Therapy team takes the plunge to support Pilgrims Hospices!
In September 2024, three brave members of the Pilgrims Hospices therapy team will conquer their fears and soar through the skies in a daring tandem skydive at Headcorn.
Their mission? To raise essential funds for Pilgrims Hospices, a charity dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care.
The team, comprised of physiotherapist assistant, Louise Jordan from Herne Bay, wellbeing practitioner team leader, Sharon Smith from Margate, and physiotherapy volunteer, Viera Howsam from Canterbury, is aiming to raise essential funds to support the life-changing work of Pilgrims Hospices.
Pilgrims Hospices, a charity providing compassionate and skilled end-of-life care to over 2,500 patients annually across its three inpatient units in Canterbury, Thanet, and Ashford, its Wellbeing centres and within patients homes, relies on voluntary contributions for 80% of its funding. Community support is vital to enabling the charity to continue its mission of helping people with life-limiting illnesses live well in both mind and body, making the most of the time they have.
I dream of raising enough for a minibus, many of our patients struggle with limited transport facilities in rural areas. It would be wonderful to make a huge difference in helping more patients access our therapy sessions, which are so important for their wellbeing.
Sharon Smith, Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader
The inspiration for the skydive came from Viera, whose dedication as a volunteer supporting the Pilgrims therapy team with seated exercise groups fuelled her desire to do even more for those in their care.
“When Viera, our lovely volunteer, suggested the skydive, I was hesitant at first,” said Louise. “But as we talked about it, we realised we all had different goals — whether it was funding for the hospice patients’ gym or raising funds to purchase a minibus to help patients travel to therapy groups.
“We decided to take on the challenge together.”
Sharon said, “Honestly, Viera’s the wild one! She suggested it one afternoon, and the next thing we knew, we were all in! We are very excited and wish to thank everyone who has donated to our fundraising page and been so supportive of our slight moment of madness!”
The funds raised from the skydive will go towards improving services for patients.
Sharon said: “I dream of raising enough for a minibus, many of our patients struggle with limited transport facilities in rural areas. It would be wonderful to make a huge difference in helping more patients access our therapy sessions, which are so important for their wellbeing.”
Justine Robinson, Therapy and Wellbeing Services Manager, said:
“I know my team won’t keep their feet on the ground this time! They’ve been amazing, sharing their upcoming challenge with patients and keeping spirits high. Engaging patients with these stories is such an important part of our work, and it’s been a joy to hear patients share their own experiences. I wish the girls the very best on their high-flying adventure this September!”
The Therapy team’s skydive has already gathered significant support, with more than £3,000 raised so far. They hope to raise even more as the big day approaches. The event promises to be thrilling, with friends, family, and supporters cheering them on as they free-fall from 12,000 feet—all for a great cause.
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 supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
6th August 2024
Pilgrims Hospices Summer Fair raises over £15,000 at Sandyacres
On Sunday 28 July 2024, hundreds of community members gathered at Sandyacres Sports and Social Club for the annual Pilgrims Hospices Summer Fair, raising over £15,000 for our charity.
Visitors delighted in browsing a variety of stalls offering puzzles, crafts, children’s toys, and gifts. The children’s craft area was particularly popular, with youngsters creating beautiful artwork using various media.
Delicious treats, including cream teas and cakes, were served at our refreshment stall, while the BBQ was a hit among visitors.
Music filled the air with lively performances by Where’s My Thing, alongside a set by Radio Ashford’s very own Sam Griffin and Webbo.
Faversham Ices generously sold ice creams donated by Consort, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds went to the hospice. We extend a special thanks to Richard, who donated his time and van to make this possible.
We are deeply grateful to the many local companies and our media partners who supported the event by donating prizes for the Grand Draw, tombolas, and stalls.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our wonderful community. Your generosity enables us to continue making a difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses, ensuring that they and their families remain at the heart of everything we do.
Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford, Louise Newman, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to all our wonderful supporters and volunteers for making our ‘sunny’ Summer Fair a success. As a local hospice, we are continually moved by the generosity of our community. Every donated item, every helping hand — together, they make a significant difference to our patients and their families.”
Special thanks to AnnMarie Fuggle from Sandyacres Sports and Social Club who donated the use of the venue and supported the event from start to finish.
Over 90 volunteers came together before, during, and after the event to ensure its success. We are especially grateful for their continued support.
From one community to another, thank you. Your support ensures that our families continue to receive the care, compassion, and dignity they deserve during challenging times.
Pilgrims Christmas Fair Saturday 16 November 2024 at Grosvenor Hall, Ashford
Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients and their families across East Kent. Through their various programs and events, they strive to create a supportive and caring environment for all those they serve.
18th July 2024
Get ready to glow at Thanet’s 8th annual 5k Colour Run!
Prepare for a burst of colour and excitement on Sunday October 6, as Pilgrims Hospices hosts the Thanet 5k Colour Run at Palm Bay Green, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 3NR.
This family-friendly 5k event promises to be an explosion of vibrant fun, where participants of all ages can enjoy an invigorating run or walk while being showered with brightly coloured powder.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Thanet’s spectacular seafront, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Since its inception, the Thanet 5k Colour Run has united friends, families, and the community in a joyous celebration of life, colour, and giving. Now in its 8th successful year, the event has welcomed over 3,000 participants and raised more than £225,000 for Pilgrims Hospices’ end-of-life care. Every step taken and every splash of colour helps support people in east Kent facing life-limiting illnesses.
The Thanet 5k Colour Run is not just a run; it’s a vibrant festival of fun and camaraderie. Picture this: Hundreds of participants all dressed in their white t-shirts, ready to be transformed into a moving rainbow as they navigate the picturesque coastal route. As you make your way through the 5k, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking coastal views and enveloped in clouds of coloured powder, creating unforgettable memories and picture-perfect moments.
“We’re back to sustainably brighten the coast!” says Pilgrims Hospices. “The Thanet 5k Colour Run is a fantastic way to enjoy a day out with loved ones while supporting a meaningful cause. The funds raised play a crucial role in allowing us to continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most.”
Whether you prefer to run, jog, or walk, the Thanet 5k Colour Run welcomes participants of all fitness levels. It’s a day of high-energy entertainment, laughter, and plenty of colour, making it the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Feel the electric atmosphere as you join hundreds of others, all united by the common goal of supporting Pilgrims Hospices.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices’ Community Fundraising Manager and event organiser, said: “I’m so proud of the supporters who have made this event such an amazing success over the past eight years. We have collectively travelled over 8,700 miles together. It’s a staggering achievement, and the money raised is making an incredible difference to the lives of those who need Pilgrims care right now, and to those who will need our support in the future as well.”
Getting involved is easy!
Gather your friends and family, and register now to be part of this incredible event. To find out more about the Thanet 5k Colour Run, visit pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun. On the day, you will be presented with a brilliant white t-shirt, a coloured powder sachet, and fun protective specs – then let the fun begin!
New for this year’s event, participants will receive an environmentally friendly wristband containing wildflower seeds. Take it home, plant it in your garden, and wait for another splash of colour that will remind you of the super fun day that you had supporting Pilgrims Hospices. And don’t forget your fabulous finishing medal to celebrate your wonderful achievement!
Don’t miss out on this spectacular event that blends fitness, fun, and philanthropy in a truly unique way. Let’s come together to celebrate, run, and support a worthy cause.
See you at Palm Bay Green on October 6 — ready, set, colour!
For more information, please contact Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager:
Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses across east Kent. Our compassionate team works tirelessly to ensure patients and their families receive the best possible care, both in our hospices and within the community.
15th July 2024
Help Pilgrims Hospices raise £166,853 for new specialist beds
Pilgrims Hospices needs your support to reach £166,853 for the purchase of new specialist beds. These beds are vital to delivering the highest standard of care and comfort to the patients we look after in our wards.
Will you give our patients a good night’s sleep?
Comfort and care are at the heart of what we do at Pilgrims Hospices. Our journey began with just two beds at the Canterbury hospice in 1982, and today, we offer beds to over 900 people each year across our three hospices. Each ward accommodates 12 beds, and to ensure the best possible care, these beds need replacing every seven years.
Some of our beds are approaching the end of their lifespan. They have served us well, but maintaining them is becoming increasingly costly, and some are nearly beyond repair. With your help, we can provide our patients with the comfort they deserve and continue to care for them safely.
It was wonderful to accept the cheque from Steve and his brothers from the East Kent Freemasons. Thank you so much for supporting Pilgrims Hospices Bed Appeal with your generous donation.
Ellie Cane, Individual Giving Manager
We have already received an incredible response to our appeal and have managed to raise more than £137,719, and counting! This surpasses the deposit needed to place the order. Now, we need your help to reach the target.
A personal appeal
Steve Read, from the East Kent Freemasons:
“For many years, my wife and I have donated to Pilgrims Hospices, having had two close family members who needed their facilities. We received a letter in February asking for help with the Bed Appeal. Each of the three hospices at Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet needs 12 new beds every seven years at a current cost of £4,212 per bed. With 900 people using these beds annually, they are crucial. The beds have bedside controls for patients, their families, and staff to help find a comfortable position, and they can be lowered to the floor to reduce fall risks and allow nurses to work safely.”
Community support
The Valley of Elham Lodge No.6649 responded to this important appeal by donating £4,212 to purchase one bed. The cheque was presented by Peter Gagger, Rashid Bellini and Steve Read, to the Ashford hospice on April 26 2024.
Ellie Cane, Individual Giving Manager, added: “We’ve recently surpassed the £100,000 mark for the appeal, and we are absolutely thrilled with the responses from the generous public and local organisations. It was wonderful to accept the cheque from Steve and his brothers from the East Kent Freemasons. Thank you so much for supporting Pilgrims Hospices Bed Appeal with your generous donation.”
New beds will make a significant difference. They are fully adjustable, with bedside controls to help find a comfortable position, and can be lowered to reduce fall risks. Paired with specialist floor mats, they can even be made into doubles, allowing precious nights to be spent close together with family members. The side-rails can be lowered or removed, enabling loved ones to cuddle with each other.
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
21st June 2024
Stepping in Style: Hundreds hike the Pilgrims Way Challenge, raising thousands for Pilgrims Hospices!
On Saturday, 15 June 2024, Pilgrims Hospices hosted the annual Pilgrims Way Challenge, an event that gathered enthusiastic participation and support. Despite the weather misbehaving, spirits weren’t dampened as supporters bravely tackled the rain, wind and mud to put their best foot forward for local hospice care.
The turnout was remarkable, with over 700 supporters, one dinosaur and one teddy bear in a wheelbarrow stepping up to take on the mighty Pilgrims Way Challenge, and this year in reverse! We’re thrilled to announce that from early estimations, their collective effort has raised an impressive £95,000, with the figure still rising!
Participants had the option to choose from three scenic routes, each offering a unique challenge and breathtaking views. The event covered three distance options, including 55 kilometres from Dover to Wye via Canterbury. For those seeking a shorter journey, alternative routes included Canterbury to Wye at 25 kilometres and Dover to Canterbury at 35 kilometres. Every step taken by the participants helped raise vital funds for end-of-life care at Pilgrims Hospices.
The overwhelming positive feedback from participants highlighted the event’s success. Supporters praised the meticulous organisation and the dedication of the volunteers, “The marshals were incredible, guiding us every step of the way,” one participant noted. Another shared, “The volunteers’ enthusiasm and support made the challenge even more enjoyable.”
The heroes of the day were undoubtedly the volunteers, from crossing marshals, registration volunteers, refreshment teams and our signage volunteers, who also gave warming encouragement and thanks to everyone who took part in this important Pilgrims Hospices fundraising event. Their commitment ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Billy Williams, Pilgrims EventsManager, expressed his gratitude, emphasising the importance of such events, “Events like these are a vital part of our fundraising activity,” he commented. “They offer a variety of ways for people to get involved and support Pilgrims in providing essential end-of-life care to the community of east Kent.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge hike was not just a testament to the community’s generosity but also a celebration of the spirit and dedication of everyone who supports Pilgrims Hospices. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a resounding success.
If you’re looking to put your best foot forward for local hospice care, you can sign up for our next challenge event – the Folkestone Downs Challenge – on Saturday 31 August 2024.
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 supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
22nd April 2024
Cycling for a cause: Honouring memories, creating legacies
Join us on Sunday, May 5 2024, for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, where we’ll come together not just as cyclists, but as a community united in the spirit of love, remembrance, and supporters for those in need.
Team Cynthia and Steven consists of Katie Li, the daughter of Cynthia and Steven, along with Raymond, Nick, Tim and Mark, who are taking part in loving memory of Cynthia (1961-2017), Steven (1952-2023) and loved ones.
Katie with her friend, Ellen, and her siblings Amy, Ray and Cindy, cycling 50-miles in 2019
In 2019, Team Cynthia embarked on their first fundraising cycling journey, raising over £2,800 for Pilgrims Hospices. Now, Katie with her family and friends, will once again pedal forth with purpose, raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices’ end-of-life care and continuing to raise awareness around local hospice care and services.
Between them, the team will participate in the 30-mile, and others will participate in the 50-mile; in memory of Cynthia and Steven, two beloved souls who touched the lives of many, and in honour of countless others who have embarked on their final journey.
For Katie and her siblings, this cause is deeply personal. Losing her parents, Cynthia and Steven, to the relentless battle of cancer was a heart-wrenching journey. Yet, amidst the pain, there was solace in the compassionate care provided by Pilgrims Hospices. Their expertise not only ensured comfort for Cynthia and Steven but also brought peace and dignity to their final moments.
Cynthia and Steven at their daughter's wedding in 2016, the last photo taken of them together
Cynthia and Steven on a day out in Kent, 2015
Cynthia and Steven's wedding day in Hong Kong, 1980
With gratitude in their hearts and determination in their pedals, Team Cynthia and Steven, along with cherished friends and family, embark on this cycling challenge once more. They carry not only the memories of loved ones but also the mission to continue the legacy of compassion and support.
Every mile pedalled, every hill conquered, and every donation received is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. Together, we pave the way for compassionate end-of-life care for those who most need it.
Katie’s friend, Matt, and her brother-in-law, Nick, completed the 100-mile Cycle Challenge in 2019
Join us on this journey of hope and remembrance. Whether you choose the 30-mile Circuit, the scenic 50-mile Classic, dare to conquer the 100-mile Century, or the ultimate test of strength and endurance, 125 miles, The Epic! Every pedal stroke brings us closer to our goal of supporting our patients and their families to live well in every moment.
Together, let’s turn grief into action, memories into legacies, and pain into purpose. Thank you to Katie and Team Cynthia and Steven for their unwavering dedication, and to all supporters for their generosity and kindness.
Let’s make Sunday, May 5 2024, a day to remember. A day where every turn of the wheel brings us closer to a future where compassionate care knows no bounds.
For more information on how you can support Team Cynthia and Steven, please visit their JustGiving page.
And remember, every mile matters, every donation counts, and together, we can make a difference.
Pilgrims Hospices is a registered charity providing specialist palliative care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses across East Kent. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Pilgrims Hospices is committed to delivering compassionate care and support to patients and their families, ensuring dignity, comfort, and quality of life.
