25th April 2017

    Pilgrims colour dash by director of nursing

    Wendy Hills, Pilgrims Hospices Director of Nursing and Care Services has taken the challenge and joined forces with family and friends to take part in the Thanet 5K Colour Run next month.

    The 5K colour extravaganza will take place at the Oval, Cliftonville on Sunday 14 May where 100’s of excited colour runners, joggers and walkers will start with a blast of colour and then continue through an explosion of colourful paint stations along the route to raise funds for hospice care in east Kent.

    It really appeals to my sense of fun.

    Wendy told us: “I wanted to get involved as soon as I heard about this brilliant Pilgrims fundraising event, it really appeals to my sense of fun.   I have involved my family and friends and we are really looking forward getting coloured blasted.

    “I have been steadily training to reach my 5K goal and I’ve actually really enjoyed it. Some of my nursing team will be taking part too and I’ve been encouraging as many as possibly to get involved, we will be laughing all the way.”

    Dare devil Wendy took part in Pilgrims Firewalk last year and enjoys a challenge, especially one she can share with colleagues. Andrew Thorns, Pilgrims Medical Director who will be volunteering at a paint station on the day said: “It’s great to see so many supporters have signed up for the event already, I’m really looking forward to being part of the powder paint explosions on the day.”

    “The care provided by Pilgrims Hospices is a vital part of our community, as a nurse I see first hand how supporters efforts make a difference to patients and families in our care. Every penny raised will help us to provide care to all who need it both within the hospices and at home.” said Wendy.

    It’s a fantastic way to raise funds for Pilgrims.

    Theresa Samworth, Pilgrims Fundraising Manager said: “Whether you want to walk run or jog through our brightly coloured powder paint clouds, it’s a fantastic way to raise funds for Pilgrims. We would love you to come and join us for this family friend event. There will be loads of photo opportunities, refreshments, a raffle with great prizes and of course you will all receive your well deserved ‘colour run’ medal as a thank you for your support.”

    Early Bird registration is open now until 7 May, even if you miss Early Bird you can still register on the day!

    You can join in the fun, just click here to register.

    On the day

    Registration from: 9am – you will need to check in on the day, we recommend that due to high numbers of participants you get there early.

    You’ll be given your white tshirt, powder paint and glasses at registration on the day, along with a running number. Fancy dress is optional but always encouraged!

    Event Starts at: 11.30am

    You can download a sponsorship form or set up a Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com or Text to Donate to: CRUN17 £5 to 70070 (or specify the amount of your choice)

    For more information contact Karen Kenward by: karen.kenward@pilgrimshospices.org or call 01843 233 934

    20th April 2017

    Wing Walker raises funds for Pilgrims

    Brave Helen Webster from Whitstable will step out and wing walk in memory of her father-in-law, Ian Webster. So far Helen has raised over £2,062, with plenty of time for supporters to get involved before the big day at Damyns Hall Aerodrome on 22 April 2017.

    “I will be wing walking to raise money in memory of my father-in-law, Ian, who was cared for by Pilgrims in September 2016, he was only 60 years of age. Ian was a military man, an Officer, and an astounding athlete, courageous in life just as he was courageous in his final days and so, strapping myself to the wing of a plane seemed a fitting tribute to such a brave man.”

    Our family has received amazing support.

    The care and comfort provided by the dedicated staff at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, afforded the family precious time with Ian when it was needed the most. And therefore, Helen wants to raise as much money as possible. “Our family has received amazing support and I wish to contribute toward the on going care of both patients and families who need Pilgrims care the most.” Helen told us.

    Sophie Douch, Pilgrims Fundraising Officer said: “Helen has self-funded the cost of her wing walk which means that every penny raised will be donated the Pilgrims Hospices. We are very grateful for her support and look forward to hearing more about her incredibly brave challenge.”

    Helen who has an adventurous streak has previously completed a skydive, shark diving and a flying trapeze lesson said: “I’m not nervous yet, more excited than anything, I’m sure I will have butterflies soon. Thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored me. Your support will really make a difference to patients and families in Pilgrims care.”

    You can help with Helen’s fundraising by visiting her JustGiving page.

    Every £50 raised could pay for essential nursing supplies. Amazing events and challenges like Helen’s are really important to Pilgrims Hospices. If you are interested in getting involved with fundraising, or taking on a challenge, visit our Events and Challenges.

    If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit our Wellbeing and Social Programme.

    19th April 2017

    Canterbury Medical Practices pedal for Pilgrims

    Friends and colleagues from medical practices across Canterbury along with hundreds of eager cyclists will take to the road on Sunday 30 April taking part in Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge. The entry fees and supporter fundraising will help hundreds of people across east Kent coping with an incurable illness to access the support they need to live life well in every moment.

    The medical practices team members consist of colleagues from Bridge Health Centre, Littlebourne Surgery, Cossington House Surgery and London Road Surgery. Team member Sandra Cook from London Road Surgery has recently set up a Just Giving page for the team and told us: “GP surgery staff are aware of the incredible support given to people who use Pilgrims Hospices and of the importance of the role within our community.”

    Many of the team have very personal reasons for supporting Pilgrims.

    Reasons for getting involved with the challenge have been varied, aside from being a fantastic opportunity to see some of Kent’s beautiful countryside and getting a healthy dose of exercise. Adds Sandra: “Many of our team have very personal reasons for supporting Pilgrims, many family members and friends have required hospice care and for that we are all very grateful. Whatever our reasons, we all hold the hospice close to our hearts.”

    One of the health care assistants who is normally on her horse rather than a bike has been putting everyone to shame by putting in the miles on her day off, she has persuaded her husband to lend her his road bike and there is no stopping her. The team has planned a couple of team training sessions, which include some of the hills on the actual route.

    “As a group we are very keen and in fact we signed up a new member of the team last week, the poor man was visiting the surgery to complete an audit and happened to mention he had a bike!

    “We are also keen to fundraise. We have collection boxes and sponsor forms at each of the four surgeries so that patients can support us and a couple of colleagues are baking cakes to sell to other members of staff to raise more money.” Sandra told us.

    This is going to be an amazing cycling event.

    Theresa Samworth, Pilgrims Fundraising Manager said: “This is going to be an amazing cycling event. There are over 800 cyclists already registered and with the support of our new start venue at Kent University Canterbury, we can offer our supporters a truly memorable experience. You can choose from three ride distances and take advantage of the cycle village on return with Dr Bike mechanics, sports massage, local cycling interest groups and more.”

    If you have been inspired to get on your bike for Pilgrims Hospices, please sign up for the Cycle Challenge.

    If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.

Go back