Local athlete Victoria Stears inspires new and novice cyclists to get on their bikes for hospice care
Victoria Stears from Herne Bay is a keen runner, sea-swimmer and road cyclist. As an ASICS FrontRunner, she is part of a global community that inspires people all over the world through a passion for fitness. Victoria will take part in Divas on Wheels, Kent’s only women’s cycle ride, for Pilgrims Hospices on Sunday 11 August.
Here, Victoria shares what she loves about cycling and why local ladies should get on their bikes and join her at Divas on Wheels this summer.
What are your top three tips for new or novice cyclists taking part in Divas on Wheels?
1. Eat and hydrate little and often. Sometimes, the fun (or fear!) you experience when cycling means you forget to take in fuel whilst on the bike and you only realise when it’s too late. Running out of energy when cycling is called ‘bonking’, and if you reach that stage there’s little you can do to regain energy to complete the ride. You’re in control of this, so it’s important to put some thought into what food works for you on the bike. I often cut a bagel with almond butter into small pieces and put it in my jersey pocket or use sachets of sweet baby food during a triathlon (it’s nicer than it sounds!)
2. Use your gears. Make sure you adjust your gears when cycling uphill (low gear) and also when cycling on a flat stretch (higher gear). Your legs will thank you if you get it right, and this should be an enjoyable ride where it’s all about maximising your energy availability whilst keeping a smile on your face. Don’t fall into the trap of keeping in a low gear for the entirety of the ride – your legs will end up worn out from pedalling too much!
3. Don’t forget to take in your surroundings and enjoy the ride. Cycling in the beautiful Kent countryside with a great group of likeminded people is a privilege and a joy – stay in the moment and appreciate the experience. We’re lucky to be able to do this for fun!
What’s the best thing about cycling?
The ability to turn every ride into an adventure. I actually really enjoy cycling on my own. I like to take myself off into the countryside or along the coast on a summer’s evening and explore new locations, like pretty villages or an ice cream parlour I haven’t visited before. Cycling is such a great way of exploring new places whilst keeping healthy and reducing your impact on the environment. It’s a win-win situation.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of taking part in Divas on Wheels but isn’t sure they feel confident enough to ride?
Don’t overthink things; be a yes person and just sign up. It may feel daunting beforehand, especially if you’re not overly confident on a bike, but trust me, there will be plenty of people who feel the same. I have never felt more supported and included than I do when I turn up to a sporting event. We want to see greater participation in sport and so we will always welcome newbies with open arms and make sure they feel safe, especially on the roads.
My biggest tip would be to remember that you deserve to be on the road, too. You have a right to be there, so own your space and don’t cycle in the gutter. Be proud in the road and cycle two abreast if that makes you feel safer, as it is legal for two riders to cycle side by side and this actually forces cars to overtake properly. There will be plenty of experienced cyclists around who will also be there to give you moral and physical support and no cyclist will be left behind. Also, make sure you’re as physically comfortable as possible – that means investing in a pair of padded shorts, because if you’re focusing on the discomfort you feel when on your bike it will affect your mood and your confidence will suffer. These things are all within our control, so it’s worth getting them right.
Starting from The Independent Pedaler in Bridge near Canterbury, choose to ride either a 25-mile or 50-mile route through the countryside on quiet roads.
If you’re new to cycling, have no fear! Dozens of our special Bike Heroes will join you, leading small groups and offering roadside repairs.
Early Bird entry of £22 is available until 23 June 2019.
Standard entry of £25 is available until 4 August 2019.
On the day entry will be £35.
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 Programme.
18th June 2019
Snooker cues pot cash for Pilgrims
Ashford business owner Paul Wright raised £475 for Pilgrims Hospices care when he raffled two ‘top of the range’ snooker cues from his shop Cuephoria.
Paul said: “My dad Michael was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford over 4 years ago. He had complex health conditions which included cancer, MS and diabetes. He had been unwell for a number of years; then came to Pilgrims for respite care, where the team was able to spend time reviewing his extensive list of medication which in turn helped him to manage his conditions more easily.
I felt this was a good opportunity to do some fundraisng for such an important local charity.
Paul Wright
“Dad was 64 when he passed away, he was made to feel relaxed and comfortable at Pilgrims and the family remembers fondly how he spoke of taking great pleasure in a comfortable leisurely bath, something that he’d been unable to enjoy for some time, it made him very happy.”
“My passion for snooker gave rise to Cuephoria in July 2018. With such good contacts with top cue makers and a really supportive bank of customers, I felt this was a good opportunity to do some fundraising for such an important charity, doing such good work within our community.”
Paul sold raffle tickets to his visiting customers, the local pool league and on his Facebook site. In no time the tickets had been sold as far afield as Scotland.
“It was lovely to see some of the comments people left saying what a great prize and a great charity to support, I’m so pleased with the sum raised for Pilgrims,” Paul added.
Paul met with Isabel Smith, Pilgrims Community Fundraiser, recently to hand over the cheque. She said: “We would like to thank Paul for his fundraising efforts, it has been lovely to hear his kind words about the care Michael received.
“The £475 will go towards valuable nursing hours for patients we are caring for now.”
If you would like to fundraise for Pilgrims Hospices, please email fundraising@pilgrimshospices.org or find the contact details of your local fundraising office here.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for more than 2,300 local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
14th June 2019
Sunflower Memories: Sarah’s story
After Sarah Gregory’s mum, Shirley Sharp, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet in 2014, the family now dedicate a sunflower in her memory as part of the charity’s Sunflower Memories campaign. Here, Sarah shares how this helps them to gather together and remember Shirley in a place that brings them comfort.
My mum was a very sociable person who lived for her family. She loved her four grandchildren beyond measure, always the fun grandma who told stories and showered them with affection and home-cooked food. By profession, she was a cook at St Bartholomew’s School in Sittingbourne where she used to cook old classics like bacon roly poly and gypsy tart!
Mum enjoyed visiting the day hospice, chatting with others going through the same experiences as her, and creating special memory boxes for the grandchildren. She always felt completely safe at Pilgrims and became visibly more relaxed.
I always think of donating to the hospice for Sunflower Memories as an alternative to being able to buy Mum presents, whilst giving something back so that Pilgrims can be there for more people who need them.
Sarah
When mum was admitted to Pilgrims as an inpatient, we regularly visited her along with the children, who always felt comfortable going in to see her. They would usually say hello to their grandma then go off to look for the hospice cat, Claudia, whilst we took Mum out into the beautiful hospice gardens. The hospice was always such an open and honest place for us all to be and no one ever felt scared or fearful; everyone managed to put us at ease, from the volunteers on reception to the nurses and doctors. Even the food was delicious and the chef would often make whatever Mum requested.
Pilgrims gave Mum a purpose to her life near the end; she would have gone to the day centre every day if she could. As soon as you walk in the door of the hospice it feels like you are encompassed by a big invisible hug and that even the worst scenarios could be dealt with.
Although we will never be able to repay the hospice for the amazing care they gave us all as a family, I always think of donating to the hospice for Sunflower Memories as an alternative to being able to buy Mum presents, whilst giving something back so that Pilgrims can be there for more people who need them.
Sunflower Memories is such a lovely event to attend as a family, an opportunity to remember Mum together, and for the children who really enjoy seeing Mum’s name on the sunflower plaque in the hospice gardens. The day provides us with a special time to think about Mum at a place that brings us all comfort, and we’re looking forward to dedicating our plaque again this year.
Sunflower Memories events will take place at our hospices in July 2019:
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.
Chloe and The Hopeless Wanderers hike for hospice care
Chloe Darling from Ashford completed the Pilgrims Way Challenge last year, walking 25km with friends whilst pregnant with her son Arthur. She enjoyed the day so much that she’s signed up again this year to raise even more vital funds for local hospice care.
Chloe is a full-time carer for her husband Frank, mother to Petal (12), Florence (10), Jesse (8) and Arthur (6 months) and a keen walker and runner.
Chloe and Arthur
She said: “Last year, I decided whilst pregnant that I would complete the Pilgrims Way Challenge with two friends to assist me along the way!
“We enjoyed and loved every moment, so this year I gathered all my friends in a big team to raise money for Pilgrims.”
The team, named The Hopeless Wanderers, will walk the 55km route alongside more than 500 other hikers on Saturday 22 June. They have already raised more than £800 and hope to pass the £1,000 mark by the time they pull on their walking boots for the big day.
Chloe added: “Between us, we’ve had many friends who have been cared for at the Ashford hospice in their final days. I believe that a person’s final days with their family are the most important. The care given by Pilgrims to not only the patient but also to their family members is incredibly inspirational and admirable.”
You can sponsor The Hopeless Wanderers by visiting their JustGiving page.
This fully supported event includes regular rest stops with drinks and snacks, a fully signed route, event t-shirt and a hot meal at our Canterbury hospice (the halfway point for 55km hikers) and at the Dover Castle finish.
By taking part, you’ll be helping Pilgrims Hospices to continue with the work that is so import within the east Kent 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.
13th June 2019
Start your summer on the right foot
New and seasoned walkers alike will be lacing up their walking boots to join the Pilgrims Way Challenge on Saturday 22 June. With over 450 walkers already registered, the sponsored hiking event takes in the rural beauty of one of England’s oldest and least trodden national trails. With the success of the event last year, Pilgrims can now offer three distances, 25km, 35km and 55km; perfect for people of all fitness levels.
In true Pilgrims Hospices style, walkers will be supported throughout the journey with regular, friendly rest stops for food and water, a fully signed route, and medical support.
Hannah Sole, Pilgrims Hospices Supporter Relations Team Leader, and her family will be taking part again this year. Hannah said: “This is such a wonderful challenge. My friends and family enjoyed it so much last year, we decided to get involved again! Everyone was so encouraging, we met some lovely people along the way and visited some perfect rest stops where we had plenty of time to relax and grab a snack or two.
“You need to apply a little effort in some parts of the route, but the rewards are amazing. It’s a great achievement and all of the money raised from registration and sponsorship will provide care for people who need Pilgrims help.”
If you would like to join Hannah and supporters who have already registered, please visit pilgrimswaychallenge.org where you’ll find full details.
Standard entry is £30 until 16 June 2019, or you can sign up on the day for £45.
This fully supported event includes regular rest stops with drinks and snacks, a fully signed route, event t-shirt and a hot meal at our Canterbury hospice (the halfway point for 55km hikers) and at the Dover Castle finish.
By taking part, you’ll be helping Pilgrims Hospices to continue with the work that is so import within the east Kent community.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 people in East Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress. Click here to find out how we help.
7th June 2019
Maxine’s marathon success for Pilgrims Hospices
Maxine Dentith from Canterbury recently completed the London Marathon for Pilgrims Hospices. She ran in memory of her parents, Carol and Rob Parkinson, after her mum received care from the charity at the end of her life.
Maxine’s dad Rob had a brain tumour and died in 2008, at home and surrounded by his family. Shortly afterwards, her mum Carol was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Maxine said: “We went through some very tough times trying our best to care for Dad. When Mum was diagnosed two years later, we were completely devastated and couldn’t believe this was happening again.”
Carol had successful treatment for two years and was given the all clear, but sadly the cancer returned and spread. Maxine added: “The thing I remember most was how calm she was about it, she just wanted to be with Dad again. We had no time to prepare and the prospect of trying to care for her on our own and make her comfortable was so scary.”
Every single person we met at Pilgrims made us feel welcomed, supported and looked after. Often as a carer you can feel selfish for wanting someone to look after you for a change, but at the hospice they understood that we were going through a scary, emotional time and that we just wanted a hug from Mum and for her to make it all better.
Maxine
When Carol was referred to Pilgrims, the family immediately began to feel supported. Maxine said: “The second we stepped through the doors, my sister and I burst into tears with relief, sadness, happiness – you name it, we felt it. Every single person we met at Pilgrims made us feel welcomed, supported and looked after. Often as a carer you can feel selfish for wanting someone to look after you for a change, but at the hospice they understood that we were going through a scary, emotional time and that we just wanted a hug from Mum and for her to make it all better. My daughter Faye was 1 by then and they welcomed her to the hospice too, not minding when she was racing up and down the corridor in a plastic car.
“Mum was made comfortable and we knew she was being well looked after. She was only there for four days before she passed away, but I can’t thank Pilgrims enough for providing us with a friendly, warm and happy environment during such a sad time.”
When Maxine had her second child, her son Sam, she really felt the loss of her mum not being there and experienced postnatal depression. Family and friends helped her through, and Maxine found that running gave her time to think and get some headspace. She then decided to challenge herself and take on the London Marathon for Pilgrims, to raise funds for the charity and highlight the vital work they do.
Maxine completed the London Marathon on Sunday 28 April 2019, raising an amazing £2,291.20 for local hospice care. She said: “It was one of the best experiences of my life, I loved every minute. Running over the iconic Tower Bridge was a highlight and meant I was nearly halfway. I was starting to feel tired at mile 16 but knew my family and friends were waiting for me at mile 17, which kept me going. Seeing them cheering me on and hearing their words of encouragement was really emotional but gave me the boost I needed to carry on.
“The last six miles, which I thought would be the hardest, were fantastic thanks to the support of the crowds. The streets were lined three or four people deep on both sides of the road for the entire home stretch, with people cheering my name and carrying me through the last few miles. When I crossed the finish line I was overcome with happiness and pride at what I had achieved. I knew my mum and dad would have been so proud of me.”
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Hospices, 56 London Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8JA
Please note: The minimum Gold Bond fundraising commitment is £1,800.
Applications will be accepted until Sunday 13 October 2019.
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.
