A family connection makes Burgess Hodgson’s charity choice extra special for Kieran
When Canterbury accountancy firm Burgess Hodgson chose Pilgrims Hospices as its charity of the year for 2026, apprentice Kieran Kelly was particularly pleased. Hospice care is close to his heart, as his sister, Caitlin, works as a Palliative Specialist Nurse (PSN) at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford.
Kieran is in his fourth year of training towards becoming a qualified accountant, working in audit at Burgess Hodgson.
“I really love my role and being part of the team here,” he said. “It’s great to be part of such a good team.”
With around 220 employees, Burgess Hodgson gives its staff the opportunity to nominate charities for its charity of the year partnership. A shortlist is then put to a staff vote, giving everyone a say in which cause the firm supports.
Lloyd Taylor, associate at Burgess Hodgson, said, “As a firm with deep roots in the local community, it’s important to us to support charities that mean something to our people. That way, our fundraising becomes more than just raising money for a good cause; it means something personal to our team, too.”
For Kieran, the result was particularly meaningful because of his sister’s work at Pilgrims.
Just two years older than Kieran, 27-year-old Caitlin originally trained as a nurse and worked in intensive care before moving into palliative care following the pandemic.
Kieran speaks with huge pride about his sister and the difference she makes to patients and their families.
“She is so caring, and I can’t imagine anyone better to be working with people and families who need such specialist care,” he said.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Hospices Corporate Fundraising Manager, said, “It is always extra special when businesses run a staff vote for their charity of the year and Pilgrims is chosen. It shows how much the hospice means to so many, and we are delighted to once again be supported by the team at Burgess Hodgson.”
Having seen through his sister just how important specialist hospice care is, Kieran is pleased to be part of a team that will be supporting Pilgrims throughout the year.
“It’s a really lovely thing to be involved with when we vote for our preferred charities,” he said. “Fundraising gives us all a sense that we are really doing something special, helping to make patients and their families just a little more comfortable.”
Knowing that the money raised can support so many different aspects of hospice care makes the partnership even more meaningful.
“Whether our fundraising is helping families, supporting the hospices to move forward with their care projects, or simply helping to provide the hospice kitchens with ingredients to make nutritious meals for those in their care, it all makes a difference.”
Throughout 2026, Burgess Hodgson’s fundraising and staff support will help Pilgrims continue providing its specialist care to patients and families across east Kent.
For Kieran, it’s a chance to support a cause that means so much to his family, while bringing his professional life and his sister’s work together in a particularly special way.
