Pilgrims Hospices launches exciting Mystery Bag event in Margate
Pilgrims Hospices is inviting bargain hunters and fashion lovers alike to take part in their brand new Mystery Bag event, launching on Thursday 10 April at its Margate Discount store.
For just £5, shoppers can pick up a pre-packed Mystery Bag bursting with at least seven items of ladies’ clothing. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, love the thrill of a surprise, or want to support a local cause, these bags promise incredible value and sustainable shopping all in one.
“This is such a fun way for our customers to get great fashion at a low price while supporting the work of Pilgrims Hospices,” says Elizabeth Hilden, Shop Manager at Margate Discount store.
“We hope to develop the Mystery Bags idea as we move forward, with themed bags for stag and hen parties and collections inspired by the amazing gigs and events coming to Dreamland this summer.
“Festival lovers will love grabbing a bag to suit a retro band look or a fun-filled day out. The bags are a great way to extend your existing wardrobe, try out new outfit styles, and add a little something different – all at the bargain price of just £5. Why not give it a try?”
The Margate Mystery Bag will be an ongoing feature at the shop, with fresh drops and new surprises added regularly – so there’s always a reason to pop in and see what’s in store.
The initiative reflects a growing trend in charity retail – combining the joy of second-hand shopping with a lucky dip experience. Across the UK, similar events have proven popular with students, vintage lovers, and eco-conscious shoppers alike.
Mystery Bags help reduce waste, give pre-loved clothes a new home, and raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices, which provides free end-of-life care to people across east Kent.
But be quick – we think they will go fast!
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.
2nd April 2025
Calling all artists! Submit your artwork for Pilgrims Hospices’ charity auction
Local artist Anthony Giles is once again generously opening his Margate studio for Pilgrims Hospices’ 100 Pieces of Art charity auction on Saturday 28 June 2025.
The last event raised over £8,000 for local hospice care, thanks to an incredible mix of established and emerging artists.
Now it’s your turn! We’re inviting artists of all ages and skill levels to contribute a painting, drawing, ceramic, or sculpture to help us reach our goal of 100 auction pieces. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent while supporting Pilgrims Hospices’ vital end-of-life care.
Past highlights and inspiration
Last year’s auction featured stunning works, including:
Shane McCoubrey’s vibrant and expressive “Colourful, Abstract”
Russell Tovey’s playful and quirky “Funny Face One”
Katrina Dallamore’s moody and atmospheric “Dusk”
Anthony Giles’ own submission, demonstrating his continued support for the cause
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Katrina Dallamore Artwork 1
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L-R: Artwork by Anthony Giles, Katrina Dallamore with her artwork “Dusk”, Russell Tovey’s “Funny Face One”
With so many talented local artists taking part, this event is also a fantastic opportunity for budding artists to showcase their work for the first time.
How to take part
Deadline for submissions: Monday 5 May 2025
Accepted artwork:Paintings, drawings (postcard size up to 65cm x 45cm), ceramics, and sculpture
Location: Anthony Giles Studio, 3 Lombard Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1EJ
Shane McCoubrey with his artwork
Auction and viewing details
Artwork viewing:24–27 June (10 am–4 pm) & 28 June (10 am–12 pm)
Auction starts: 1 pm on Saturday 28 June
Bidding options: In person, by phone, or by placing a bid before the auction
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“Anthony has been a wonderful supporter of our art events, and we’re delighted to host another auction in his beautiful studio. This is an exciting way for artists and the community to come together for a great cause. We’d love to see both seasoned and budding artists get involved!
“We are delighted to announce that this year’s auction will once again be conducted by the well-known consultant valuer and auctioneer, James Linington, The Canterbury Auction Galleries. His expertise and passion for art will add an extra layer of excitement to the event.
“This is your chance to donate your talent, gain exposure, and support a fantastic cause!”
Auction catalogues (£5) will be available closer to the event from Pilgrims Hospice Thanet and Anthony Giles Studio.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices supports hundreds of people facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Your contribution will help fund compassionate care and support services.
Get creative, get involved, and let’s make this auction a huge success!
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 March 2025
Exciting changes at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet: A two-year transformation
Over the past two years, Pilgrims Hospice Thanet has undergone an extensive refurbishment project, improving accessibility, comfort, and facilities for patients, families, and staff.
These changes have been carefully planned and executed, with input from various teams, to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all who visit the hospice.
Enhanced Wellbeing facilities
One of the most notable upgrades is the installation of large folding doors in the Wellbeing centre, opening directly into the hospice gardens. This improvement allows wheelchair users to enjoy the outdoor spaces with greater ease, embracing the therapeutic benefits of nature.
The Wellbeing room, where patients take part in a wide range of therapy sessions, has undergone a major refurbishment. Once dated and tired, it has been transformed into an elegant and relaxing space. New furniture, fresh paint, and carefully chosen colours create a serene and comfortable atmosphere. The Wellbeing reception area has also been revitalised with comfortable seating and a bright, welcoming look.
New kitchenette and facilities
A brand-new kitchenette has been installed in the Wellbeing room, for visitors and relatives, providing a warm and practical space that replaces outdated tea urns and water heaters. This upgrade ensures that visitors can prepare refreshments in a more homely setting while spending time with loved ones.
Ward enhancements
Significant work has also been undertaken on the wards, further enhancing the efficiency and functionality of the hospice’s facilities. These improvements have freshened the appearance of the space, creating a more peaceful and uplifting environment for patients and staff alike. New flooring and an integrated plumbing system (IPS unit) have been installed, modernising the space, improving hygiene standards, and ensuring greater comfort.Across the hospice, new bathrooms, including state-of-the-art wet rooms, have been introduced. These modernised facilities enable patients to refresh themselves with dignity and ease, significantly improving their experience.
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Refurbished family lounge
A newly refurbished family lounge has been created, offering a comfortable, modern, and welcoming space for visitors and patients. This inviting area allows families to relax together, share a beverage, and enjoy precious moments in a homely environment. It also serves as a quiet retreat for visitors seeking a peaceful space during their time at the hospice.
Accessibility and outdoor improvements
Practical upgrades have been made to outdoor spaces, including replacing old paving slabs with tarmac, ensuring that wheelchairs can safely manoeuvre through the gardens. Additionally, electric canopies have been installed on the balcony from the wards, offering shade and shelter for patients who wish to enjoy fresh air and the beauty of the hospice gardens.
The team has also introduced new flooring throughout the hospice corridors, moving away from old-style carpeting to more hygienic and modern materials. Dark wooden features have been replaced with bright, contemporary finishes that adhere to the highest standards of health and safety.
Looking ahead
Hospice Services Manager Jon May, who has been with Pilgrims Hospices for almost 10 years, shared his pride in this transformational project:
I’ve had the privilege of updating a 30-year-old building, adding value for our patients, their families, and our staff. The refreshment project is ongoing, with further plans to renovate the reception area and other key spaces throughout the hospice.
Jon May, Hospice Services Manager
Jon also highlighted the collaborative effort involved, working with teams across the estate to enhance the experience for everyone who relies on Pilgrims’ services. The hospice is deeply grateful to its contractors, including J Rospo Building Contractors and Bauvill, who have shown great understanding and sensitivity in working within the hospice environment.
With the addition of solar panels and a new car park barrier, Pilgrims Hospice Thanet continues its journey towards a more sustainable and accessible future. The improvements made over the past two years have already had a profound impact, ensuring that patients and their families receive the highest level of care and comfort in their time of need.
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.
5th March 2025
Richard’s super skydive raises £1,400 for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of loved ones
In July 2024, to celebrate his 60th birthday, Richard Graham from Broadstairs braved a skydive for Pilgrims Hospices.
He raised an incredible £1,400 for hospice care in east Kent in memory of family members who received the charity’s compassionate care.
Nicola on her wedding day with her mum, Jacqueline
Richard and his wife, Nicola Jenkins-Graham, experienced Pilgrims’ services first-hand after Nicola’s mum, Jacqueline Jenkins, was diagnosed with cancer. Jacqueline spent time in the Ashford hospice in 2023. Nicola’s auntie, Ann Shersby, was also cared for by Pilgrims in 2024.
Nicola said: “I’m so grateful to Pilgrims for looking after my dear mum and my auntie.
“When my mum was referred to Pilgrims, I was very scared. I remember the day the wonderful Pilgrims nurse walked through our door; how lucky we were to get someone to come and see us at home, I thought! She was so kind and understanding; although she broached subjects that were a little difficult to discuss, she held our hands throughout the whole journey.
“It was then I realised that Pilgrims were not just there to care for my mum, they were there for us as a family, too. Support and visits continued, and there was always a friendly and helpful person on the end of the phone if we had concerns, or to give us reassurance we were doing the right thing.
“On 21 August 2023, Mum wasn’t doing so well. With support from Pilgrims, we decided to move her into the hospice, where a bed was available. I arrived in such a state; Mum was comfortable and safe, but the worry had got to me. As we entered the hospice, a sense of calm came over me. Mum was taken to her room by the wonderful nurses, and the amazing volunteers ushered me to a chair and brought me a big mug of tea, a supply of biscuits and a box of tissues. Their support and kindness was so appreciated, as I was tired and in shock knowing that I’d left my dear Mum’s house with her for the last time.
“Mum’s room was decorated with care to make it a home away from home. She was wrapped up and comfy and looked so relaxed. There was a balcony and views over the beautiful garden. At the end of the corridor was a serene room for relatives with tea and coffee, comfy sofas, a TV and puzzles – so, when Mum was sleeping, I was able to rest and relax in peace and quiet. The volunteers regularly checked on me to make sure I had something to eat and offered me more tea. On one occasion, the lovely Cat Darkins, Lead Spiritual Chaplain, sat with me and brought me much comfort at a difficult time.
Nicola with her auntie, Ann
“Mum was in the hospice for 10 days; she was a fighter. I cannot thank the wonderful nurses, doctors and volunteers enough for making my mum’s last days peaceful. They treated her with so much dignity and respect, and I am eternally grateful.
“I was also supported by a bereavement counsellor who helped me on my grief journey and showed me the skills I’d need to continue my life in remembrance of my dear mum.
“I would tell anyone who may need Pilgrims services: Don’t be scared to reach out; they will be there to support you through dark times, and you will feel like you have warm angel wings comforting you.
“This is why Richard and I are doing what we can to support the hospice. He celebrated his 60th birthday in 2024 and decided to jump out of the plane for Pilgrims! I was so proud of him for being so brave and raising £1,400 for such a meaningful cause. Since then, we’ve raised even more and will continue to support Pilgrims in any way we can.”
Richard with Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
Richard added:
“Pilgrims Hospices provided exceptional care and comfort during my mother-in-law’s illness, so I signed up for a skydive and set up a JustGiving Page to raise money for them. I was overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of everyone who donated.
“When the day arrived, the weather was glorious. My wife, mum and dad, daughter, her partner, and my two lovely grandsons came to Headcorn to support me. My friend, David, also booked to jump with me as moral support. I wasn’t sure what to expect; leading up to it, I was completely relaxed. I thought maybe the nerves would kick in, but I felt calm, probably more calm than my family. It was amazing looking down out of the plane before we jumped, and the feeling is incredible as you free fall, then calmness when the parachute opens, and you slowly float back down to the ground.
“Overall, it was an exhilarating experience that I will never forget. It was made even more meaningful with my family being there and being able to raise so much money for the wonderful Pilgrims Hospices. I am so grateful for everyone’s support and generosity.”
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Richard Graham Skydive 3
If you’d like to support Pilgrims by taking on a challenge for local hospice care, visit pilgrimshospices.org/events to find out how you can get involved.
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.
16th January 2025
Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Tree Recycling campaign raises record-breaking £78,465 for end-of-life care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce the success of its recent Christmas Tree Recycling campaign, which took place over the weekend of January 10-12, 2025.
The environmentally-friendly initiative saw more than 4,200 real Christmas trees collected from residents across Canterbury, Ashford, and Thanet, as well as from those who dropped off their trees at Faversham’s Macknade Food Hall.
This year’s campaign was a record-breaker, raising an incredible £78,465 to support the charity’s vital end-of-life care services.
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The annual campaign has become a cherished tradition within the local community, combining environmental responsibility with charitable giving. Residents registered their real Christmas trees for collection in exchange for a donation, and a dedicated team of Pilgrims’ staff and volunteers ensured the trees were collected and recycled responsibly. The chippings from the recycled trees are used for composting and soil improvement, contributing to local agricultural efforts and within the hospices’ own grounds.
Kate Duddell, Head of Fundraising at Pilgrims Hospices, expressed her gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from the east Kent community. Collecting over 4,200 trees and raising £78,465 is a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers. These funds are crucial in helping us provide compassionate end-of-life care to those who need it most.”
The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of local councils, businesses, tree chippers, and an army of volunteers who donated their time, vehicles, and expertise to ensure the thousands of Christmas trees were chipped and recycled.
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“Our thanks also go to our campaign partners; Kent County Council and all the staff at the Ashford Recycling Centre. A very special thanks goes to Ashford Borough Council for their years of dedicated support, along with Canterbury City Council and Thanet District Council. We are also grateful to the many businesses and organisations that supported the event by donating vans, crews, and time to help us with this initiative.”
They include:
Kent County Council
Ashford Borough Council
Canterbury City Council
Thanet District Council
Macknade
Pneuma Church
A Bird Tree Surgery
AW Construction
Bourne to Garden
Bruks Tree Surgery
Countrystyle
CS Heating and Plumbing
Earle’s Landscapes
Endeavourcom
D Parr Tree Surgeons
Dave Lowe
David Glew & Sons Garden Maintenance
Furley Page Solicitors
Givaudan
Goodwins Hot Tubs
Injection Development
Jenner
Kenhire
Langham Kitchens
Lenleys
LS Marketing
Let’s Clean For You
MW Cave Ltd
New Perspective Digital
NRS Healthcare
Old Dairy Taproom
Practical Van Hire
PSR Lighting
Royal Mail
Select Plant Hire
Shadoxhurst Village Hall
Speech4Kids
Streetspace
St Lawrence College, Ramsgate
TJC Renewables
Vegas Kitchens
Waitrose
Walker Construction
WW Martin
Pilgrims Hospices provide care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent each year, supporting patients with incurable illnesses to live well until the end of life. Fundraising initiatives like the Christmas Tree Recycling campaign are essential to sustaining these services, ensuring that care remains free of charge for those who need it.
Make a donation; all donations, big or small, make a huge difference
Volunteer your time; volunteers play a crucial role in helping keep the hospice caring
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 December 2024
Step into Wonderland this Christmas at Pilgrims Hospices Westgate-on-Sea shop!
Pilgrims Hospices’ Westgate shop is bringing festive cheer to the high street with its stunning Alice in Wonderland-themed window display, designed by Manager Vanessa Turner and her talented team of staff, volunteers, friends, and family.
The whimsical scene is captivating the hearts of passers-by, encouraging them to step inside and discover the magic of sustainable shopping.
Vanessa, who has a passion for creating eye-catching displays, said: “I think the window displays are one of my favourite things to do! I’m always on the lookout for creative ideas, and when we’re so generously donated items that spark inspiration, it’s so much fun to bring it all together. These displays don’t just brighten the street; they encourage people to pop in, have a browse, and often make a purchase, supporting the vital work of Pilgrims Hospices.”
The Alice in Wonderland theme, with its quirky characters and enchanting story, reminds us of the wonder in the everyday – much like the surprises you can find when exploring the shop’s diverse collection of pre-loved clothing, accessories, and household items. Every purchase contributes to Pilgrims Hospices’ mission to provide compassionate end-of-life care for those in need across east Kent.
As awareness of sustainable fashion and eco-friendly shopping grows, Vanessa notes that customers are increasingly mindful of the choices they make:
“People are far more savvy about how they shop now, with many considering the environment and looking for greener options. We’re proud to offer a wide range of quality items that encourage thoughtful purchasing and reduce waste.”
The Westgate-on-Sea shop team
The shop is a hub of community spirit, with a strong local vibe that sees supporters regularly donating and shopping, helping to sustain Pilgrims Hospices’ essential services. By shopping here, you’re not just nabbing a bargain or a unique piece – you’re making a real difference in the lives of families facing terminal illness.
So why not follow the White Rabbit and explore this fantastical display for yourself? You’ll find treasures galore, festive cheer, and the chance to support an incredible cause.
Follow our Westgate shop on social media for the latest news and updates:
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.
