Alex takes on Thanet 5k Colour Run in memory of inspirational nan
Alex Potter (27) from Sandwich Bay experienced Pilgrims Hospices care first-hand when his nan, Elaine Elsie Potter (née Cosier), was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in 1995, aged 56. Here, Alex shares how Pilgrims helped Elaine to cope with her diagnosis in a positive way, supporting her to live well in every moment. Alex will take on the Thanet 5k Colour Run on 21 October 2018 in Palm Bay, Cliftonville, in memory of Elaine and to raise vital awareness and funds for local hospice care.
My nan was a wonderful, inspirational woman, first and foremost as a mother to my father and his siblings; she had eight children in total, five boys and three girls. She was a housewife and Mother Goose of the clan, watching over her kids and their respective grandchildren like they were her own. My nan cared for everyone and would rally the whole family for special occasions like Christmas and birthdays. She really was the glue that held our large family together, instilling in me early on the importance of family.
Alex, Elaine and family at a family BBQ
She lived in the Canterbury area her entire life, in Barham and Womenswold. She never strayed much further than this due to family ties. Seasonally, she was a fruit-picker on the local farms, and in later years she started working as a fruit-packer at Highland Court Farm in Bridge, Canterbury.
Though I was only young when I knew her, I remember that she was always very loving; she took a liking to me with my bright outlook and hyperactive nature. This bond was very special and I’ve grown up believing her to be my guardian angel. My fondest memories are of family gatherings; my parents and grandparents would often take us on holidays to the Norfolk Broads, where we’d enjoy the sun and travel across the rivers on two boats. I would wear my life jacket and my nan always treated me to ice cream or snacks whenever we moored up.
Me & My Nan Norfolk Broads 1994 Square
Elaine, Alex and family on holiday in the Norfolk Broads
Elaine, Alex and family on holiday in the Norfolk Broads
As kind as she was, Elaine would not suffer fools gladly – she was confident, spoke her mind and protected those closest to her. This is why she was so inspirational to me and why we all respected her immensely.
After being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, my nan was looked after at the Canterbury hospice where she received respite and end-of-life care for six months.
The care was excellent; Pilgrims staff made sure she was as comfortable as she could be in her final days.
For me, Pilgrims means a place of sanctuary. It removes that feeling of hopelessness or loneliness when facing the greatest fear; death. Instead of being alone or feeling alone when you’re given the most terrible news, Pilgrims allows you an opportunity to have clarity, honesty and integrity when coming to terms with the inevitable. They can’t stop the clock – but they can take your mind away from it.
Alex
For me, Pilgrims means a place of sanctuary. It removes that feeling of hopelessness or loneliness when facing the greatest fear; death. Instead of being alone or feeling alone when you’re given the most terrible news, Pilgrims allows you an opportunity to have clarity, honesty and integrity when coming to terms with the inevitable. They can’t stop the clock – but they can take your mind away from it.
Why I’m taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run
I found out about the Thanet 5k Colour Run via Facebook and immediately signed up to take part. I’ve set up a JustGiving page and am sharing this on social media – Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc. – to rally support and encourage donations. I plan to make my own flyers and post them through doors in my local area, too. My friends and family are really supportive of what I’m doing and donations are quickly starting to come in.
Alex is already in training for the Thanet 5k Colour Run
I want to support Pilgrims because they cared for my nan so well in her final days. One thing that they did in particular was maintain an open and honest line of communication; they never pulled the wool over my nan’s eyes or tried to bend the truth – she was dying. Pilgrims enabled her to face the reality of the situation with relative comfort. She was allowed to smoke, sleep, read or just sit alone. If she wished, Pilgrims volunteers would sit and talk with her.
Visiting was always made easy for our family and I was able to say goodbye to her personally, even though I was just 4-years-old. My father and I stood by her side, she gave us a look and it was then that we knew her time had come. My dad took my hand and placed it into hers; together, we clasped her hand tight just as she took her last breath.
I’ll always appreciate what Pilgrims did for my nan; that’s why I’m taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run, to support this amazing charity in continuing its magnificent work.
Alex
I’ll always appreciate what Pilgrims did for my nan; that’s why I’m taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run, to support this amazing charity in continuing its magnificent work. I hope to create a wider understanding of what Pilgrims do and encourage others to support, because it’s vital that high quality end-of-life care continues to be available to local people who are living with incurable illness.
Want to get colourful for Pilgrims? Visit pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun to sign up now to dash through bright paint clouds and get covered in colour in aid of local hospice care. Register by 31 August 2018 to save with our Early Bird offer of just £16 for adults and £10 for under 11s.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
30th July 2018
Shed project offers volunteer opportunities in Canterbury
Please note: This news post was originally published in July 2018; Pilgrims Hospices no longer participates in Tools for Self-Reliance.
As an important part of the Canterbury community, Pilgrims Hospices was proud to be part of the Kent Sheds initiative.
Our Coach House Shed, within the hospice grounds on London Road in Canterbury, is already in use several mornings a week with the Tools for Self-Reliance, Canterbury ‘Shedders’. Pilgrims Hospices is working with them to open up the shed opportunities to the people of Canterbury, to meet, work, learn and have fun! The Sheds Kent & Medway andGroundworkgrant will enable us to offer more voluntary opportunitiesfor people to meet together, provide maintenance and offer up their gardening skills, to improve the environment of the hospice.
The idea behind the shed movement is to provide a space where all ‘Shedders’ are more likely to thrive in an informal space, within the company of their peers, through engaging in practical activities. These provide sharing skills and learning from others – all whilst helping the community.
The project will help to cut down on isolation and give opportunites for our residents to meet and learn new skills.
Heather Sawney, former Project Lead
Through the shed project, volunteers can overcome their own life challenges. Whatever their circumstances, they can meet, work and achieve together.
Former project lead, Heather Sawney, explained: “The community around the hospice is diverse. It includes students, retirees, and ex-military amongst many others. The project will help to cut down on isolation and give opportunities for our residents to meet and learn new skills.
“Currently, at our Canterbury site, we don’t particularly target certain groups in our community. Through this project, we will openly promote more variety in our volunteering opportunities. Some volunteers may choose to work with Tools for Self Reliance; working to renovate pre-loved tools and equipment. The tool-kits will help those in developing countries find financial independence and sustainability.
“We look forward to welcoming you to our Canterbury site – just bring your enthusiasm; tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided in a relaxed and pleasant environment.”
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity that provides specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. It is independent of the NHS and receives only a small percentage of funding of its £11 million running costs, which means the remainder must be raised by donations and fundraising activities. By volunteering you will make a huge difference to Pilgrims community – thank you.
Wine merchant gets Summer Garden Party started
A wine merchant has got the upcoming Pilgrims Hospices Summer Garden Party in high spirits after donating a fantastic 16 cases of wine towards the event on Saturday 4 August 2018.
K&L Wines have really got the party started with their extremely generous donation, which will ensure visitors will be able to try their luck on popular games at the party including Booze or Lose and Bottle Fishing.
Victoria Friar, Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to K&L Wines and indeed everybody in the community who has donated wine, Pimm’s and soft drinks for our Summer Garden Party. With more than 1,000 bottles used throughout the day as prizes or as part of our refreshments, the support has been fantastic this year.
A massive thank you to K&L Wines and indeed everybody in the community who has donated wine, Pimm’s and soft drinks for our Summer Garden Party. With more than 1,000 bottles used throughout the day as prizes or as part of our refreshments, the support has been fantastic this year.
Victoria Friar, Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford
“With only a few days to go there is still a little time to donate goods for the party, whether handmade or bought from a supermarket. Bottles of Pimm’s, soft drinks, new toys and games, jigsaws and whole cakes are especially appreciated. If you can help, please drop items into reception in the hospice on Hythe Road by the end of Friday 3 August.”
This annual event, which raised a record breaking £22,500 last year, is free to enter and runs from 12pm – 4pm in the grounds of the Ashford hospice on Hythe Road. There is a free park and ride from the Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village with lots of parking available; this is well signposted from the hospice. For more information please call the Ashford Fundraising office on 01233 504 111.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices needs to raise £11m through voluntary donations to provide end of life care to the local community.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
27th July 2018
Afternoon tea for former Lady Mayoress goes down a treat
Former Lady Mayoress of Canterbury, Jenny Yonge, was invited to the Pilgrims Hospice Therapy Centre in Canterbury on 13 July for a special afternoon tea. The event was attended by staff and trustees from Pilgrims Hospices and Porchlight, the two local charities chosen to benefit from a year of fundraising by the Lady Mayoress’ Charity.
It was a chance to gather together and thank the former Lady Mayoress for her generosity and incredible fundraising efforts; in total, the Lady Mayoress’ Charity raised £20,000 for each charity. For Pilgrims, this will go a long way in helping to ensure that vital, compassionate care can continue to be provided to local people and families who are living with incurable illness.
We’re delighted that Jenny chose to support Pilgrims as one of her chosen charities during her year as Lady Mayoress. The money received by Pilgrims will ensure that we can support patients in east Kent who are living with a terminal illness, as well as their family and loved ones, when they need us the most.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Hospices’ Community Fundraising Manager for Canterbury
Throughout 2017 / 18 the Lady Mayoress’ Charity organised a variety of fundraising activities and events in aid of Pilgrims and Porchlight. These included auctions, raffles, charity dinners, collections at the Marlowe Theatre, a bridge night and flower arranging along with several special events:
This fantastic year of fundraising culminated with an epic bike ride from Calais to Brussels via Bruges and Antwerp. Pilgrims’ Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Richard Davis, joined 34 others on the ride, which covered a total of 180 miles.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Hospices’ Community Fundraising Manager for Canterbury, said: “We’re delighted that Jenny chose to support Pilgrims as one of her chosen charities during her year as Lady Mayoress. We are in awe of her fantastic fundraising efforts and congratulate her on raising such an incredible amount of money for both Pilgrims Hospices and Porchlight. The money received by Pilgrims will ensure that we can support patients in east Kent who are living with a terminal illness, as well as their family and loved ones, when they need us the most.
Asked why she chose to support the two local charities, Jenny said, “My friend’s husband was cared for by Pilgrims; I was so impressed by the 24/7 care they received and the way they were both supported.
“We chose Porchlight because we wanted to support the homeless community, specifically the 17-20 year-old age group – if you can help them make the most of their potential at that point, they’ve got the best chance of getting back on track and developing a bright future.”
Fittingly, Pilgrims and Porchlight have recently started working together to improve end-of-life care provisions for homeless people.
Richard Davis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Pilgrims, added: “I’m delighted that Jenny chose to support us. I’ve enjoyed working with both Pilgrims and Porchlight over the years, and hope that we can work together with Porchlight in future to improve services for all those who need our joint care.”
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 Wellbeing and Social Programme for more information.
26th July 2018
Pilgrims Vintage Tea and Fair is a scorcher
Westgate Gardens in Canterbury filled with 100s of locals and visitors from across east Kent on Saturday afternoon for the annual Pilgrims Hospices Vintage Tea and Fair. The temperature soared into the high 20s as cream teas and ice creams were purchased in aid of the charity that supports end of life care in local towns and villages. The event is set to match the £5,500 figure raised last year.
While some enjoyed jazz music from The Ruby Sisterz and close up magic from Stuart Weller on the patio with tea and cake, others took part in the traditional games and purchased treasures from stalls that were set out across the gardens.
Stuart said: “I support Pilgrims Hospices charity because of the free care they offer people who suffer illnesses that limit their life, along with the support they give to their families as well. It’s such a great charity.”
Pilgrims Hospices retail team provided a wonderful array of pre-loved clothing, hats, and accessories for visitors to purchase. Tim Stewart, Pilgrims Retail Manager, said: “We brought along a variety of stock from our many shops, including lots of lovely vintage items in keeping with the day. The sales on the day generated around £750, all helping to pay for the vital care of hospice patients and their families.”
This year the event saw many new attractions alongside the regular array of traditional jams and chutneys and homemade cakes, luxury craft stalls and fabulous raffle prizes.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager for Canterbury, said: “The temperatures have been record-breaking and we really thank our amazing volunteers for all the support they gave on the day with setting up the stalls, tables and chairs, servicing refreshments, running stalls and so much more.
“We wouldn’t be able to run this lovely event without their support, and of course the support of our wonderful corporate sponsors’ whose help allow us to allocate every £1 raised on the day to hospice care on our wards, within the community and in patients’ homes.
Staff and volunteers dressed in 30s, 40s and 50s styles and were entertained by a variety of singers, musicians and dancers at this vintage-themed event.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from the end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
Sunflower Memories grow vital donations for hospice
Hundreds came together for Sunflower Memories this weekend, a colourful event where people gather to celebrate cherished memories of their loved ones in Pilgrims’ hospice gardens.
Around 900 people attended Pilgrims Hospices Sunflower Memories gatherings to see beautiful sunflower plaque displays in the charity’s Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet hospice grounds. The sun was shining and there was a lovely atmosphere at each event, with the opportunity for people to remember and celebrate their loved ones’ lives.
This was Pilgrims’ fifth annual Sunflower appeal, the biggest yet and by far the hottest! With the temperature soaring into the high 20s, visitors shared special memories with the Pilgrims team in the tranquil gardens while enjoying cool drinks, tea and cake. So far the event has raised an amazing £26,500, but with extra donations and Gift Aid the total should reach £30,000 for the three events. This amazing figure will support hundreds of people living with an incurable illness in east Kent, with donations continuing to come in.
Our Sunflower events are so uplifting. There was a lovely atmosphere of kindness as visitors took comfort in sharing their stories of loved ones.
Sophie Douch, Individual Giving Officer at Pilgrims Hospices
Sophie Douch, Pilgrims Hospices Individual Giving Officer, said: “Our Sunflower events are so uplifting. There was a lovely atmosphere of kindness as visitors took comfort in sharing their stories of loved ones. As well as the sunflower memory marker displays, our gardens were decked with beautiful sunflower seedlings, grown by Pilgrims’ gardeners and volunteers, and visitors enjoyed gentle music and refreshments in the beautiful hospice grounds.”
Each event was supported by Pilgrims volunteers helping with refreshments, merchandise and selling sunflower plants as well as welcoming people, helping supporters find their sunflower plaques, and being there for people putting memories on the Memory Wall.
The Sunflower appeal plays an extremely important role in Pilgrims’ campaign to support as many people as possible.
Sophie added: “Each year this special appeal goes from strength to strength. We would like to thank everyone who has made our remembrance days so very special. This is such an incredible amount of money to raise for hospice care. Every £50 could pay for essential nursing supplies, so as you can see it will help to make a real difference to families needing our support.”
The sunflower memory markers will remain in the grounds of the three Pilgrims’ hospices in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet over the coming two weeks with visitors welcome to view them.
If you still wish to take part, Pilgrims will continue to accept contributions until mid-August at pilgrimshospices.org/sunflowers. You can also call the team on 01227 782 062 or visit your local Pilgrims Hospices reception.
Thank you to the Westerleigh Group for their continued annual sponsorship of the appeal, and to the following garden centres for donating seeds, pots and compost for Pilgrims’ volunteers to grow 300 sunflowers:
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from the end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
