Daisy and Jimmy’s paw-fect walk for grandma Pauline
Daisy Nicholls Delo (11) from Margate and her pet pug Jimmy will take part in Paws 4 Pilgrims, a fun sponsored walk for Pilgrims Hospices, on Sunday 24 March 2019. The pair are walking in memory of Daisy’s grandma, Pauline Georgina Nicholls, who received care from the local hospice charity after she was diagnosed with liver cancer.
Pauline was from Westgate and worked for many years as a pharmacy assistant. She was a loving and family-orientated woman who always put others before herself. Her daughter and Daisy’s mum, Kirsty Nicholls (47), said: “Mum was devoted to raising my sister Michele and I, then when her grandchildren came along she dedicated her life to them. She really was the best mum.”
Pauline with her grandchildren Callum (24), Daisy (11) and Ruby (12)
Pauline was initially diagnosed with liver cancer in July 2017. She had chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and was doing well, but sadly the cancer spread to her bones and became incurable. It was then that Pilgrims stepped in to help Pauline and her family. She was taken into the Margate hospice on 5 October 2018 and passed away six days later, aged 72. Kirsty said: “Mum wasn’t doing great when she arrived at the hospice, but she received the most amazing treatment and care. Pilgrims made her last week pain and stress-free and we will be forever grateful.
“The support we’ve experienced from Pilgrims as a family has been unbelievable; they helped Daisy through a really tough time, and my sister still receives their help now. Whenever she goes to the hospice the nurses and volunteer receptionists stop to ask how she’s doing, they always make time to talk.”
The support we’ve experienced from Pilgrims as a family has been unbelievable; they helped Daisy through a really tough time, and my sister still receives their help now.
Kirsty Nicholls
Daisy and Jimmy are taking part in the charity’s sponsored walk along the Deal coastline to say thank you, and to help other people who need Pilgrims’ care in the future. Family and friends will be supporting them on the day. Kirsty added: “Pilgrims means a lot to our family because they helped my mother through the last part of her life. She was only in the hospice for a short time, but the care she received was perfect and we are eternally grateful.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Daisy and her pooch Jimmy after they won a free entry into our Paws 4 Pilgrims event through our Christmas competition last year. I am sure they will be looking to win much more in the fun dog show, too, that follows after the walk. There are 12 classes to choose from, including Fastest Sausage Catcher to Dog with the Most Sparkiest Eyes. Daisy has already raised £165 through JustGiving to help provide palliative care for the next person who needs Pilgrims’ vital support. What an amazing gift. Thank you.”
You can sponsor Daisy and Jimmy by visiting their JustGiving page.
Feeling inspired to join Daisy and Jimmy on this fun 5k walk?
Paws 4 Pilgrims takes place on Sunday 24 March in Deal. Sign up at pilgrimshospices.org/paws by 5pm on Monday 4 March to save with our Early Bird offer of just £10 per entry. All entries include one person and one dog. There’s no minimum sponsorship; dogs are asked to use their puppy dog eyes to raise as much sponsorship as they can!
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 for information about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
3rd May 2018
Joe and Florence take on the Exmoor Challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices
Over the weekend of 20 – 22 April Joe aged 9 and Florence aged 12 Wrake took part in the inaugural Exmoor Expedition with The Children’s Challenge and raised nearly £800 in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
The Children’s Challenge was set up as a vehicle for young people to raise money for a charity of their choice whist giving them with a genuine challenge in the form of a hike across Exmoor
There were 3 routes to choose from. Florence (and her mum Lisa) walked the 17km one and Joe the longest 21km route. It took 7 & 6 hours respectively starting at 8.30am. It certainly was a challenge for them all.
Lisa explained why they chose to support Pilgrims Hospices: “In 2011 Florence and Joe’s dad Run was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite surgery and chemotherapy after 6 months his prognosis became terminal and his health deteriorated quickly. In a time of utter disbelief and confusion, Pilgrims Hospice Ashford became our sanctuary – providing practical, mental and spiritual support; it was a quiet, dignified and safe place for us to be together as a family in our final weeks.
“There was a garden for the children to play in, bright rooms with balconies, a living area and kitchen, doctors, nurses and a variety of therapists available around the clock. I still cannot believe this organisation is entirely free at point of use yet 77% of its funding comes from voluntary donations.”
When describing the challenge she said: “The weather was good bar for a few drops of rain towards the end, and the landscape is lovely – woodland, moorland, hills and valleys. It was nice to think about Run as we walked. It was the first time my children have ever done something like this and I am sure will want to do it again next year!”
Isabel Smith, Community Fundraising Officer said: “We are so grateful to Joe and Florence for undertaking such a challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. The walk sounds amazing. The money they have raised will help Pilgrims to support another family like theirs who are facing a similar situation.
“If you would like to take part in a challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices please visit the events and challenges pageto see what is happening in your area. “
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
21st February 2018
Ralph puts his best paw forward for Pilgrims
Ralph the gorgeous three-year-old Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise cross and his owner, Megan Bell, will join Pilgrims Hospices brand new sponsored dog walk Paws 4 Pilgrims in Deal on Sunday 25 March. They will walk the 5K coastal route in memory of Megan’s dad, Frankie Bell, who was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet. With the support of her family and friends, Megan has already raised more than £800 for vital care for even more local people.
Megan, who is 25 and works as an hotel receptionist at Pegwell Bay Hotel in Ramsgate, said: “Dad was only 58 years old when he was cared for by Pilgrims; he and Ralph were great pals and often shared walks together before he became ill. We are very proud to take part in his memory.”
Megan told us: “Ralph is full of fun. We are really looking forward to the walk, it’s such a beautiful place and if people don’t know the area very well, it’s really worth a visit. It’s a wonderful place for a doggy walk, and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of doggy pals for Ralph to walk with and enjoying the dog events after the walk.
“Dad was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet in November 2016. During his time there, he was treated with the most amazing love and care. I cannot thank the wonderful staff enough for everything they did for Dad and our family. I want to raise as much money as I can for people who need care in the future. The hospice was a happy place for us, and Dad said it was just like a hotel.
Dad was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet in November 2016. During his time there, he was treated with the most amazing love and care.
Megan
“I really admire the work the nurses and doctors put in day and night to ensure all their patients get the best quality care that they deserve. They really made my dad feel at home during his stay there; they also welcomed our family with open arms. Ralph visited Dad at the hospice every day and even knew which room to find him in. He also enjoyed going to visit the other patients, and made friends with volunteers who often had treats for him.”
You can help Megan to raise even more funds for Pilgrims by sponsoring Ralph on Megan’s Just Givingpage. A small donation of just £1 can help make a huge difference to those who need Pilgrims care the most.
I will be forever grateful to Pilgrims, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Megan
Megan said: “I will be forever grateful to Pilgrims, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
Towers School steps up to the challenge for Pilgrims
Last year Pilgrims Hospices challenged people to face the flames at their inspirational Fire Walk. Hundreds of supporters took part raising an incredible £61,000; enough to cover more than 3,000 of nursing care. This year, the ‘hottest, shortest sponsored walk in the world’ is back with an extra twist!
Not only can you conquer your fears by walking barefoot over 800 degrees of red-hot wood embers, they’re offering the chance to test your nerves by facing the new Icewalk. By putting mind over matter, you could achieve what would be seen to be impossible by walking barefoot across a bed of sterile broken glass.
Robert Grew, met with staff and youngsters at Towers School, Faversham Road, Ashford who will be hosting the Fire and Ice Walk on Friday 9 March. Robert said: “I’d like to thank Towers School for hosting Pilgrims Fire and Ice Walk, it’s the first time we’ve held this event in Ashford, and we’re already having some great response.
“The venue is just brilliant with plenty of room for family and friends to come along and support loved ones when they take the daring dash. It’s a great test of inner strength and a really exciting challenge to take part in or spectate!”
I’ve experienced Pilgrims care first hand and can confidently say how important it is to be there for even more families in the future.
Regular Pilgrims supporter and volunteer Sue Barrett-Austen will take part this year, testing her inner strength and determination. Sue is Welfare Manager at Towers School and looks after year 11 and sixth form students. She told us: “I’m very excited to be taking part; I’ve experienced Pilgrims care first hand and can confidently say how important it is to be there for even more families in the future who need their special services and support.
“I know that my registration and sponsorship money will really make a difference to those who need help the most, it’s going to be my biggest challenge so far.”
So why not face the flames this March?
No tricks, no special effects, just you and your nerve. Conquer the most primal of fears in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. Robert added: “Our brave firewalkers tell us how they are still buzzing from the experience weeks later. It’s something anyone can do with no previous training. More of a psychological challenge that physical, by facing the flames you’ll be raising vital funds for our hospices. With every single step, you’ll be making a difference to the lives of local people and their families who are in need of end-of-life care.”
Friends and family can come too. With a breath-taking display from fire performer Paul Incredible just before the main event, they’ll be sure to be amazed as they cheer you across the coals and see what can be achieved.
Take on a Firewalk, an Icewalk, OR BOTH. With interactive training seminars with renowned motivational speaker and fire and glass walking expert Cliff Mann before the daring dash, we know you’ll feel fantastic once you’ve completed the challenge. After all, if you can achieve this, you can find the confidence to do anything.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
Louise makes a splash for Pilgrims
Keen swimmer Louise Carroll from Broadstairs dedicated some of her half term holiday time to swim an incredible 200 lengths of her local pool in memory of her friend and school staff member, Frank Stivarious. She is raising money for Pilgrims Hospices who cared for Frank when he battled cancer in October 2017, and hopes to raise more than £200.
Dane Court Grammar School student Louise, who is 13 years old, said: “I used to speak to Frank every morning when Mum dropped me at school. He was always such a happy and friendly face and we were all very fond of him at our school.”
Louise’s mum and dad, Claire and Neil, are so proud of Louise’s fundraising. Claire said: “She wanted to do something positive and raise awareness of the wonderful work that Pilgrims Hospices do. Her friends and teachers at school have been really supportive.”
Frank’s wife, Sarah, who is Assistant Head Teacher at Dane Court Grammar, came along to support Louise on her 5000-meter swim, along with Louise’s mum and her grandparents Pat and Ron Dinnes.
Sarah explained: “I’m so impressed with her commitment; I’m sure Frank would have approved of her efforts. She is a very caring and kind young lady.”
13-year-old Louise Carroll is swimming to raise money for Pilgrims Hospices
Louse loves swimming and began at an early age. She currently attends Broadstairs Lifeguard and Swimming Club at Ramsgate Leisure Centre. She also attends Dover Channel Training from May to September. Along with her 200 lengths of the pool, from Sunday 27 May to Friday 1 June Louise will be swimming approximately 2 hours daily around the bays of Jersey with a group of swimmers headed by Sally Minty Gravett MBE. Louise hopes to raise as much as possible from her friends and family, but urges anyone who wishes to support her to donate directly via Pilgrims Hospices website.
Indoor Leisure Manager at Ramsgate Leisure Centre, Gavid Vickers, who kindly gave Louise a free lane in order for her to complete her charity swim, said: “We’re delighted to have helped with Louise’s fundraising swim. We are always keen to support young people who want to help make a difference within our local community. We congratulate her on her amazing efforts.”
We are delighted to have the support of such a dedicated young fundraiser.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, added: “We are delighted to have the support of such a dedicated young fundraiser. Louise is doing a wonderful job of raising vital funds and awareness of our services. Her 5000-meter swim is actually over 3 miles; that’s quite incredible. We wish her lots of luck with the sea swimming in Jersey later this year.”
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
