Maddie: “Pilgrims is a beautiful place where illness can be forgotten”
Maddie from Ashford was diagnosed with a terminal illness in July 2021.
She attends Time to Create, a weekly art therapy group at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, which is helping her to live well and make the most of each moment.
Coming to Pilgrims for the first time
Maddie’s dad received Pilgrims’ care, so the family already had first-hand experience of the local hospice charity and its wellbeing services. He also enjoyed Time to Create sessions at the hospice.
Maddie said: “It was great for him; it got him out of the house, he made friends, and he loved the food! We’re still in touch with one of his friends’ wives, which is really nice.”
Before her diagnosis, Maddie was always active; she rode horses and was a keen baker. She said: “I was in two minds about being referred to Pilgrims; I hadn’t been to the hospice since Dad died. But having seen the care that he received, I decided to give it a go. As well as coming to the groups, I’m monitored by Pilgrims and they check my medications. Marion, one of the counsellors, pops in to see me, and Gary the maintenance engineer says hello, too – he was here when Dad was in the hospice. So there is continuity, and I feel supported in several ways.”
The activities give me the opportunity to do what I used to, albeit in a different way. I’ve had to learn to be a bit more relaxed, but I’m getting there. I can’t paint or draw or colour, that’s why my own little projects work well for me.
Maddie
Melissa Friend
Although Maddie can’t use her hands anymore, Melissa Friend, Wellbeing Practitioner helps her to take part in all the creative activities on offer. These have included candle making and building terrariums, indoor gardening containers that hold plants.
Maddie continued: “I’ve made friends and I love coming together with everyone. You can chat, participate or not, just whatever you feel – there’s no pressure. The activities give me the opportunity to do what I used to, albeit in a different way. I’ve had to learn to be a bit more relaxed, but I’m getting there. I can’t paint or draw or colour, that’s why my own little projects work well for me. Mel helps me a lot; we almost work in tandem – she is, in effect, my hands. That makes me really happy, and I look forward to coming here each week.
“Pilgrims is a beautiful place where illness can be forgotten. You can forget everything for a short time; it doesn’t change anything, but you can forget and share experiences with others. We all benefit in our own individual way.”
Maddie’s legacy
Through attending Time to Create sessions, Maddie has begun producing artwork for friends and family. She feels that it has brought her closer to her sister and her wider circle of friends.
She said: “Now people know I come to the group, they ask me to make them things; they want something to remember me by. Let’s face it, I have a terminal illness – but Time to Create gives me the chance to build a legacy for my loved ones to have when I’m gone.”
Maddie loves sunflowers and they are a running theme in her artwork: “They’re like my trademark!” she says. She has recently made a sunflower picture for her sister, and a framed teddy bear for a friend’s son, which includes a small sunflower decoration. Pink buttons also feature in Maddie’s artwork. She explained: “Pink was Mum’s favourite colour, so the buttons represent her and the sunflowers are me. I know that means a lot to my sister.
“Taking photos of my work also makes me feel connected to my friends and family, because I can show them and they benefit from that, and I think that’s really important.”
To find out more about the Wellbeing services offered at Pilgrims, visit:
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.
27th October 2022
Let the music play on: Neil creates lasting legacy with the Blackbird Project
In 2019, Pilgrims Hospices launched the Blackbird Project, enabling patients to record messages for their loved ones to keep forever on special blackbird-shaped USB sticks. The project was started by Sheena and Nick Jackaman, whose son Ben received Pilgrims’ care.
When Neil Wright from Deal was referred to Pilgrims after being diagnosed with cancer, the charity helped him to make a recording for his wife, Pamela. Here, she shares why the Blackbird Project is so special.
Neil
When my father died suddenly in 1984, I longed to hear the sound of his voice again. We had a reel-to-reel tape recorder from childhood that Dad would use to sing and talk to us. Unfortunately, the tapes were old and fragile, so they became twisted and ravelled up when they played, and I was very disappointed to find they wouldn’t work.
Sadly, my late husband, Neil, was diagnosed with cancer in September 2019. I cared for him at home, and when he was unable to stand and walk, we had a bed downstairs so he could look out on his garden, which he loved. We liked watching the blackbird that visited there.
We became aware of the Blackbird Project when Neil was referred to and supported by Pilgrims Hospices, and saw the brochure they had designed and produced. During this time, in April 2021, Sara Hennessy, an occupational therapist at the Thanet hospice, came to our house and helped Neil to record a message for me that I could listen to in the future. I think this is an excellent service, giving terminally ill patients the opportunity and assistance to leave a personal message for their loved ones on a blackbird-shaped USB stick.
Neil was a talented musician and he contributed greatly to the community, giving his time freely to support the arts, theatre events and festivals in Kent, particularly in his hometown of Deal. Neil knew the Jackaman family, having taught Ben and Anna, his sister, during his career, and was sad to hear that Ben passed away aged 34 from cancer at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury.
I have listened to my dear husband Neil’s Blackbird recording and it is wonderful to hear his voice. It brings me great comfort and is a treasured possession.
Pamela
As Neil’s illness progressed, we talked about Ben’s legacy and decided that when the time came, donations kindly given in remembrance of Neil should go to the Blackbird Project as it is such a wonderful idea.
On 11 August 2021, Neil was admitted to the Thanet hospice for pain relief, where he stayed for three weeks. All the staff were very compassionate and caring; they provided a welcoming and comfortable environment for us to be together during such a difficult time. Neil returned home with a care plan for support in the community.
His passion for music stayed with him throughout this time, until sadly he passed away at home on 12 October 2021.
I have listened to my dear husband Neil’s Blackbird recording and it is wonderful to hear his voice. It brings me great comfort and is a treasured possession. I’m sure many other patients and their loved ones who Pilgrims care for will continue to benefit as much as I have from this project in the future.
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 October 2022
Therapy dogs make a welcome return to Pilgrims Hospices
Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs are a vital part of Pilgrims Hospices’ wellbeing programme. Specially trained to remain calm and gentle when interacting with people, they make perfect visitors for patients and loved ones who are spending time in the hospices.
In September 2022, PAT dogs made a welcome return to Pilgrims after a two-year hiatus, having been unable to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients, staff and volunteers alike are truly grateful to have them back.
PAT animals provide companionship to thousands of people in settings across the UK, including hospices, hospitals, care homes, schools and prisons. They help to reduce anxiety and offer a pleasant distraction from the things that may be happening around them.
Rodney
Martyn Ponting from Sellindge brings his black labrador, Rodney (7), to the Ashford hospice. Rodney’s soothing presence is much-appreciated by everyone they’ve met since they started volunteering in 2017.
Martyn came across PAT animals when he worked in the pharmaceutical industry and regularly visited hospitals. He said: “I decided that when I retired, I wanted to get involved. We love coming to the hospice; Rodney puts smiles on everyone’s faces, even when they’re really poorly. Most patients want to see him, and the staff love him, too. He cheers everyone up.
“He’s just a normal dog at home, but at the hospice he senses the mood and immediately calms down. On our first day back since COVID, we visited a patient who was very near the end of life. We didn’t stay with her for long, but afterwards a nurse told me it was the first time they’d seen that patient smile. Rodney is also great for visitors, helping to break the ice and providing a different focal point at an otherwise difficult time.”
Rodney is such a well-loved and vital part of the Pilgrims’ team that he even has his photo up next to the consultants on the staff board.
Martyn added: “He has a gift for it, but he’s often a little tired afterwards because he takes on peoples’ moods – but perhaps in doing that, he lifts a small weight from their shoulders, so it’s all worthwhile. And he soon bounces back!”
Aston
Linda Wolek-Went and her husband, Mike Went, from Seasalter visit the Canterbury hospice with their Tibetan Spaniel, Aston (4).
Linda first volunteered for 15 months with their dog Bobby, who has now sadly died. After COVID dashed their round-the-world adventure plans, they returned to east Kent and decided to take on more rescue dogs. Aston and his brother, Martin (2), were rescued from Hungary, and Martin is currently in training to join the PAT dog team.
Linda was a volunteer receptionist at the Canterbury hospice for many years, and a schoolfriend of hers was cared for by Pilgrims, so she has seen first-hand what a difference the charity makes.
She said: “The comfort PAT dogs give to people is so uplifting and worthwhile. It’s a big commitment, but we’re retired and it’s a lovely way to spend our time.
“When Aston and I arrive at the hospice, we say hello to staff, volunteers and visitors in reception; they get as much enjoyment from it as the patients. Then, we go on the ward. All the patients love seeing Aston; even if they’re not feeling well, they still enjoy spending time with him.”
Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager, said: “The team were filled with excitement, and some relief, when I announced the PAT dogs were returning to sites after COVID put their visits on hold.
“When the dogs are on site, the whole mood lifts; patients, visitors, volunteers and staff are smiling and requesting to see the dogs. They are very much a vital part of our team. Thank you so much to the dedicated owners for their time, hard work and willingness to return.”
We are delighted to welcome Rodney, Aston and their owners back to Pilgrims. We’re in the process of recruiting a PAT dog for our Thanet hospice, so that patients and visitors on all three sites can enjoy the same therapeutic benefits that PAT dogs bring.
To find out more about the Wellbeing services offered at Pilgrims, visit:
Hospice Care Week is an annual event where we recognise and celebrate Hospice UK and hospice care nationwide. It’s an opportunity to show the world the value of support, of care and of what matters to us as individuals at the end of life when we need it most.
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.
7th October 2022
Angela enjoys getting creative with Pilgrims Hospices
Angela Clarke from Westbrook near Margate attends weekly Time to Create sessions at Pilgrims Hospices, which offer fun, creative activities aimed at improving patients’ wellbeing.
She is enjoying creating artwork, meeting new friends and experiencing a different side to hospice care that she didn’t know about until coming to Pilgrims.
Through being referred to a Pilgrims breathlessness management course by a nurse at Guy’s Hospital, London, Angela heard about the charity’s wider wellbeing services and was keen to find out more. She was introduced to Billy Williams and Kyla Szukala, Wellbeing Practitioners, who welcomed her to the Time to Create group at the Thanet hospice.
I always thought hospice care was just offered at the end of life, and there was a fear around it. How very wrong I was. It’s friendly; we’re all struggling, but you can lose yourself for a few hours and just be.
Angela
Angela said: “I’m a complete novice, but I’m really enjoying it. We’ve worked with acrylics, watercolours and pastels, made Easter wreaths and done a project for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We also made felt teddy bears; I didn’t finish mine in the group because I had to go to hospital, but I took it with me to work on during my stay, and it helped to keep me busy and take my mind off things.
“Having a finished product is lovely, although that’s not what matters really – it’s the taking part and enjoying others’ company. It’s nice to be away from home and spend time with different people. I look forward to the Time to Create groups, and I miss them when they don’t run.”
Angela also takes her newfound creativity home with her; after using watercolours in the group, she now paints the fruit and flowers in her garden.
She added: “I always thought hospice care was just offered at the end of life, and there was a fear around it. How very wrong I was. It’s friendly; we’re all struggling, but you can lose yourself for a few hours and just be.”
To find out more about the Wellbeing services offered at Pilgrims, visit:
Hospice Care Week is an annual event where we recognise and celebrate Hospice UK and hospice care nationwide. It’s an opportunity to show the world the value of support, of care and of what matters to us as individuals at the end of life when we need it most.
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.
4th October 2022
Time to Create: World Space Week
Inspired by World Space Week, we got creative with chalks, oil pastels and glitter to make beautiful space scenes.
It can be a challenge to get the creative ideas flowing; in our Wellbeing groups, we like to use a theme to help with this. Using images of planets, nebula and stars as a starting point, we began working on black card to develop participants’ own artistic interpretations of space.
Using black card enables the pastels and chalks to really jump off the page, creating a colourful and magical representation of space. The great thing about an activity like this is that it can be as abstract or as real as you like; there is no right or wrong way to begin your design.
Let’s get crafty
What you’ll need
Glitter
Scissors
PVA glue
Black card
Coloured chalks
Coloured pastels
On your black card, use white to dot around and draw the outline of a planet. You can use your finger to smudge the colours and blend them into each other; this creates a more fluid effect that will enhance the design. Don’t be afraid to layer the pastels and work with lots of different colours, this will create depth and make your pieces feel more real.
If you’d like to know more about Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing services, email our team with any questions at [email protected] or call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133.
2nd September 2022
Advanced Clinical Practitioner Theresa celebrates 30 years of caring
Dedicated Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Theresa Rowlstone, celebrates a 30-year career providing expert end-of-life care for the people of the east Kent community.
Theresa, from Whitstable trained as a nurse at the Canterbury and Thanet School of Nursing, she qualified in January 1987, having toyed with the options of children’s physiotherapy or teaching before her training.
Pilgrims Hospices is grateful for the influence of Theresa’s mum who was also a nurse, who encouraged her to train. We are fortunate to benefit from her compassionate skills and continued learning within palliative care nursing. Theresa plans to continue with her love of caring for those who need that extra special Pilgrims care, along with supporting her colleagues with specialist training.
I’ve always enjoyed nursing patients who need some additional time and care, and have a keen interest in palliative care where these skills are particularly useful. There’s something very special about looking after the elderly or people with longer-term health conditions.
Theresa
Theresa began her nursing career from school, initially taking a nursing role in Ear, Nose and Throat post at Kent and Canterbury hospital.
She said: “I saw the hospice was advertising for nurses and I applied, and got the job in March 1988; spending time until January 1990 as a staff nurse at the Canterbury hospice. As a staff nurse, I worked with Annie Hogben, who is also still a member of the Pilgrims care team; we were both in our early 20s when we started and later had families around about the same time, it’s so nice to see we’ve been able to continue our careers with Pilgrims Hospices.
“I took some time away from the hospices to work at the Royal Marsden on a specialist cancer course. It gave me an important foundation to know more about a patient’s cancer journey with chemotherapy and other treatments explored in great depth. I was keen to return to the hospice but was encouraged by the Matron Ann Campbell to continue to extend my skills, so I worked on Viking Ward at Margate hospital as a senior staff nurse for nearly two years.
“I’ve always enjoyed nursing patients who need some additional time and care, and have a keen interest in palliative care where these skills are particularly useful. There’s something very special about looking after the elderly or people with longer-term health conditions.
“I always wanted to return to hospice care, and watched with great interest as the hospice in Margate was built as I passed by on the bus.
“I had an opportunity to interview for a post at the new hospice, and was appointed as ward sister starting in August 1992, with an induction in Canterbury while the Thanet hospice was being made ready, it was very exciting.”
Over the years, Theresa initially spent two years at the Canterbury hospice as a staff nurse, then worked as a ward sister, and senior nurse manager for 17 years at Thanet. She has nursed on all three of Pilgrims Hospices sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet.
Throughout Theresa’s nursing career with Pilgrims, she’s been an integral part of training and education for Pilgrims nurses and the wider community of carers. Her interest in supporting and developing her colleagues’ knowledge and skills has led her to qualifying in teaching; she achieved a Master’s degree in 2009 and joined the education team in a clinical practice development role. The role involved palliative care training both internally and externally, working closely with the education team to also set up clinical skills training. She has also been involved with working with the Hospice at Home team’s training and development, and assessing / mentoringthem whilst completing their foundation degree.
Theresa added: “Although I loved the training and teaching element, I truly missed the nursing on the ground level, and it wasn’t long before I returned to the wards to support patients first-hand.”
After adding some additional skills to her portfolio, she applied for the position as a trainee ACP. She has now worked as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner for over seven years. The ACP role is a relatively new initiative and is developing country-wide as healthcare services change. This fulfils a similar role to a doctor, working closely with patients, their families and colleagues to prescribe and plan for the management of their symptoms, medication plan and ongoing care. Theresa still has some involvement with research and education, as this is an important part of what Pilgrims do.
Each site has an ACP – Debbie Boots, Amanda Timms and Theresa – with three trainees starting this year – Charlotte, Michelle and Hayley – who will ensure these important senior roles have successors. Pilgrims want to ensure staff can continue to develop their careers in palliative care.
I’m sure many people don’t realise that 40% – 50% of our patients are discharged home from the hospice in-patient unit, andcontinue their care and support within the community services. These services are an invaluable part of Pilgrims care, helping people to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Theresa
Theresa is married to Paul and they have two grown up sons, who are her greatest supporters. She added: “My boys have been involved with Pilgrims from when they were babies. Over the years, they have met so many of my colleagues, been recruited as volunteers and helped at many events, including summer fairs and the Christmas Trees of Love at the hospices.”
When asked how she relaxes, Theresa said: “I used to sing with local choirs, but am now part of the local theatre in Whitstable, performing in plays, pantomimes and musicals. I can also be found leading the theatre’s wardrobe team.
“I’m a grandmother now, and visit as much as I can, so that’s pretty special in my life too.”
Theresa Rowlstone
“I have seen many changes, worked under a number of Chief Executives and Senior Nurses, but our priority has always been our patients, they are at the heart of everything we do. The breadth of services we offer is brilliant, introducing more patients to our social work, counselling, spiritual care, physio, occupational therapy and wellbeing support. I’m sure many people don’t realise that 40% – 50% of our patients are discharged home from the hospice in-patient unit, andcontinue their care and support within the community services. These services are an invaluable part of Pilgrims care, helping people to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
“I have the same passion now as I had in the beginning. I’m very lucky that I love what I do and it gives me so much back professionally and personally; I feel very blessed, not too many people can say that about their job. I’ve met some amazing and inspiring people during my career, and I’ve found it a very happy experience, and a supportive area to work in. It’s wonderful to see the hospices recognised as the clinical speciality we see today, which is very different from the 1980s as the service was evolving.
“I’m very pleased to have been persuaded to apply for my role as an ACP, it was the best decision career-wise that I’ve made.”
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.
