The Ramsgate firefighters are supporting this year’s 5K Colour Run in memory of their friend and work colleague Dave Halls, who was a watch manager for many years.
Brett Andrews, friend and work colleague said: “We want to give something back to Pilgrims Hospices in support of the wonderful palliative care Dave received this year. We feel this fun and colourful event is a perfect way to reflect Dave’s memory and raise funds and awareness for the charity that cared for him and his family.
This family-friendly 5K event is an explosion of colour fun
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager and organiser of the event said: “This really is a fun event; with a Zumba warm-up, followed by an amazing colour blast prior to the start and even more colour as you run, walk or jog through colour stations along the coastal route. Everyone receives a colour sachet, white tee shirt and funky glasses on the day and a stunning Colour Run medal at the finish.
If you would like to join this event; waste no time and sign up today! You will have fun and laughter all the way and knowing that you will be helping provide care for the next person that needs us, will make this even more special.”
This family-friendly 5K event is an explosion of colour fun. Take in amazing coastal views as you run, walk or jog through clouds of brightly coloured powder paint around the route.
Standard entry price until 14 October, you can also sign up on the day, registration desks open at 9.30am.
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 click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
Lauren takes on Thanet 5k Colour Run for Pilgrims Hospices
Local hairdresser Lauren Pulman from Garlinge near Margate will take part in Pilgrims Hospices’ Thanet 5k Colour Run for the second time on Sunday 20 October 2019. She is running in memory of two friends, Luke Williams and Paula Beach, who were cared for by the charity at the end of their lives.
In 2014 Lauren’s friend Luke sadly died at just 29 years old, and in February 2019 a family friend, Paula, passed away aged 63. Both Luke and Paula received Pilgrims’ care, so Lauren is taking on the Thanet 5k Colour Run in their memory to raise vital funds for the charity.
She said: “Luke and Paula were two amazing people. Paula was my friend Nick’s mum, she was a lovely, kind-hearted and generous lady who I feel so privileged to have known. Luke was one of Nick’s best friends, he was brave and kind and had his whole life ahead of him. It’s heartbreaking to lose someone so young.”
During one of the most difficult times of peoples’ lives, the hospice is a peaceful place with compassionate staff and support for everyone. I honestly feel happy knowing that my loved ones passed away there. At Pilgrims, everyone understands and respects the needs of patients and families.
Lauren
Lauren’s grandparents, Joyce and Derek Pulman, were also cared for at the Thanet hospice, and she completed her first Thanet 5k Colour Run in 2018 in their memory. She is inspired to support Pilgrims as she wants others to be able to benefit from the same care and support that she and her loved ones have received:
“Pilgrims means a great deal to me. Over the years, the charity has been a huge comfort to me and my family. The care and support, not only for our unwell loved ones but also for the family around them, has been wonderful. It’s difficult wanting to be with loved ones when that’s not always possible. For times when you can’t be there, knowing that the wonderful Pilgrims’ team are on hand is amazing. They have such compassion and a gentle approach, nothing is too much. I am very thankful for their support.
“During one of the most difficult times of peoples’ lives, the hospice is a peaceful place with compassionate staff and support for everyone. I honestly feel happy knowing that my loved ones passed away there. At Pilgrims, everyone understands and respects the needs of patients and families. I have so much respect for the work that the Pilgrims’ staff do.”
Lauren will run in memory of her grandparents and her friends
Lauren is now in training for the Thanet 5k Colour Run on 20 October 2019. She hopes to beat her previous finish time of 32 minutes with the help of a personal trainer. She has also set up a JustGiving page and is well on the way to reaching her £200 fundraising target.
She added: “I want to support Pilgrims because they have played a big part in my life recently through family and friends. Luke and Paula were two very special people who were loved by so many, they had beautiful personalities and big hearts. I spent time with my nan and grandad in the hospice, so I know how important Pilgrims’ support is for families in need. Taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run is my way of saying thank you to Pilgrims, and helping to make sure that even though my loved ones aren’t here in person their wonderful memories live on.”
Want to get colourful for Pilgrims? Visit pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun to sign up now to run, jog or walk through bright paint clouds and get covered in colour in aid of local hospice care. Entry includes a white t-shirt, paint sachet, funky sunglasses and finisher’s medal.
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.
26th September 2019
Abbie’s Colour Run for local hospice care
Abbie Hickmott from Tenterden will take part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run on Sunday 20 October. She is raising money for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of her granddad, Danny Prater, and her best friend Katrina Phillips’ dad, Ray Phillips, who both received care from the local hospice charity.
Abbie feels strongly that Danny and Ray were given a lifeline, hope and joy whilst in Pilgrims’ care. She said: “Pilgrims was a fantastic support to my family when my granddad was ill, and to my friend’s family whenever they needed help and relief.”
Abbie did A Night to Shine last year with Katrina and her partner, and the team signed up again this year to walk the Ashford route on Friday 20 September along with others who knew Ray. Abbie will now take part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run in Palm Bay on 20 October. She is keen to raise funds for the next person who needs care and help ensure that more families can access vital hospice services.
Abbie and friends at A Night to Shine 2019
She added: “To me, Pilgrims means a second chance. I want to support the charity after everything they’ve done for my family and friends; to give something back to this amazing team.
“That’s why I’ve chosen to fundraise for them. Even if it’s only £1, everything adds up and goes towards the care of those in need.”
Feeling inspired? Sign up now for Thanet 5k Colour Run in Palm Bay, Cliftonville on Sunday 20 October. Entry is £16 for those aged 12 years and over and £10 for those aged 11 and under until 30 September 2019. Entry includes a white t-shirt, paint sachet, funky sunglasses and finisher’s medal.
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.
25th September 2019
Presents for Pilgrims at Ashford’s County Square
The season for giving has come early to Ashford’s County Square. From 1 October, a cube will open in the shopping centre devoted to collecting presents for Pilgrims Hospices.
The collection point located outside Costa will be open for the month. It will be used to gather donations of new items like toys, games, stocking fillers, beauty products, ladies’ and men’s gifts and chocolates to help the local charity with its fundraising. The donated goods will then be included on stalls at Pilgrims’ upcoming Christmas Fair & Craft Market at the Towers School on Saturday 9 November from 10am-3pm.
We’re really grateful for County Square’s support and help with our fundraising.
Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager
Ashford Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford, Louise Newman, said: “We always welcome donated items throughout the year to use in our fundraising, especially new children’s toys and games. Last year’s collection was a great success so we’re hoping for the same again this year.
“We’re really grateful for County Square’s support and help with our fundraising.”
The event will feature a range of seasonal stalls run by dedicated Pilgrims volunteers, local groups and businesses. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or simply wish to share in the ho-ho-holiday cheer, you’ll find something for everyone across three huge halls filled with delicious food and drink, beautiful crafts and games galore.
Entry is free and donations are very welcome.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices charity supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from 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.
24th September 2019
Good friends’ sponsored walk for hospice care
When Kay Divall stepped out to join the sponsored 5-mile walk A Night to Shine for Pilgrims Hospices on Friday 20 September, she was thinking of her darling mum Dot who was cared for at the Ashford hospice in August 2019.
Kay has already raised almost £400 in sponsorship with support from her friends and family who know how important the care was for her mum and the family who were there. She said: “My mum Doreen Divall, always known as Dot, was 72 years old and lived with me in Lydd until spending her finals days at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford where she passed away on 1 August 2019.
“She had become unwell in December 2018 when we were visiting family for Christmas. After a crushing diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, she had admissions to several of our local hospitals and Kings College London, only to discover her only option was for chemotherapy.
“Mum made the brave decision not to undertake the treatment and decided she wanted to enjoy her time left and was determined to make the days count. We spent the last few months visiting her favourite places including the seafront, castles and spending time with her family and friends. Mum was determined to get out and about and remained a wonderfully positive person.”
I stayed at the hospice with Mum every night and other family members were with us during the day. We were all treated with amazing compassion and kindness, nothing was too much trouble.
Kay
Doreen was taken to hospital in early July and from there to Pilgrims Hospice Ashford on 15 July. Kay explained: “During her time at the hospice, Mum was treated with care and dignity to a level we could never have expected.
“All of the staff were friendly, caring and approachable. I stayed at the hospice with Mum every night and other family members were with us during the day. We were all treated with amazing compassion and kindness, nothing was too much trouble. Mum also had early onset dementia and was uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments; however, at the hospice, she felt comfortable and relaxed.”
Good friends Dionne Clifton and Laura Hickman joined Kay to celebrate her mother’s life and raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices by taking part in A Night to Shine on Friday 20 September.
“We’ve been friends for, ‘dare I say it’ 40 years and, we really enjoyed walking with so many others who were there to support such an important charity.” Kay added.
I know my dad would have agreed, the care and the support he and our family received was amazing. This is just our way of saying thank you to Pilgrims Hospices and helping to raise funds for more people who need help in our local area.
Laura
Laura’s dad Michael Townend, aged 62, was diagnosed the lung cancer in June 2018 and was admitted to the Ashford hospice later in the year for symptom management. Having received support and treatment, Mike was able to return to the comfort of his own home. As the year progressed, Mike became unwell and returned to the hospice where he passed away in December 2018.
Laura told us: “I know my dad would have agreed, the care and the support he and our family received was amazing. This is just our way of saying thank you to Pilgrims Hospices and helping to raise funds for more people who need help in our local area.”
Kay told us: “There are no words to explain how grateful we are as a family to all at the hospice in Ashford. The doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, volunteers and the domestic and housekeeping staff. In fact, everyone we had contact with was professional, friendly and made us feel cared for and completely at ease.
“I would like to say, these people who have the ability to make the worst time of any family’s life more comfortable and relaxed are so special. As a family, we are never going to be able to express just how thankful we are to Pilgrims Hospices.”
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Events Manager said: “We wish to thank the ladies for being such wonderful Pilgrims supporters. We hope by sharing your stories, it will encourage others to fundraise for our charity and help us to care for people with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent.”
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 end of life care given on its wards, to its new wellbeing and social programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
13th September 2019
An art book lover’s dream
One of the best-known prizes for visual arts in the world, the Turner Prize 2019 is taking place at the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate. Every other year, the prize leaves Tate Britain and is presented at a venue outside London. The exhibition will be running from September 2019 to January 2020.
The Old Bank Bookshop in Margate is an art book lover’s dream. With shelves packed with all genres, fiction, non-fiction, classics, vintage and much more, all at amazing prices. With more than 3,000 books in stock at any time, there’s bound to be something to suit your taste.
To coincide with the Turner Prize, The Old Bank Bookshop will be embracing this prestigious event being held in Margate by creating its own arts festival of paintings, prints and, books; an eclectic collection of modern, post-modern and traditional themes for a wide variety of subjects.
We have the most amazing selection of beautiful art books to suit all tastes.
Gavin, Pilgrims Retail
Gavin Fox, The Old Bank Bookshop manager told us: “This is an ambitious arts project; which we hope will create lots of interest from visitors to the Turner Prize exhibition who would also enjoy viewing some of our beautiful arts editions and in some cases some quite risqué titles. In fact, some of the publications could leave you speechless.”
All of the books have been generously donated and checked to ensure the shop sells the very best of quality on the shelves.
“We have the most amazing selection of beautiful art books to suit all tastes. Everything from American painter Jackson Pollock; a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement, to Gustav Klimt, one of the most influential figures in the Viennese secession movement.” Gavin told us.
Gavin with some of The Old Bank Bookshop team
Gavin began his career with Pilgrims as a volunteer back in 2010; he’s now a full-time member of Pilgrims Hospices staff managing The Old Bank Bookshop, Margate and Burgate Books, Canterbury.
Gavin said: “The Turner Prize for visual arts will bring many hundreds of visitors to enjoy Margate with its quirky shopping, interesting restaurants, bars and of course the Turner Contemporary gallery.
“We’re already meeting new art-loving customers who are visiting the Turner Contemporary and enjoying our amazing selection of specialist art.
“Pilgrims art festival will run throughout the year and will hopefully be able to offer visitors some interesting and varied art covers.
“We are a specialist second-hand book store and review our stock closely to ensure shoppers can purchase the best quality pre-loved books.”
Gavin with some of the art books on sale
Gavin manages his team of volunteers at The Old Book Shop Margate and Burgate Books, Canterbury; all of them are truly committed bookworms who love books and love to be part of the volunteer team supporting Pilgrims.
“All of the books are donated to the charity and sometimes from the most surprising sources, all books are individually priced from a few pounds upwards along with prints and paintings from £10. We hope you visit and enjoy our spectacular arts festival selections.” Gavin added.
Visit The Old Bank Bookshop at 17 The Parade, Margate CT9 1EY.
The store will close at 4:00 pm throughout the week and weekends when the clocks go back GMT.
You will receive a warm welcome at The Old Bank Bookshop from Gavin, his customer-friendly and very popular dog Ollie and the team of very knowledgeable volunteer bookworms.
This year alone, Pilgrims Hospices has to raise £11 million through voluntary donations in order to run our full range of services. Money raised through events like these helps us to continue caring for local people at the end of their lives.
