be a perfect candidate to become a Pets As Therapy dog. His huge calm eyes and affectionate nature, I knew he had to come home with me.
Rodney’s a very gentle soul and thoroughly enjoys his visits to Pilgrims.
Martyn
Rodney often receives compliments from the care team; Pilgrims doctors say animals are often a great icebreaker and help with patient communication. Everyone seems to relax with Rodney in the room.
Martyn added: “Rodney’s a very gentle soul and thoroughly enjoys his visit to Pilgrims. There’s always time for a cuddle. His favourite treat is a smelly stinky old tennis ball; it’s definitely his favourite thing in life, along with a good swim. I really enjoy my visits to Pilgrims too. I meet such interesting people and enjoy their company. I bring Rodney along and he just works his way around the room to enjoy as many tummy rubs and ear tickles as he can.
I’m very proud of Rodney.
Martyn
Every hour and every minute of volunteering for Pilgrims Hospices is hugely valued and goes a long way for the people needing our care.
Our volunteers play a part in every aspect of life in our hospices: they offer support, skills, kindness, care and they raise money; they can be a friendly face helping in our shops and working on our receptions. By generously giving their time, volunteers support our staff as they work to provide the outstanding levels of care for which we are well known.
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
19th May 2017
“So, that’s life”: A reflection on old age, hospice care and end of life
Take a look in the mirror and what do you see; how has your face changed, what stories lie behind the wrinkles and scars? These are the questions Cathy FitzGerald poses as she speaks with people from all walks of life in her BBC radio programme Mirrored, which holds up a mirror to the ageing process.
In a recent episode, Cathy shares a warm and poignant interview with John Gilbert ‘Gil’ Garbett, a travelling salesman from Margate who was supported by Pilgrims to stay independent through an incurable illness.
Gil: I’m 86, 87 next month. I’ve sold ice cream, I’ve sold tea, I’ve sold bread, cakes… there’s not much I haven’t sold, actually.
Cathy: If I can just get you to face the mirror… describe yourself for me.
Gil: Somebody getting old. I find myself fighting away from looking in the mirror because I’m not well, and I’m beginning to accept that. Margate is the hospice I proudly attend. Coming here breaks my week up and I look forward to coming, because of the friendliness and the social side of meeting other people in the same boat.
Margate is the hospice I proudly attend. I look forward to coming, because of the friendliness and the social side of meeting other people in the same boat.
Cathy: Do you take a pride in your appearance still? Does it matter to you to be well turned out?
Gil: Yeah. If I go anywhere special I’ll put a suit on – and if it’s somewhere really special, a tuxedo. In the bungalow, then no; I put a pair of old jodhpurs on and a scruffy old pullover, but I shower every day and I do all my own washing. I do all my own cooking, I do most of the cleaning; I have a cleaning lady come once a week for a couple of hours. Somebody said, “Why don’t you move and buy a flat?” But I can’t bring myself to do it because my wife’s there, and I don’t want to lose that by moving away.
Cathy: You still feel she’s there?
Gil: Yes, she’s there. She’s there, and she always speaks to me.
Cathy: What does she say to you?
Gil: That she still loves me, and I still love her, and it won’t be long before we’re together (because we’ve got a plot together). That keeps me happy when there’s nobody around, when there’s nobody else there in the bungalow.
Cathy: What was her name?
Gil: Patricia. We were married for 25 years.
Cathy: A long time.
Gil: Yeah. Not long enough; not long enough.
Cathy: What did you look like when you met her?
Gil: I must have looked handsome otherwise maybe she wouldn’t have fancied me. I had brown eyes, she said I used to fascinate her. I sit here and look in the mirror and think, “Who’s that horrible old man?” Then I laugh about it, and this is what I told myself when I started getting lonely in the bungalow: What’s to moan about? I’ve got everything I want, I’ve got no financial worries. I’ve got a lovely bungalow, I keep it reasonable, I’ve got good neighbours and I’ve got some lovely daughters. What more could I ask for? Nothing. So, that’s life.”
Our Wellbeing and Social Programme is free for patients who are in the later stages of a life limiting illness, and their families. It aims to enhance their wellbeing in mind and body.
The first step is to talk to your GP or healthcare professional. They can advise whether the programme is right for you. More information is available here.
Our thanks go to Gil’s family for allowing us to share this interview in his memory.
18th May 2017
Hospice nurse Sarah kicks off birthday bucket list with Divas Cycle
Sarah Martins, Senior Ward Sister for Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury will be challenging herself throughout the coming year with a variety of tasks and fundraising activities starting with the exclusive ladies cycle ride Pilgrims Divas on Wheels, on Sunday 18 June.
Sarah said: “I will be 40 years old next year and I’ve been thinking ‘lets live life to the full’ and push myself to achieve some amazing goals.”
Having always been interested in palliative care, Sarah joined Pilgrims Hospices 3 ½ years ago as Ward Sister at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, now based in Canterbury as Senior Ward Sister; she works closely with inpatients and patient care within the community.
“I have personal experience of the patient care offered at Pilgrims, my Mum was cared for here 10 years ago. I feel very privileged as a Pilgrims nurse to be part of the precious care offered to patients and families when they need it most.”
Sarah’s husband David cycled Pilgrims Cycle Challenge in April and she joined him on some of his training rides along with the family Amy 21 years and Louis 16 years.
“My first ride was about 10 – 15 miles, I thought this is really positive, I can do this. And with the support of the family I’ve decided to take on the Divas on Wheels 50-mile ride. I could have taken the 25 mile option but everyone is being so supportive and generous with my fundraising, I know I’m capable of completing the ride and enjoying it too.”
Sarah is planning a Pilgrims Skydive, Canterbury ½ Marathon and the new Pilgrims Santas on the Run event in Herne Bay, and hopes to have legs left to complete the Cycle Challenge in April next year. Her family are her biggest fans; the children think she is amazing; they are both impressed and proud of their Mum.
We are really proud of Sarah for undertaking these amazing tasks throughout the year.
Deborah Kellond, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager said: “We are really proud of Sarah for undertaking these amazing tasks throughout the year. The Divas on Wheels ride is a perfect place to start her adventures, after all a picturesque Kent countryside ride followed by scrummy cakes, snacks, a chance to tame your helmet hair, relax with some yoga and even have body massage to ease away any aches and pains should make for a lovely day out.”
Every £20 raised could pay for an hour of nursing care. We will follow her progress with interest and remain inspired by her determination.”
Support this amazing Pilgrims nurse on her Just Giving page.
Get involved with a challenge to support Pilgrims Hospices, visit Events and Challenges and discover how you can fundraise for your local hospice.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit Pilgrims Hospices website Wellbeing and Social Programme.
17th May 2017
Richard Davis: “Cycling is one of the most accessible sports”
Pilgrims Hospices Chairman, Richard Davis, joined hundreds of supporters to take on the eighth Pilgrims Cycle Challenge.
Here, he shares some motivational tips for anyone who’d like to pedal for Pilgrims.
Cycling is one of the most accessible sports; it can also be one of the toughest. If you’re like me, when you’re cycling uphill for your last few miles you’ll be glad of some inspiration!
I remind myself ‘this is nothing compared with the challenge our patients face when coping with a serious illness’. It helps me keep going, knowing I’m helping provide our care.
Around three quarters of Pilgrims funding comes from the local community. Our events make a huge contribution to that.
While Cycle Challenge has evolved, the things that matter stay the same. The atmosphere is always amazing; there are free food stops and roadside assistance; and pre-training rides are also offered. Anyone can take part, from the total novice to the pro who wants to better their time.
This year’s new route saw us all start from the same place in Canterbury. It provided a truly spectacular kick-off, then celebrations all afternoon as riders returned for medals and massages.
What better way to mark the start of spring than with a bit of cycling? And if you missed out on Cycle Challenge (or just fancy riding some more miles for Pilgrims), try out our fun, supportive ladies bike ride Divas on Wheels on 18 June.
The county’s only ladies bike ride for charity is open for entries now, with 25 and 50-mile routes to choose from. There are planned training rides which you can take advantage of, too.
Let’s keep up the pedal power for Pilgrims. Find out more.
15th May 2017
Colour runners brighten up coast raising vital funds for hospice
An excited crowd brought a fun blast of colour to Thanet this Sunday for the Pilgrims Hospices Colour Run.
Over 1,200 adults and children gathered in colourful glasses and white tee shirts for the 5k run along the coastal route of Palm Bay, Clintonville, and Margate.
After a fun warm up and a big countdown, the event kicked off with a huge blast of colour. The crowd ran, jogged and walked through brightly coloured paint clouds, which drifted out from two huge colour stations.
Among the runners was Andy Aldworth from Margate who ran in memory of his nan, Joan Jones, who was cared for by Pilgrims: “I decided to do the Colour Run in memory of my nan and also to get fit. I wanted to do my bit to raise money for Pilgrims as they do a magnificent job. I also achieved my personal best time; the best part of the day was the amount of people who turned up and gave me encouragement to keep going.”
Emma Roberts from Deal ran for her brother, Mitch, as part of ‘Team Mitch’: “Mitch was cared for by Pilgrims in January 2017. He was a colourful and fun character to the end, so Colour Run is the perfect event to honour his memory.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager for Pilgrims Hospices, said support for the event had exceeded everyone’s expectations: “This is the second Colour Run we have held and it’s been such a popular event.
The atmosphere is just unbelievable, with colour and laughter all the way. We are still counting everyone’s sponsorship money but already we have raised more than £20,000 and that figure is set to grow. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, raising vital funds for the hospice.”
The atmosphere is just unbelievable.
Each year Pilgrims supports more than 2,300 local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from its new wellbeing and social programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent to the expert end of life care given on its wards.
The Colour Run was supported by a host of generous local organisations whose support means that even more money will go to help provide this care. Thanks go to: Your Leisure, Howdens, Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, Bookers Cash & Carry, Raynet, Thanet Council, Copy Shop, Pete our DJ , Bek from Beks Fitness, Bex from Your Leisure, Raffles the Bear, all the staff and volunteers who helped make the event possible.
A date for your diary – If you missed this amazing event and would like to join in the next crazy event, why not sign up for It’s a Knockout on Sunday 9th July. Choose you venue, Ramsgate or Faversham, we would love to see you there.
Pilgrims care is provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes and through its three Therapy Centres. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
