Held on Thursday 24October, Elham Christmas Market took place at Elham Village Hall in support of Pilgrims Hospices. Once again this much-loved event was a resounding success, attracting over 500 visitors and raising an incredible £2902.38 towards the work of the hospice.
Carol Stevens has been organising the Christmas market for over 14 years. She said: “We want to continue to support Pilgrims because it is a local charity which sadly, all too many of us have had some personal experience. We just know they do a fabulous job supporting people when they are most in need and feel it to be a very worthy cause.
“I started the event on my own, but do get support from lovely local people, who either bake or offer to go on the rota for the door or in the kitchen. The team from the hospice also help with set up and signage to make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Entry is just £1 and, with over 35 stalls offering unique and special Christmas gifts selling everything from beeswax wrap to jewellery, handmade Christmas cards and decorations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Local resident Gill Ramsey secures fabulous raffle prizes ranging from afternoon tea at the Ritz, Eurostar tickets, festive chocolates and Pandora jewellery, many local organisations and companies support the fair with donations for the raffle and refreshments.
The support Pilgrims receive each year from Carol and her team of volunteers helps us continue being there for patients and their families, when and where they need us.
Jo Harris, Community Fundraising Officer
Pilgrims Hospices volunteers and the local village community were on hand to help to set up the venue, baking cakes and ensuring homemade mince pies and festive mulled wine was available in abundance.
Jo Harris, Canterbury Community Fundraising Officer for Pilgrims Hospices said:
“The support Pilgrims receive each year from Carol and her team of volunteers helps us continue being there for patients and their families, when and where they need us.
“It is lovely to see the community pull together and support the event. We would also like to say a huge thank you all the staff and volunteers who made the day happen.”
A date for your diary: This year’s date for the Elham Christmas Market is confirmed as Thursday 29 October 2020.
If you are feeling inspired by Elham Christmas market and would like to organise a market or a fundraising event in your local area then please get in touch with [email protected] for more information.
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 click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
6th February 2020
Pilgrims volunteer Lin will take on the hottest shortest sponsored walk in the world
Lin Parsons from Kennington, Ashford has been a valued member of the volunteer team at Pilgrims Hospices for eight years. Lin’s mum was cared for at the Ashford hospice in 2009, before then, she had little idea of what the hospice was or what services it provided.
Lin told us: “My mum received such wonderful care at the hospice, I was very keen to offer my services as a volunteer to help in any way I could.”
Although she felt the need to be involved as soon as possible after the loss of her mum, the support services around Pilgrims care insists families and friends who’ve suffered a loss, take sufficient time to grieve and re-adjust to their loss before taking up a commitment as a Pilgrims volunteer.
Lin added: “In the meantime, I gave my support to Pilgrims in other ways by getting involved with fundraising activities such as Pilgrims night-time walks and I play Pilgrims Lottery. When I was ready, I joined the regular volunteers as part of the hospice reception team.”
My mum received such wonderful care at the hospice.
Lin
Pensioner Lin, was employed for 28 years as a barmaid in the Ashford Golf Club: “I loved working with people, I’m a very social person, my job at the golf club allowed me to be flexible as my family grew up.
“I still love to be around people so, my role with Pilgrims, greeting visitors and helping with the refreshment trollies and chatting with patients is so rewarding.” Lin added.
Lin keeps busy with some shifts at the golf club, looking after her grandchildren and walking her dog, but she has still found time to take part in Pilgrims Firewalk on Saturday 14 March.
“I’m really looking forward to taking on this challenge, I’ve never done anything quite like this before. I was encouraged to join the team of nurses and Pilgrims staff who have already signed up to take part. I thought, here goes!
“I’m encouraging my friends and family to sponsor me to brave the daring dash across the red-hot wood embers. I know the money I raise will truly help to make a difference to people who need hospice care the most.
“My role as a volunteer allows me to see first-hand some of the amazing work carried out by the nursing staff.
“It really is the perfect place for end of life care and I am so pleased to support such a worthwhile charity.”
You can support Lin’s Firewalk for Pilgrims by sponsoring her JustGiving page.
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Challenge Events Manager said: “We applaude Lin for everything she does and for hot-footing it across the fire for Pilgrims Hospices. We are pleased to bring the event back for the 5th year. It’s the ultimate test of courage and perfect challenge for any fitness level. Our supporters tell us time and time again just how much they love it.”
If you would like to take part in the Firewalk, please click here and register for the shortest hottest, shortest, sponsored walk in the world.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 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.
