NHS team get colourful for local hospice care in memory of colleague Trish
On 26 September 2021, laughter and colourful powder paint filled the air in Palm Bay, Cliftonville as hundreds walked, jogged and ran the Thanet 5k Colour Run to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. Amongst them were a team from the cardiology department at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), who took part in memory of their much-loved colleague, Trish Penman.
The team has raised almost £1,000 to help ensure that Pilgrims’ holistic, compassionate services continue to be available to people across east Kent who are living with a terminal illness.
Trish
Trish worked at the QEQM, Kent and Canterbury and William Harvey hospitals in cardiology, respiratory and A&E. She was 49 when she diagnosed with advanced cancer in November 2020, and was supported by Pilgrims at the end of her life; she died in the Thanet hospice on 31 July 2021.
Catherine Goult, Chief Cardiac Physiologist at EKHUFT, said:
“Trish was known and loved around the Trust for her smile, her twerking, her generosity of spirit and her phenomenal work ethic. When she was diagnosed, she made her wish known that she would like to spend her final days in Pilgrims Hospices; she felt it was somewhere she and her two boys could be cared for and supported at that time.”
Catherine
Catherine and her colleagues decided to enter the Thanet 5k Colour Run so that Pilgrims’ vital services can continue to be offered to those who need them in the future. They have been supported in their fundraising by many kind people, and aim to plan a few more fundraising activities to reach their £1,000 target.
She continued: “It was moving to be at the start with so many other people whose lives had also been touched by Pilgrims; reading the messages on their numbers and t-shirts made it clear that everyone was there for a reason close to their heart. It was a great way to celebrate the life of our friend because the day was filled with laughter and colour! We loved seeing people’s costumes, too.
“Trish would have loved the warm-up because she loved music and dancing and was so energetic. The atmosphere was great and everyone was just having fun. The colour cannons made sure that we all finished fully covered in powder paint!
“From the registration process through to the marshals on the day and the very welcome packet of crisps at the end (best crisps I’ve ever had!), at every point everyone was so kind. It made us feel proud that we’d achieved something together in Trish’s memory; the medals are also really unique and quirky, they’re a great souvenir of the day.”
Pilgrims means a lot to us because death is something that we will all have to face at some point. It can be a frightening time, but Pilgrims can take away some of the fear and pain; they can alleviate suffering and bring humanity, dignity and even joy into those final days.
Catherine
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “It was lovely to welcome Catherine and her colleagues to support this year’s Thanet Colour Run. This event always brings so much fun, laugher and colour to all who join it each year. It’s just wonderful to see so many people come together to support our charity in such a joyous way, and in turn help raise incredible funding for the next person who needs us. Thank you all so very much and enjoy your well-earned medals with pride; we hope to see you next year.”
Catherine added:
“Pilgrims was there for Trish and her family at the hardest time they’ve ever had to face. Trish was given comfort and dignity during the final days of her life.
“Pilgrims means a lot to us because death is something that we will all have to face at some point. It can be a frightening time, but Pilgrims can take away some of the fear and pain; they can alleviate suffering and bring humanity, dignity and even joy into those final days. The hospice is a sanctuary that helps us to focus on the present and live each moment.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
21st October 2021
Paul and Alfie go the distance for local hospice care
On Sunday 22 August 2021, Paul Maxted and his son, Alfie, from Ashford cycled 50 miles around east Kent, raising more than £700 for local hospice care.
They wanted to support Pilgrims Hospices after the charity cared for two family members – Paul’s dad, Robert (Bob) John Maxted, and his father-in-law, Roger (Rog) Thomas Bent.
It has been an emotionally challenging year for the family; Bob passed away aged 69 years on 27 June 2021, and Rog died shortly after, aged 74, on 18 July 2021.
Robert (Bob) Maxted
Paul said: “Following long battles with terminal illnesses, we lost my father to cancer and Rog to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) within three weeks of each other; it was devastating, to say the least. The most painful part was watching them both succumb to these terrible illnesses as my wife and I provided care and support. We were lucky to have two such wonderful, loving and inspirational role models in our lives, and we gain some comfort in knowing we carry them in our hearts and thoughts for eternity.
“Pilgrims cared for my dad and Rog both on the hospice ward and at home at the end of their lives. They were superb, providing equipment, personal care and support to them and our family. The staff showed real empathy and understanding; they were never too busy to take a call or give us time to understand what was happening, all the way until the end.”
Roger (Rog) Bent
To give back and say thank you, Paul and his son Alfie decided to take on the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge to ensure that other families continue to benefit from local hospice care.
Paul added: “I’m a keen footballer and runner but cycling isn’t my choice of activity! So this was a real challenge for me (and my rear end). I’m so grateful for the support we’ve received from family and friends; any donation, no matter how big or small, is hugely appreciated.
“Pilgrims made a very sad time easier for both my dad and Rog during their battles, giving us as a family a small piece of comfort knowing that they did not suffer. We want to support Pilgrims so that more people can receive the level of empathy and care we did, both now and in the future.”
You can still sponsor Paul and Alfie now that they have completed their challenge by visiting their JustGiving page.
Inspired to get on your bike and fundraise for Pilgrims?
Cycle Challenge returns on Sunday 1 May 2022; register your interest today:
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
The Provincial Grand Lodges of Mark Master Masons of Kent have supported Pilgrims Hospices with an incredible £16,000 donation from their Mark Benevolent Fund (split between Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury £5,000, Pilgrims Hospice Thanet £5,000 and Pilgrims Hospice Ashford £6,000). Sixteen Mark lodges in the Province nominated Pilgrims Hospices to receive £1,000 from their lodge.
The donation, which is part of the Major Capital Grant of £1.3m to over 250 hospices in England, Wales, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, recognises the contribution made by HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to the service of the Crown and the life of the nation.
The first presentation of the day for £5,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Thanet and was attended by Ralph Apperley, Neil Drakley, Peter Jenkins and Reg Pritchard representing, Holmesdale 129, Granville 390, Sandwich Haven 796, St Peter in Thanet 1053 and Ramsgate 1073 Mark lodges.
The second presentation for £5,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury and was attended by Peter Dowling, Bob Mitchell, Cliff Norris, Tony Lay and Peter Lapage who represented, Dover and Cinque Ports 152, St Marin’s 262, Herne Bay 771, Whitstable 983 and Cantwara-Byrig 1168 Mark lodges.
The third presentation for £6,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Ashford and was attended by James Stretton, Peter West, Peter Dowling and Colin Griffiths who represented Amherst 266, Invicta 378, Folkestone 380, Crane 1157 and Romney Marsh 1417 Mark lodges.
Sue Sharp, Director of Income Generation of Pilgrims Hospices welcomed the donation by saying:
“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome members from the The Provincial Grand Lodges of Mark Master Masons of Kent who all came together to support their local Pilgrims Hospices by visiting each hospices garden. The past year has been very challenging for Pilgrims, like for many of us, so it is with deep gratitude that we have received such a generous donation which will help ensure we are able to continue providing our compassionate care and support to our patients and their families in our hospices or in the community, even in difficult times.”
W.Bro. Martyn Summers, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Kent summed up the day with the following quote:
“We are absolutely delighted that sixteen Mark lodges chose to support the Pilgrims Hospices located in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford. We are all aware of the toll that the pandemic has taken on charities across the country and hope that this small gift will go some way to help enhance patient care and provide improved facilities for those in need and their families.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
17th August 2021
All the fun of the fair
The weather didn’t dampen the fun at the annual Pilgrims Summer Fair held on Saturday 7 August.
Visitors braved the rain at The Farriers Arms in Mersham, which was a new venue for 2021.
Hundreds of people still attended to show their support for the local charity who care for people and their families facing an incurable illness. Over £11,500 has been raised so far with the figure still rising.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowles and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge came to show their support for Pilgrims and the much-loved traditional fair. Deirdre Mewse, Pilgrims Fundraising Officer for the Ashford hospice said: “The Mayor and Mayoress were delightful and, despite the showers, between the sunshine they took time to speak with many of our volunteers who do such much to help with our events, along with visitors who came to join in with all the fun of the fair.”
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowle and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge with Deirdre Mewse, Fundraising Officer (Pilgrims Hospice Ashford)
Over 75 volunteers helped run a selection of stalls, activities and games on the day. There were old favourites including Bottle Fishing, The Beer Slide and new games to try including Tin Can Alley and The Paper Plane Game.
Visitors were offered a selection of delicious refreshments including afternoon teas, hog roast and Pimm’s. Faversham Ices were also there volunteering and serving a host of different ice creams.
We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year.
Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager
Magician Geoff Partner and Katie Parker-Green from Once Upon A Dream Parties also gave up their time to help entertain visitors.
Many local companies showed their support. Hallett & Co Solicitors in Ashford donated a TV for the Grand Draw, along with The Tiger Inn in Stowting who donated a £100 voucher for the Grand Draw.
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Ashford Fundraising Manager Louise Newman said: “We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year. It was great to be back holding a family event in the community we care for, whilst raising much needed funds for the hospices. Despite the challenging weather we still had a great day and we’re so grateful for all the support we received.
“Whether you volunteered on the day, donated prizes or spent your money at the fair, your contribution is extremely valued and appreciated.
“Special thanks to landlords Lindsey Best and John Hockley from The Farriers Arms who donated use of their field and supported the event from start to finish.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
28th January 2021
Local fundraisers hit a big milestone for Pilgrims Hospices!
Bramling Fundraising Group have been raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices since 2003 and over the years have organised fun and popular events for the whole community to enjoy. At the beginning of 2020 the calendar was filled with their regular events and activities, many of which take place in The Haywain.
The group had to quickly change focus with the news of COVID-19 and continued on by going virtual for quiz nights, creating an online community for people in lockdown. Their popular pantomime unfortunately had to cut 4 leading stars adapting to new restrictions with Snow White and the Three Dwarves and Elvis still made a glitzy, socially distanced appearance in The Haywain pub garden during the hot summer.
The group turned a challenging year into a complete triumph, reaching a special fundraising milestone. Led by Chairman Kim Tatman, the group of fantastic fundraisers have raised over £100,000 in aid of Pilgrims with a grand total of £101,129.46 since they first began.
Bramling’s support and the community spirit shown every year enables Pilgrims Hospices to continue delivering our vital work.
Leila Pilgrims
Delighted with such a successful year of fundraising, Kim said: “Generous donations boosted the coffers, we were able to beat 2019’s total raising £11,171.75, all of which has been donated to Pilgrims.
“We are hugely grateful to all who assisted and contributed, helping us to continue and adapt our fundraising.”
Canterbury Community Fundraising Manager, Leila Ilkhan said: “We are thrilled to bits that the Bramling Fundraising Group have reached such a milestone despite a challenging year of fundraising. Their support and the community spirit shown every year enables Pilgrims to continue delivering our vital work, supporting patients and their families here in east Kent.
“Thank you to everyone who have helped make this achievement possible.”
Fundraising Groups raise vital funds by committing to regular fundraising in their local communities on behalf of Pilgrims Hospices. Turning interests into events and activities and raising vital funds each year means Pilgrims is still here; still caring for patients living with an incurable illness and their families. If the Bramling Fundraising Group has inspired you then please contact [email protected] to find out more about supporting Pilgrims Hospices.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
15th December 2020
Virtual reality appeal raises thousands for Pilgrims Hospices
Thanks to the efforts of our community of supporters, Pilgrims Hospices raised £14,874.72 for our Virtual Reality appeal.
Virtual reality (VR) is a technology accessed through a headset and headphones, which immerses someone within a 3D and 360-degree video to give them a sense of being physically present in that environment.
For example, through VR, someone could experience diving in the Great Barrier Reef or relaxing on a tropical beach.
Improving quality of life
The latest trials of virtual reality within a healthcare setting have shown an improvement in the quality of life for terminally ill patients by helping ease their anxiety, breathlessness, fatigue, and even reducing pain.
Through our Immerse Your Senses Appeal, we raised enough money to introduce a VR system at each of our hospices in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
The system was used across all of our healthcare and wellbeing settings, including our Therapy Centres, in-patient units, and even in people’s homes, which benefitted a wide range of our patients.
Ann’s story
Ann Morris attended our Therapy Centre at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, where she benefitted from the VR technology we offered for hospice patients.
Ann with Kristy Wells, Occupational Therapist Assistant
Why is this VR system so special?
What made this VR system particularly special is that it included its own camera so we could record and personalise the experiences we offered to our patients, whether that was a local place they were particularly fond of, or a special occasion they were unable to attend.
In this way, someone who was used to walking their dog along a beach but hadn’t been able to more recently, could once again experience this through virtual reality at Pilgrims.
Due to the simplicity of the system, we were even able to train our patients’ families to record and deliver these magical moments for their loved ones.
This sort of bespoke experience enabled our patients to escape the boundaries of their illness and enjoy treasured moments once again.
Thanks to the generous support of our local community, we were able to provide this incredible technology on each of our sites for two years.
Thank you!
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.
