Trees of Love: East Kent’s largest remembrance grows even bigger in 2024
This December, Pilgrims Hospices has once again partnered with members of the local community to deliver east Kent’s largest remembrance.
Herne Bay Crematorium and St Alphege Church join Pilgrims to offer more people the space to remember this Christmas.
The charity, which provides end-of-life care, is pleased to announce services in Whitstable and Herne Bay have joined the remembrance this year. The services give those who are grieving the time and space to remember during the festive season.
Those taking part are invited to dedicate a dove to be illuminated on Christmas trees across east Kent, and come together at one of the remembrance services with carols. It’s an opportunity to share memories, and take a moment during the busy festive season to remember those we love.
“Christmas is that time of year which consists of many different feelings, joy, excitement, love. But it is also for many a time for reflecting about the loved ones we have lost. The tree of love is a symbol of peace, memories and of course love. This simple gesture can bring a community together, and at Herne Bay Crematorium we are honoured to work with Pilgrims Hospices and help those on their journey of reflection.”
Damien Corlett-Oates, Herne Bay Crematorium Manager
The service at Herne Bay Crematorium is taking place on Friday 20 December, at 5pm, and those attending are invited to stay for warm refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.
“Here at St Alphege Whitstable we are delighted to be holding a Trees of Love service with Pilgrims Hospices for the first time. Christmas is a time for fond remembrance of loved ones who used to share in our celebrations. We hope that all who come may feel the comfort and joy of gathering together and the light of hope during this festive season.”
Isobel Legg, Reader, St Alphege
The St Alphege, Whitstable service is on Sunday 8 December, at 4pm, with festive refreshments served afterwards in the church.
Pilgrims are also hosting their hospice services on Saturday 7 December, in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
18th November 2024
Thousands raised at Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair
Hundreds of local residents gathered at the Pilgrims Hospices annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 16 November, held at Kingswood, Grosvenor Hall, Ashford.
Thanks to the incredible community support, the event raised over £14,000 to support hospice care.
Visitors enjoyed a festive day out with delicious refreshments, Christmas music, and an array of games. Children were entertained with crafts, including decorating gingerbread shapes and painting plates. The highlight for many was a visit from Father Christmas and his elves, who handed out gifts to delighted young attendees.
Local businesses generously supported the fair by donating goods and services. Special thanks go to Kingswood, Grosvenor Hall, for providing the venue, as well as:
The Works, Tyson Foods, Grovewell Garden Centre, Domino’s, Greggs, Argos, Ashford Mobile Footcare, T&T’s Hair, Tickled Trout at Wye, Westwell Wines, Brakes, Curco, Asda, Tesco Park Farm and Crooksfoot, Waitrose in Ashford, Tenterden, and Hythe
Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated items or joined us on the day. With the support of over 90 volunteers, we’ve managed to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. Every contribution helps us provide care for those facing life-limiting illnesses and support their families during challenging times.”
Pilgrims Hospices’ next Ashford event is the Christmas Tree Recycling fundraiser on 11 and 12 January 2025.
It’s a fantastic way to dispose of your real Christmas trees, with collections by our dedicated teams of volunteers.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
15th November 2024
Christmas giving with a difference: Make this festive season truly special with Pilgrims Hospices
This Christmas, Pilgrims Hospices invites you to bring a little extra cheer to your workplace while making a real difference to people in need across east Kent.
With unique and thoughtful ways to give back, including a Secret Santa with a twist, and the opportunity to donate an hour of pay, Pilgrims Hospices offers easy ways to make your festive giving even more meaningful.
Secret Santa with a twist
Instead of the usual office Secret Santa gift, why not choose something with a deeper impact? By selecting an item from Pilgrims Hospices’ Amazon Wish List, you’ll be directly helping patients and their families, bringing joy and comfort to those who need it most. From craft supplies for wellbeing activities to toiletries and gardening tools, every gift serves a meaningful purpose for hospice care.
As a special touch, Pilgrims will provide a unique Secret Santa gift tag for you to give to your giftee. This token shares what you’ve purchased on their behalf, capturing the true spirit of the season and turning a thoughtful gesture into a lasting gift.
Could your last working hour of the year go a little further? By donating just one hour’s pay, you’ll be giving the gift of compassionate, end-of-life care to those in need. This simple gesture, whether made individually or as part of a collective office pledge, helps ensure Pilgrims can continue to deliver essential services and support for patients and families across east Kent.
This quick and easy donation can be made directly through our website. Encourage your workplace to join in with a group pledge and make an even bigger impact!
Let’s make this season one of heartfelt giving and community support. Join us in making Christmas truly special for all.
For more details on how your workplace can get involved, contact Leila Ilkhan, Corporate Fundraising Manager on 07525 235 287 or email [email protected].
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
13th November 2024
Alexa raises £100s for Pilgrims Hospices with beautiful bracelets
8-year-old Alexa Bolger from Westgate-on-Sea was inspired to support Pilgrims Hospices after loved ones and family friends received the charity’s care.
In the school summer holidays, Alexa’s grandma, Betty (Gan Gan) gave her £10 pocket money, which she used to buy clay beads to make bracelets. Alexa set up a stall outside her house and sold the bracelets, raising £218 for Pilgrims in just five days, thanks to the kind support and donations of passersby.
Alexa also attended the Thanet 5k Colour Run in Palm Bay, Cliftonville on 6 October 2024, where she sold more bracelets and raised another £150. Laurel House Dentist in Margate are supporting Alexa to raise even more for Pilgrims by selling her bracelets in memory of their colleague, Sharron. In total, Alexa and her family have contributed £100 to purchase the beads, and to date, she has raised an incredible £573.90 for local hospice care.
Alexa at Thanet 5k Colour Run with her mum, Clare, and Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
Alexa said: “I want to help people who are poorly and need Pilgrims care, so they can be a little bit happier in the time they have left. I hope my fundraising helps to buy medicine for them and the care they need.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, added:
“Alexa came to see us in August 2024 with a donation of £218 from bracelet sales that she had made by asking family and friends for a small donation, to help raise awareness and support for our hospice services. Since then, she has taken the idea to her school and raised further funds, including supporting our Thanet 5k Colour Run and raising an additional £150 on the day! Today, her funding is sitting at £573.90.
“Alexa is a real superstar! Aged just 8 years old, and to be so very committed to our charity’s cause, is so wonderful to see. We at Pilgrims, her mum Clare, and her family and friends, are so very proud of her commitment. Thank you so very much, Alexa, you really bring a smile to my face every time I see you.”
Alexa shared this update about her fundraising in April 2025:
If you’ve been inspired by Alexa and would like to fundraise for Pilgrims in the Thanet area, we’d love to hear your story. Please contact Karen Kenward:
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
11th October 2024
Pilgrims Hospices Thanet 5k Colour Run unites supporters for a spectacular day of fun and charity!
What an incredible atmosphere at this year’s Pilgrims Hospices Thanet 5k Colour Run, which took centre stage at Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday 6 October 2024.
Over 500 Pilgrims Hospices supporters participated, raising an impressive £220k+ across the eight years the event has taken place for hospice end-of-life care in east Kent. It’s clear that the event continues to make a significant impact.
Karen Kenward, the Fundraising Manager, and the entire team deserve commendation for their hard work and dedication in organising such a successful event. It was heart-warming to see the community come together for a spectacular day in Cliftonville.
Families and friends enjoyed a super fun day while also supporting a local charity. The spectacular weather added to the joy and vibrancy of the occasion.
Fitness expert Bex kicked off the Colour Run event with a fun warm-up for everyone. The dynamic session, full of fun dance moves and cool music, got participants moving, stretching, and prepared for the colourful spectacle ahead.
Karen said: “The money raised today will go a long way in providing crucial support and care for those in need in the community. The Thanet 5k Colour Run is not only a fantastic way to raise money, but also a beautiful example of how communities can unite for a great cause.”
She also shared a heart-warming moment: “This year, Alexa Bolger, aged 8, stole the stage and received huge applause after it was announced how much she had raised by making beaded bracelets to help raise awareness and funds for our charity. To date, Alexa has raised £573, and she even stayed for the warm-up! A huge ‘well done’ to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
Karen added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors – Watkins, Stagecoach, Copyshop, and Mini Stores in Deal. A special thanks also to Margate Ambulance, Academy Radio, Isle of Thanet News, Frank Leppard for his incredible photos, Pete our DJ, and lastly to the Pilgrims staff and volunteers who help make this event so special.
“I think we can all say we had a real colour blast today, and we couldn’t run this event without everyone’s wonderful support. Thank you all once again!”
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
24th September 2024
Super fundraiser Sian raises over £1,000 for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of mum
Sian fundraised in memory of her mum, Denise, who received Pilgrims care in 2022.
Sian and Denise
Sian felt so supported by Pilgrims during her mum’s illness that she wanted to give back.
She said: “Pilgrims regularly checked in, ensuring she was comfortable with the huge changes in her life that she was about to face. They fitted aids throughout our home to support her as her physical strength gradually worsened.
“In the days leading up to her passing, she got sick. We phoned Pilgrims for advice, and they informed our GP and requested a scan. On the morning of the scan, Mum struggled to get up. I called Pilgrims and they told me to phone the hospital. This became one of the last days we spent with Mum; without Pilgrims’ guidance, we wouldn’t have had that extra time with her before she passed.
“During this period when Mum was unwell, I was on my own caring for her whilst trying to balance working a full-time job as well as making time for myself. Pilgrims acted as a friend, offering advice and support.
“No one can prepare you to lose a parent. Life is short, and although I would’ve loved to spend the rest of my life with Mum, having those extra days with her made me eternally grateful – and it’s all thanks to Pilgrims for listening to me on the other end of that phone call.
Sian took on The Big Half on Sunday 1 September 2024.
Sian at The Big Half 2024
Her friends, family and local gym – Muscle Hut in Ashford – helped her to raise more than £1,000 for Pilgrims.
She added:
“I’m so grateful for the support Pilgrims provided throughout a very difficult time on our family. They were always within arm’s reach, and I’m extremely excited to be giving back to them in any way I can.”
Pilgrims has a limited number of charity places in The Big Half 2025, you can secure your spot on the start line today, for free, with a pledge to raise at least £350 sponsorship for hospice care.
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.
