At its heart, Pilgrims is dedicated to ensuring that people living with a terminal illness can access the quality care and comfort they deserve. We are compassionate in all of our interactions so that people feel supported and well informed.

We seek to empower people through clinical care, education and insight. We strive to be dynamic – looking for innovative ways to help support the community of east Kent.

Our awards and achievements include:

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
2021 NIHR and Charities Consortium Hospice and Community Research
"Hospice UK Award" (highly commended)

The Hospice UK Award is awarded to the hospice (or group of hospices) which has made significant progress in becoming research active through contributing to NIHR Portfolio Studies.

Stronger Kent Communities
“Recognition of Excellent Volunteer and Management Practice” quality mark

UK Enterprise Awards 2020
National “Best Hospice Care Provider 2020 - South East England"

The UK Enterprise Awards (part of SME News) recognised that Pilgrims Hospices has demonstrated excellence, commitment and dedication even in the face of uncertainty.

Hospice Income Generation Network (formerly National Association of Hospice Fundraisers)
National “Most Innovative Idea or Campaign”

Pilgrims received national recognition at the National Association of Hospice Fundraisers ceremony. This was awarded for Most Innovative Idea or Campaign for the development of the Pilgrims event app, use of technology to enhance the participation experience of our two flagship fundraising events: the Cycle Challenge and the Pilgrims Way Challenge. These events raised more than £180,000 in 2019; enough to keep a bed open on one of our inpatient units in Ashford, Canterbury or Thanet for more than 360 days.

Kent CIPD
“Excellence in Learning and Development”

This award was in recognition of the outstanding Personal Best Programme, which is offered to staff throughout the organisation to encourage personal development.

Charity Times
National “Fundraising Innovation" award

This award recognised the technological innovation made by Pilgrims Hospices to their annual Cycle Challenge event, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2019, the development of their newest event, the Pilgrims Way Challenge, and the use of technology to enhance the enjoyment and safety of both via a bespoke Pilgrims event app for iOS and Android users.

Hospice UK
“Best Specialist Shop” for Tenterden Vintage shop (highly commended)

Stronger Kent Communities
“Recognition of Excellent Volunteer and Management Practice” quality mark

Kent Charity Awards
“Best Care Charity” finalist

Hospice UK
National “Retail Team of the Year”

Pilgrims received the award for making significant increases in sales whilst making considerable reductions in costs.

Our successes are due to the commitment of our incredible community of volunteers, supporters and staff whose dedication and generosity enables Pilgrims to be there for thousands of families across east Kent who are living with a life-limiting illness.