5 reasons to take part in the Folkestone Downs Challenge
Pilgrims Hospices’ popular hiking event, the Folkestone Downs Challenge, takes place on Saturday 2 September 2023.
Here’s why you should get involved and put your best foot forward for local hospice care.
See Kent’s South coast like never before!
The Folkestone Downs Challenge has been designed to showcase the very best of Kent’s spectacular South coast. Starting from the Folkestone Harbour Arm, you’ll climb to the height of Kent’s famous white cliffs and enjoy breathtaking views over the English Channel, Folkestone, and Romney Marsh beyond as you follow the chalk ridgeline westward.
Along the way, you’ll pass Castle Hill, the site of an early Norman fortification, as well as the Folkestone White Horse, before reaching one of the highest points of the North Downs at Tolsford Hill (181m). From there, your trail descends through fields and woodland to the picturesque Lympne Castle, with a chance of glimpsing some exotic animals as you pass by Port Lympne Safari Park. Then, you’ll join the scenic pathways of the Royal Military Canal through Hythe and Sandgate on your return to Folkestone’s historic harbour.
The carefully curated 36km course is sure to hold more than a few surprises for locals and visitors alike!
Achieve your fitness and wellness goals
It’s nothing new that spending time in the great outdoors, walking and being active, does wonders for our physical health, but it doesn’t stop there. Research shows that being outside, particularly in nature, has many benefits for our mental wellbeing as well.
From a long hike, to a simple lunchtime stroll, walking has been proven effective in reducing anxiety, stress and fatigue, and there is evidence to show that walking in nature improves those results even further. That’s because different parts of our brain activate while in a natural environment. Our mind calms, leading to physiological changes, including reductions in heart rate and blood pressure.
The activity can lead to improved self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of depression. With all these benefits, it’s little wonder why so many are choosing to pull on their boots and join the Folkestone Downs Challenge this September.
Spend quality time with friends and family
We all know how tricky it can be to make time in our busy lives to enjoy quality time with those we care about. The Folkestone Downs Challenge is a perfect opportunity for that long overdue catch-up and to have a great day out among friends or family. It’s not a race, the challenge is to complete it, so there’s no need to rush. Enjoy the great views, chat and support each other in achieving something out of the ordinary! Intrepid solo hikers will find lots of friendly, fellow hikers to enjoy the day with too. And together, everyone can reach the finish line as a hospice hero.
Enjoy a fully-supported day out
From the moment you receive your very own Pilgrims technical T-shirt, to claiming your medal at the finish line, you’ll enjoy a fantastic level of event support that has become synonymous with Pilgrims Hospices charity hikes. This includes clear route signage, regular refreshment stops, toilet facilities, medical support, a free event information app and more. Not to mention our friendly team of volunteers who’ll be cheering you on throughout your challenge!
But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of our past hikers have said:
“Spectacular scenery, superb refreshments, fabulous company, wonderful volunteers, immense sense of achievement.”
“The food stops were incredible… the encouragement, friendly and smiling faces at the rest stops made the whole experience fantastic.”
“It was all amazing! Route, scenery, weather, signage, refreshments, volunteers, organisation, the whole thing!”
Make a difference for local people living with incurable illness
By taking on the Folkestone Downs Challenge, you’ll be directly supporting the care of thousands of local people who are living with an incurable illness. Whether at one of our three inpatient units in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, our Therapy Centres, or in patient’s own homes, Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care, completely free of charge, to empower patients, together with their family and friends, to live well in mind and body, and make the most of the time they have.
With around 80% of our funding coming through voluntary contributions from our local community (like sponsorship), by taking on the Folkestone Downs Challenge and going the extra mile, you’ll be making a huge difference to those who need us, now and in the future.
You can find out more about the Folkestone Downs Challenge, and sign up today, by clicking the button below.
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.
28th June 2023
Supporters hike the Pilgrims Way Challenge for local hospice care
Wye Village Hall welcomed 630 excited runners and walkers on Saturday 10th June, all gathering to undertake the 5th annual Pilgrims Way Challenge. This much-loved and well-established fundraising event brought many regular ramblers, along with those who were new to the challenge, out into the brilliant sunshine to support their local hospice charity.
Trekkers enjoyed a 25km, 35km, or 55km hike through ancient woodland, rolling fields, and picturesque villages along the North Downs Way national trail to the historic city of Canterbury; the finish line for 25km participants, the start point for 35km participants, and the mid-point for the 55km hikers, who headed onward towards a coastal finish inside Dover Castle. Some even ran the distance, with our fastest finisher completing the event in just 5 ½ hrs!
It was such a great day!
Robert – Pilgrims
The event is set to raise more than £105,000; a figure that will help Pilgrims Hospices to provide more than 4,200 hours of specialist nursing care at one of their inpatient units in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. Many people chose to walk the Pilgrims Way Challenge in memory of a loved one, in appreciation of the care they experienced from Pilgrims.
In true Pilgrims style, participants were supported throughout the journey with well-stocked rest stops, comprehensive route signage and expert medical support. Walkers were particularly delighted upon arriving for a well-deserved seat at Chartham Hatch, where they were treated to delicious cakes, strawberries and tea.
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Events & Digital Fundraising Manager said: “It was such a great day. We had hundreds of walkers of all abilities taking on the challenge and I’m in awe of every single one of them. Despite some challenging temperatures, our supporters really went the extra mile, and it was humbling to see how far people push themselves to achieve something not just for themselves, but for the benefit of others. It really is a deeply personal test, both physically and emotionally, and to see what it meant to them when they finally reached the finish line was inspiring. Collectively, our supporters walked over 23,400 kilometres, which is the equivalent of walking from London to Athens more than 8 times!
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the army of Pilgrims volunteers who gave their time and energy to support our walkers, whether it was with marshalling the route, preparing refreshments or encouraging people along the way, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness, and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing Services.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients, and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
22nd February 2023
Pro cyclist Ian Field shares top tips for Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
After a successful career as a professional cyclist, being 5x British CycloCross Champion and 6x British Series Winner, Ian Field set up ‘Veld Coaching by Ian Field’ to bring together 15 years of racing knowledge and experience in the hope of helping other riders to achieve their goals, too.
After witnessing the exceptional care that his partner’s family members received from Pilgrims Hospices when under their care, Ian wanted to use his cycling expertise to support those taking on the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 5 May 2024.
Ian Field
We sat down to chat with Ian to find out more about his love for cycling in Kent, and his top tips for those training for Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge:
How did you get into cycling?
“I got into cycling through a friend at school. We went to The Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, and we started a Cyclocross team together. I really enjoyed riding my bike already, so the idea of being able to race as a career really appealed to me.”
What do you enjoy most about cycling in Kent?
“I have lived in a few different countries, and all over the UK, but I always find myself back in Kent and I love riding my bike here. You have the flat of the Kent weald, the hills of the North Downs and the beautiful coastal routes to choose from. There is a maze of lanes off of the main roads to get lost in, there is something for every kind of cyclist. Every route is picturesque in its own way.”
Why should someone take part in the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge?
“The Cycle Challenge is a great day out, no matter what route you choose to do! It is a really scenic route and once out of Canterbury, you soon join quiet lanes. Be prepared for some climbing, but for every metre climbed there is a descent to enjoy. The regular food stops keep you going, as well as plenty of encouragement from other riders out on the road.”
What is your advice for anyone taking part in the Cycle Challenge?
My top tips for those taking part in Cycle Challenge would be:
Preparation is key, make sure you’re fuelling your body correctly during training and on the day of the event.
Don’t try anything different on the day, use your training effectively.
During your training, find the most comfortable clothing so that you know you’ll be comfortable in on day, whether you’re doing the 30 or 125-mile route.
Train in all weather conditions so that nothing comes as a surprise on the day.
Try different paces in your training and work out the pace that works best for you, that you can keep up throughout your ride.
Most importantly, don’t forget why you’re riding, and enjoy yourself!
What is your advice on nutrition and fuelling yourself to complete the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge?
“The key to nutrition and fuelling on the bike is to eat and drink little and often. Keeping things simple in regards to food and drink will also help the body to digest easier. Ideally, you want to start eating and drinking in the first 30 minutes of the ride and continue throughout.”
What clothing advice would you give to someone taking on the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge?
“I’d recommend that cyclists ride in something that they’ve ridden in before, and that they find comfortable for the correct temperature of the day. If you have some, padded shorts are ideal for a challenge such as this, as they’ll make the ride that bit more comfortable.”
What would you advise someone to carry with them on the day?
If I were taking part in Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 5 May, I would carry with me:
At least one water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the ride.
My favourite cycling snacks.
A spare tube, which is the correct size for the bike I’m riding that day.
A hand pump with tyre levers, just in case of a puncture.
Ian said: “Being in the cycling world for many years, I have seen the number of people who have taken up cycling off the back of the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge. I am really keen to support this event as it brings the cycling community together, while raising vital funds for end-of-life care in east Kent.”
If you’re looking for a helping hand with your training for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 5 May, Ian has kindly put together a training plan to guide you to reaching the finish line!
You can find out more about ‘Veld Coaching by Ian Field’ at veldcoaching.com.
To find out how you can join the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 5 May 2024, please visit: pilgrimscyclechallenge.org
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 June 2022
Walkers put their best foot forward for Pilgrims
More than 600 walkers took part in the award-winning Pilgrims Way Challenge charity walk on Saturday 11 June 2022. The event has raised £74,000 this year, with early estimations being that the event will exceed £90,000 for Pilgrims once all fundraising is counted.
With three distances to choose from, 25km, 35km or 55km, walkers of all fitness levels were able to enjoy the rural beauty of one of England’s oldest and least-trodden national trails.Starting from the picturesque village of Wye within the Kent Downs AONB, those taking part walked through the scenic Stour Valley, to historic Canterbury, and onwards to finish inside the inner bailey of Dover Castle, journeying through some of the most charming villages in Kent, whilst being surrounded by endless green fields, rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings and ancient woodlands.
This popular annual charity fundraising event goes from strength to strength, with hikers and runners joining from across east Kent and further afield, all of them passionate about their walking, and everyone raising money to support end-of-life care at Pilgrims Hospices and within the community.
The weather was glorious, as walkers started their mammoth challenge. New faces joined many returning supporters who know the event is well planned, with rest stops, snack stations and bundles of volunteers and staff to support and encourage them along the way.
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Events Manager said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many Pilgrims hikers to another sun-filled Pilgrims Way Challenge at the weekend. I’m in awe of their determination, and extraordinary efforts to march so many miles in support of the compassionate, end-of-life care that Pilgrims Hospices provide. They really stepped up to the challenge and I’d certainly say they’ve earned putting their feet up for a while! I’d also like to say a big thank you to the many dedicated staff and volunteers, without whom the event couldn’t take place. Their boundless enthusiasm and friendly smiles kept participants going all the way to the finish.”
Linda Macdonald
One walking (if not staggering) event statistic is, those taking part jointly achieved an incredible 21,475 kilometres on the day. That’s the equivalent of walking from London to Rome 7 times!
Linda Macdonald from Folkestone completed the 35 km route. She said:
“The walk was so well organised and the volunteer teams cheered us on, fed and watered the participants too. All with good humour and encouragement. It was a hot day, but the various churches along the route offered tranquillity and shade. Thank you all for such a great event.”
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
10th June 2022
Kate braves skydive for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of dad
Kate Jordan from Herne Bay is aiming to raise £3,000 for Pilgrims Hospices by braving a tandem skydive on 17 July 2022.
She has already raised more than £1,000 for the local hospice charity in memory of her dad, Nicholas Jordan, who was cared for by Pilgrims in 2020.
Kate’s dad, Nicholas
Nicholas was a talented graphic designer and a photographer, and ran a small business – Blame Poppy Pictures – drawing portraits of dogs. He was a loving father to Kate and her sister, Beth.
Kate said: “Dad was one of the funniest people. He was so unbelievably caring and kind, I really couldn’t have asked for anything more. He was my rock through everything, always supporting me and putting life into perspective for me. Most importantly, he was an excellent father to Beth and I.”
When Nicholas was diagnosed with mesothelioma, Pilgrims supported the whole family both during his illness and after his death.
Kate continued: “When my sister and I experienced the worst day of our lives, aged just 17 and 20, the hospice supported and cared for not only our dad, but us as a family. From the simple, kind gestures like making us a cup of tea, to answering all of our questions honestly, and most importantly, making sure my dad was comfortable till the end.
“After he passed, the effort they made to make sure that we would have a comforting last image of our dad was something I will always be beyond grateful for. Not only did we receive help from the hospice during my dad’s time there, but I was also offered counselling, which helped me so much during the second COVID-19 lockdown and really allowed me to come to terms with what had happened and how to adjust to life after such a loss.”
When my sister and I experienced the worst day of our lives, aged just 17 and 20, the hospice supported and cared for not only our dad, but us as a family. From the simple, kind gestures like making us a cup of tea, to answering all of our questions honestly, and most importantly, making sure my dad was comfortable till the end.
Kate
To give back and say thank you, Kate will take on a tandem skydive for Pilgrims on 17 July 2022. With the support of family and friends, she is hopeful that she can reach and exceed her £3,000 fundraising target so that other families can benefit from Pilgrims’ vital care.
Kate said: “I’m so excited, but slightly terrified! I like to think that I will be making my dad proud by doing this skydive in his memory; even though he is no longer with us, I know he will be looking down on me on the day.
“My family and friends have been very generous by donating, sharing myJustGiving page and helping me organise charity quiz nights that will boost my fundraising. I’ve also received a lot of help from Pilgrims, specifically Lydia Todd in the fundraising team, who has guided me on the best and most effective ways to raise money.
“Pilgrims is a charity that will always be close to my heart. I want them to be able to continue their incredible work, providing families just like mine with sanity and comfort at the most difficult time of their lives. Pilgrims made the hardest day of my life a little less hard, and for that I will always be grateful.”
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
6th June 2022
Popular Thanet 5k Colour Run returns to Margate
With an explosion of colour, the family-friendly 5k colourful Colour Run event comes to Palm Bay Green, Cliftonville, Margate later this year.
Each year, this popular event brings fun and laughter to fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices, and awareness of how important it is to support the local charity in its continued end-of-life care within the community.
So far, over £178,000 has been raised since it was established in 2016; this year, Pilgrims would love to achieve the magical £200,000 with your help.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “We absolutely love this event, watching participants having so much fun while raising important funds for us, it’s just so uplifting.
“We have a wide variety of people who take part, so don’t be put off if you are not a runner, come and jog, walk or dance your way along our clifftop route. We just want you to have the best time, while knowing you are doing something really special for people who need our help the most.
“Some of our regular Colour Run participants are already registered, so please do come and join them, you can get the best price for entering if you register early. Help us to achieve our goal of 1,000 participants.”
Everyone who registers will get a white t-shirt to blast some colour on, some funky sunglasses and a paint sachet to start the experience with a colour explosion. The colour stations along the route will fill the air with clouds of brightly coloured powder, you will most certainly be multi-coloured when you return to receive a finisher’s medal.
Karen added: “The event takes place on Sunday 2 October but please register early and take advantage of our early bird entry. Ages 12 and over – £18, ages 11 and under – £12.Your registration fee and any fundraising you do will be making a huge difference for the people of east Kent who need our support now and into the future.”
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
