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.
11th October 2021
Martyn braves Firewalk and other challenges for local hospice care
Martyn Battrick from Hawkinge near Folkestone experienced Pilgrims Hospices first-hand when his mother, Mary (Madge) Elliott Battrick, was cared for at the Ashford hospice in 2004.
To give back and say thank you, Martyn is a keen fundraiser for Pilgrims; to date, he has raised more than £500 for local hospice care.
Martyn completed the Pilgrims Way Challenge in June 2021, and will brave a barefoot Firewalkacross red-hot coals held in the Ashford hospice gardens on 29 October 2021. He also plans to take on the Three Peaks Challenge for Pilgrims in 2022. His fantastic fundraising will enable the charity to keep providing vital, compassionate care to people across east Kent when they need it the most.
Mary was born in Waterhouses, County Durham on 26 February 1922. During WW2, she was an ambulance and heavy vehicle driver for the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). She met her husband, David, at that time in Hull, Yorkshire, where he was working as a Naval Officer. They married in 1945 and enjoyed a rich and varied life, raising a family and travelling around the world, and living in Plymouth, Devon and Durban, South Africa – where David sadly died on 16 June 1997.
Mary (third from left) with her ATS friends during WW2
On the morning of that day, Martyn took on and successfully completed his biggest challenge to date, the famous Comrades Marathon (a 90km ultramarathon) with an 11 hour cut-off, in his dad’s name.
Martyn said: “If you don’t make it you get nothing; no medal, no ribbon, no certificate – nothing! My time was 10h 44m 01s. I’d seen Dad in hospital the day before and told him I was a little unsure of my ability to do the run (having never run that far before – most was 56km – and I’d never previously failed at anything I had set out to do). We expected Dad to come home from hospital on the Monday, but he died of a myocardial infarct at 04:30 that day, whilst I was walking in the dark to the start of the race. They called me on the PA system but I didn’t hear it.
“Dad’s last words to me as he called me back from leaving when Mum arrived to sit with him were, “Get the medal for me”. I heard of his death at about the 55km mark but resolved to get the medal first and foremost and deal with the sadness later. I got the medal and it was cremated with him.”
Mary and David at home in South Africa (1985)
Mary found it difficult being without her life partner. She returned to England and settled in Folkestone; near to her eldest son, Michael, and her daughter, Barbie (who had also recently returned to England from Durban). David would have been 100 years old on 22 October 2021.
Later in life, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Mary spent time in Pilgrims Hospice Ashford where she died on 22 March 2004.
Mary with her grandson, David, at the Ashford hospice (March 2004)
Martyn continued: “I was still overseas when Mum went into the hospice, though I had visited her a couple of months before then. After her diagnosis, she moved in with my brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Ros, in Folkestone and remained in their care until she was admitted to Pilgrims.
Mary and David on David’s naval business in Antwerp (c. 1950)
“My eldest son, David, travelled from South Africa to see his grandma in the hospice.
“Michael and Ros visited daily. After Mum had a stroke they and Barbie kept up a 24-hour vigil at her bedside. The medical staff were truly excellent, and could not have been more kind, helpful, and understanding. We were more impressed than we could ever say. Thank you.”
Martyn now enjoys supporting Pilgrims by taking on fundraising challenges for the charity.
He said: “I entered the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2021 with my niece, Samantha (Mum’s granddaughter), and her husband, Steve. We chose the 55km route from Wye to Dover – the 25km and 35km were out of the question for me, I’m an all or nothing man! – and completed it in under 11 hours, including stops. We’ll likely do it again!
“Now we know about the various events Pilgrims offer, we will do more. I’ve already signed up for theFirewalk challenge on 29 October 2021 and plan to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge in mid-2022. We’re supported in our fundraising by family, both here and overseas, and others including staff at Saga in Folkestone, where Samantha works.”
Martyn added: “Pilgrims is a kind and caring organisation, there to comfort and support those who are facing their last days; the benefit of knowing that the best that can be done is in place gives relief and solace to families at a very difficult time.
“As a family, we know from personal experience about Pilgrims’ wonderful work; we fundraise so that this can continue. We also know others who have been supported by the charity, and we have friends who have volunteered for Pilgrims, too. It’s a local charity for the people of Kent – our home.”
Mary with her four children: Martyn from South Africa, Barbie, Robert from North Carolina, USA, and Michael behind (February 2004 )
Pilgrims Events Manager, Robert Grew, explained: “It’s supporters like Martyn and his family that mean Pilgrims can continue being there for the many others that will need our care in the future. By taking on such challenges and raising vital sponsorship, he is enabling others to receive the skilled and compassionate end-of-life care they deserve, just like Mary.
“I’m sure thoughts of his mother will bolster his nerve and spur him across the Firewalk on 29 October. Good luck, Martyn!”
You can keep up with Martyn’s fundraising and sponsor him on his JustGiving page.
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.
30th September 2021
Colour Run returns in Thanet for Pilgrims Hospices
The Pilgrims Hospices 5k Colour Run returned to Thanet with a blast of colour on Sunday 26 September 2021.
Over 400 adults and children attended, complete with colourful glasses and white t-shirts, all ready to run and walk through the clouds of vibrant and multi-coloured powders.
Those taking part warmed up with a fun warm-up with Bex from Zuma Margate, followed by the countdown from Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager. The sky was filled with colour as the lively crowds made their way through the colour stations and along the coastal route from The Oval, Clintonville, Margate. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of laughter as everyone set off along the coastal route down towards Palm Bay.
Karen said: “It was so lovely to see many attend and some familiar faces for the fifth year of this Colour Run in support of Pilgrims Hospices. This really is such a colourful event to be seen and be involved in, plus an incredible way to raise much needed funds to support palliative care for the next person who needs us. It was just wonderful to welcome back our supporters and to see the enjoyment it brings to all those who attend and help support the event on the day.
“A huge Pilgrims thank you to all who helped in supporting the event, our volunteers and staff who helped make the event possible and most importantly, each an everyone of you for taking part on the day.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford 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.
26th August 2021
Charity Cycle Challenge raises £1 millionth pound for Pilgrims Hospices
Hundreds of brave cyclists took to the lanes and hills of east Kent on Sunday 22 August despite some challenging weather conditions across the county. Their heroic efforts were in support of Pilgrims Hospices, who care for more than 2,500 people each year living with an incurable illness.
Kent Event Marshals with cyclist Eleanor Keel
The Cycle Challenge, known as Kent’s biggest bike ride, has been held annually since 2010 and is a favourite among cyclists of all abilities. Riders took on five possible routes from 30 miles up to a leg-testing 125 miles, all starting from the event HQ at the University of Kent, Canterbury.
This year’s sell-out event returned after a 2020 hiatus and cyclists were determined to show their support regardless of some unseasonable rain affecting portions of the day.
Event Manager, Robert Grew, told us, “I’m blown away by the incredible efforts of our cyclists, many of whom turn out year after year to support the ride. From early estimations, this year’s ride has raised in excess of £95,000 for hospice care, and sponsorship will be coming in for several weeks to come. This means that we have reached the astonishing milestone of the Cycle Challenge having raised £1 million for hospice care since the very first ride back in 2010!
“I’m immensely proud of everyone involved in making the event such a safe and enjoyable day. From the fantastic signage volunteers, to the enthusiasm at our rest stops. I’d especially like to thank the local cycle mechanics who supported at rest stops and Kent Event Marshals who had a busy day providing roadside assistance to cyclists from the first to the very last rider. Not to forget our amazing cyclists themselves!”
Participants collectively cycled over 43,000 miles on Sunday, which is equivalent to riding from London to India more than seven times!
Judy Tsai and Steve Ball from Herne Bay have raised £3,500 in sponsorship. Steve said: “We had a fantastic day and it’s great to see the Cycle Challenge back again. We are both very proud to support Pilgrims Hospices, and wish to thank everyone who kindly donated, especially Judy’s family in Thailand who have been very generous in helping us to achieve this brilliant total.”
Judy Tsai and Steve Ball
Pilgrims Hospices has been providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care for the people of east Kent for over 35 years. From their inpatient units in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, and in patient’s own homes, they support people living with incurable illness to live well; making them comfortable, alleviating pain and enabling them to make the most of the time they have. With just 20% of funding coming from the NHS, the charity relies on the generosity of the local community to continue being there for the families who need them.
Barretts of Canterbury have been a long-term sponsor of the event, and the business’s CEO, Paul Barrett, was instrumental in the ride’s early years. A keen cyclist himself, he told us, “It’s a real privilege to be part of such a well organised event. I honestly can’t think of another cycling event that comes close to the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge. It’s so polished.
“The signage and catering are always excellent and the smiles that greet you at every stop keep you going throughout the day.”
Avid cyclists won’t have to wait too long for next year’s event.
The Pilgrims Cycle Challenge will be returning to its usual time of year on Sunday 1 May 2022.
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.
24th August 2021
Local solicitors Boys & Maughan join in the Colour Run fun
Many supporters have already signed up to run, jog or walk along the cliff tops of Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday 26 September to raise vital funds to support end of life care in the local area.
Participants will take part in a 5k run with locations along the route where coloured powders are thrown over the runners.
Pilgrims supporters local Boys and Maughan solicitors, will be taking part again in this fun-packed event by entering their staff team. Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “It’s great to have the Boys and Maughan team with us again, they’ve taken part in the event in previous years and have been regular supporters of Pilgrims Hospices for some time now. Thank you so much for your continued support.”
“We really like how people of all ages and fitness levels can join in. Some of our staff plan to walk part or all of the way, or jog very slowly, and they know that this doesn’t matter.
Ian Priston, Boys & Maughan Solicitors
Ian Priston from Boys and Maughan Solicitors said: “Taking part in the Colour Run means a lot to us at Boys and Maughan. There are 13 of our staff taking part, and we hope to increase our sponsorship total we achieved when we last joined in back in 2018.
“Our team is thoroughly looking forward to being part of the day and getting covered in powdered coloured paints from head to toe. Adding colour to the run makes it a lot more fun and is sure to provide some great photo opportunities for families and friends who are planning to watch.
“We really like how people of all ages and fitness levels can join in. Some of our staff plan to walk part or all of the way, or jog very slowly, and they know that this doesn’t matter.
“Most people in east Kent have had some personal experience of the support Pilgrims Hospices provides to individuals and families. There can be no doubt that it makes a huge contribution to the community, so we are always on the lookout for ways in which we can raise money for the hospice or lend a helping hand.”
This spectacular family fun event has raised over £159,500 for the charity since it began in 2016.
Karen continued: “The event was so popular, we simply had to offer our supporters an opportunity to take part again. What a great fun way to restart the roll out of our fundraising events here in Thanet, raising important funds for hospice care locally.
Everyone will receive a running number, white t-shirt, funky colourful glasses and a colour sachet on the day. Be prepared to get messy. You can purchase extra powdered colour sachets at the event for even more spectacular paint clouds. And… what’s more, you will receive a thank you medal from Pilgrims when you cross the finish line.
The Pilgrims staff and volunteers will be ready and waiting for everyone from 9:00am on Sunday 26 September, with the fun starting at 11.30am.
Registration is open and will cost £20 for adults and £15 for under 11s until Sunday 5 September, thereafter on the day prices will apply.
Photo (left to right): Ian Priston, Emma Moor, Chloe Louca, Mollie Telford, Beverley Thomas, Kelly Ashton and Paula Patton.
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.
