Asian fusion adds a touch of spice to hospice menus
Local businesses across the county provide support to charities in many ways. Asian fusion flavours have become a regular tasty addition to the menus at Pilgrims Hospices with donations from Karimix UK Ltd. The local producers of award-winning chutneys, sauces and marinades are based in Selling near Faversham and use local produce to create inspirational flavours.
Carolyn Boyd, Brand Manager for Karimix, said: “Our company has a no food waste policy; and manufactures mostly in 120-kilo batches, using recyclable glass jars and metal lids.
“Our products are made to order, with any extra product donated to the catering team at Pilgrims Hospices.
“We are really pleased to help the hospice kitchens to create additional recipes with interesting and varied tastes for patients and staff.”
Monica Chia, owner and chief recipe creator, brings inspiration and flavours from Singapore to her product range. She told us: “We are delighted to make donations and support our local hospice community.”
We are delighted to support our local hospice community.
Christopher Annison was a valued member of the Karimix staff and was cared for by Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury after being diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.
“Christopher had a lovely room looking out on to the gardens. The hospice was tranquil and we were able to take a walk with him in the gardens. Christopher fell asleep and did not wake up, he had told us he’d seen everyone he wanted to see and had made his peace with the world.”
“We miss our colleague but know he had been at peace at the hospice and pain-free,” Monica explained.
Message from Pilgrims catering team
Ian Ashton, Pilgrims Catering Manager, said: “My team has included the delicious products in various dishes for our patients, visitors, volunteers and staff across the hospices sites.”
“Recently the kitchen created a variety of pasta dishes for the charity fundraising event, ‘Pilgrims Way Challenge’, using some of the exciting flavours donated by Karimix. With support from Monica, we catered for over 600 Pilgrims supporters who thoroughly loved it.”
“Any products we’ve been unable to use have been made available for staff and volunteers to purchase for a small donation. My personal favourite was the chilli mayonnaise; as a dip or spread over corn on the cob it’s very tasty!”
Everyone at Pilgrims Hospices would like to send a huge thank you for the delicious donations.
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 Pilgrims Wellbeing Programme for more information.
5th July 2019
Sunflower Memories: Lyndsey’s story
After Lyndsey Campion’s dad, Ian Davies, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet in 2016, the family now dedicate a sunflower in his memory as part of the charity’s Sunflower Memories campaign. Here, Lyndsey shares how it helps them to give back and support other families.
My lovely dad was an inspirational, wonderfully funny man. He had a great fun spirit and was loved by all, none more so than his 13 grandchildren who adored their “silly, playful grandad”. His family were the most important thing in the world to him and he always had such a special bond with my sisters Jo and Kirsty, too. He was truly a free spirit, would often go off wandering for days at a time and never worried about a thing; even when he was ill he still put everyone else first.
You could usually find Dad doing his carpentry work, fishing with my brother, or helping and looking after people; he even made friends with the local homeless and would often invite them home for something to eat! He had such a kind and generous heart, and always shared his winnings out with his children whenever he won on his beloved horses.
The in memory events at Pilgrims give us as a family a chance to return to the hospice where we feel close to Dad, whilst being amongst others who have gone through the same experience and emotions. We will never forget the care and love he received throughout his illness and will be forever grateful that Dad had this special place in his life.
Lyndsey
When my dad first became ill with lung cancer in 2012, he was told that he’d only have a few months, but with his typical determination he would live life to the full for another four years.
Dad first experienced the hospice as a day patient, attending craft sessions and lunches, and enjoyed many a good roast dinner there! He loved making friends with the volunteers and other patients at Pilgrims, which gave him a safe place to talk about any worries he had.
Dad was a big Arsenal supporter and when he became very ill, my sister Jo managed to put out a Facebook post that resulted in Ian Wright coming down to visit him, which caused quite a stir amongst everyone that saw him on his way to see my dad!
The light in Dad’s life in his last years was the support that the Thanet hospice gave him – he always described it as his “happy place”. The last time he was brought into the hospice before he passed away in 2016, he looked around and simply said “what a lovely day it is”, as he felt so comfortable in these familiar surroundings.
We were all really nervous when Dad started visiting the hospice, but it’s such a bright and positive space, and everyone is so caring, always going the extra mile for those in their care.
I donated to the Sunflower Memories event last year and am looking forward to attending this year. It’s important for us to feel that we are giving back to the hospice and contributing towards the care of others. The in memory events at Pilgrims give us as a family a chance to return to the hospice where we feel close to Dad, whilst being amongst others who have gone through the same experience and emotions. We will never forget the care and love he received throughout his illness and will be forever grateful that Dad had this special place in his life.
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.
1st July 2019
Lynne gets on her bike for Pilgrims
Lynne Digby from Ashford will be riding the Divas on Wheels cycling event on Sunday 11 August for Pilgrims Hospices to support end of life care in east Kent.
She took up cycling earlier this year and has taken part in cycling events to support charities, which have included Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge and the London to Brighton Bike Ride.
Lynne is a social worker for Pilgrims Hospices and said: “I decided to get into cycling to improve my fitness level. I took on Pilgrims Cycle Challenge in May with my daughter Chloe and really enjoyed it.
“This time my sister Julie is coming with me to ride Divas on Wheels, she’s also new to cycling. We’re planning to take part in the training rides to boost our confidence and familiarise ourselves with some of the route.
Chloe and Lynne at the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge in May 2019
“We’re cycling the 50km route; it looks really pretty and runs through some amazing countryside, we can’t wait.”
For me, supporting people at such difficult times is vital and very rewarding. Working at Pilgrims, I’m able to see the true value of social work.
Lynne
Lynne has been part of the Pilgrims team for two years and supports patients and families to cope with problems within their everyday lives.
“When I joined the charity, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect at Pilgrims. I’m part of a truly amazing team of colleagues and, for me, supporting people at such difficult times is vital and very rewarding. Working at Pilgrims I’m able to see the true value of social work.” Lynne explained.
“I love cycling, it really helps me to relax in mind and body. I always feel so energised when I’ve completed a challenge, especially knowing that it has contributed in supporting charities continue their good work.
“I think my best advice to fellow cyclists taking part in Divas on Wheels would be; get involved with some of the supported training rides. It helps build confidence and it’s great to be with other cyclists sharing the experience.”
Lydia Todd, Pilgrims Fundraising Officer, said: “Since 2013 the Divas ride has raised more than £84,000 for hospice care within the community. Lynne is a brilliant supporter and colleague – we are busy recruiting more of our staff to join in with the ride.
“If we can raise an additional £15,500 this year we could achieve a magic £100,000 since the event’s conception six years ago.”
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.
