19th December 2019

    Santas on the Run – Tri Series, a ho ho hospice success

    Three jolly jogs, over three consecutive weekends, in three festive coastal towns where more than 1,500 red suited and bearded fun runners of all ages raised thousands for their local palliative care provider, Pilgrims Hospices.


    Three charity Santas on the Run events took place during November and December in Herne Bay, Folkestone and Margate. The Santas ran, jogged, skipped and walked their way along the 3K or 5K routes in the beautiful coastal towns in support of the charity who provides end-of-life care across east Kent in people’s homes, within its Therapy Centres and wards at the hospices in Canterbury, Margate and Ashford.

    Everyone was there for a very good Claus, including well over 150 elf volunteers who were all acting as Santas helpers on the day.

    Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Fundraising Manager said: “The Santas on the Bay, (Herne Bay) started three years ago and is now well established as an important date on our supporter’s calendars, the event has raised more than £67,000 in the last two years. For 2019, early estimations show we will raise in excess of £50,000 for the Tri Series and we certainly believe in the countdown to Christmas”.

    The two additional fun festive runs brought a new dimension to the already popular event. The Santas on the Bay (Herne Bay) included GB athlete and Pilgrims ambassador, Yiannis Christodoulou taking part and the runners were set off by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury.

    On to Folkestone Harbour Arm with Santas on the Harbour, and a new event area for Pilgrims, with two finish lines, here the magic of Christmas saw Pilgrims featured on Sunday evening TV news. Finally, in Margate, where we had Santas on the Seashore, and Santa himself in his grotto.

    Our Tri challengers, who registered to take part in all three jolly jogs collected stamps in their Christmas cards at each event to be awarded their 4th and most impressive ‘gold present’ Tri-Series medal for completing all three.

    “It was just the thing to get the whole family, neighbours, friends, schools and work colleagues into the festive spirit whilst raising vital funds for local hospice care this Christmas.” Kate added.

    We are totally in debt to our wonderful supporters for helping Pilgrims to stage such a fun filled Tri Series.

    Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices

    Supporters with sleighs, buggies and wheelchairs also joined in the fun with this inclusive event, every £1 raised will be helping Pilgrims clinical team to provide the very best care for those who need it the most.

    Santas big and small took part from as far afield as Northampton; Ben Ackers and his dad Tony were visiting family in Margate and decide to join and raise money for this important charity. Young Ben was the first Santa back on the day.

    The fundraising teams from all three hospices brought the festive events together, involving a huge number of volunteer elves, sponsors and staff all giving their time to help the charity raise as much as possible during the festive season.

    Kate said: “We are totally in debt to our wonderful supporters for helping Pilgrims to stage such a fun filled Tri Series and a lot of ho ho ho Christmas fun. Everyone’s efforts will help our team to give patients the very best care and attention at such difficult times.  After all, it’s all in a good Claus! You never know which festive character will be visiting each coastal town next year.”

    Pilgrims Hospices will be sharing information on all of its fabulous fundraising events for 2020 very soon. Watch out for new events and challenges appearing on Pilgrims Hospices website:

    www.pilgrimshospices.org/get-involved

    Thank you to all of our wonderful supporters, you are just amazing,

    Merry Christmas!


    Did you know? Pilgrims Hospices has to raise £11 million through voluntary donations in order to run our full range of services. Sponsorship raised through events like these helps us to continue caring for local people at the end of their lives.

    Turkey and all the trimmings

    Turkey Christmas meals for over 600 patients, visitors, volunteers and staff will be generously supplied by Appledore Turkeys again this festive season.  Ian Ashton, Pilgrims Hospices Catering Manager collected the donation and distributed across all three hospice sites this week.


    Ian said: “Appledore are regular supporters, their kind donation of turkeys has been helping my team to prepare delicious festive turkey meals for a number of years now.

    “Not only do we prepare a traditional feast for service users within our Therapy Centres, for visitors and, staff during the festive season; we plan creative dishes and alternative menus for those who require more specialist dietary requirements.

     

    “Their generous donation makes an enormous difference to our kitchens, helping us to provide a really special traditional festive treat for those within our care.

    “I would like to send a huge thank you to owners Andrew and Clive Wreathall, their families and colleagues at Appledore Turkeys who always think of us here at Pilgrims Hospices and help us to deliver some truly special Christmas meals.”

    The family run business has a farming heritage dating back to 1940 when grandfather Frank Wreathall first started rearing turkeys. Today the farm has over 1,200 hectares of Crown Estate farmland on the Romney Marsh.

    Pilgrims Hospices is grateful for the support of local businesses who provide donations of fresh goods, sweet treats, crackers and napkins and so much more, all of which help to make difficult times special for all of us.

    Thank you and, merry Christmas.


    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 supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.

    17th December 2019

    Christmas Tree Recycling is back for its eighth year

    For the eighth year running Pilgrims is holding its very popular Tree Recycling campaign where your real Christmas tree can be collected from your doorstep and recycled for your chosen donation. Registration for Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Tree Recycling in the Ashford Borough area is now open.


    On Saturday 11 January volunteers from the hospice will be out in force across the whole of the Ashford Borough collecting trees from people’s doorsteps, gardens and driveways.

    Register for Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Tree Recycling in the Ashford Borough area is now open.

    If you’re an Ashford Council resident you can help the hospice raise vital funds, look after the planet and save yourself the bother of disposing of your tree when the festivities are over.

    Last year our volunteers picked up over 1,250 trees.

    Louise Newman, Pilgrims Hospices

    Register and donate online by midnight on Sunday 5 January at Tree Recycling or phone 01233 504 111 and a member of the team will collect your tree from your doorstep and take it to the recycling centre for you.

    Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager said: “Last year our volunteers picked up over 1,250 trees and visited over 1,000 homes and we hope to reach even more households this year. We are thrilled that the average donation has risen to £13 although all donations are welcome. A donation of £10 could pay for a patient’s meals for the day, £15 for essential nursing supplies or £50 for a child’s therapy session.

    “With the valuable support of Ashford Borough Council as well, we hope this year to raise over £20,000 towards the vital work of the hospice.”

    As the numbers continue to grow, we will need even more crews and vans to to help collect the trees. So, if you, your friends, or your company would like to get involved we would love to hear from you as soon as possible. Simply email louise.newman@pilgrimshospices.org or call 01233 504 111.


    This year alone, Pilgrims Hospices has to raise £11 million through voluntary donations in order to run our full range of services. Sponsorship raised through events like these helps us to continue caring for local people at the end of their lives.

    16th December 2019

    Pilgrims Hospices saw many come together for east Kent’s largest remembrance

    Pilgrims Hospices welcomed 2,000 people to their Trees of Love remembrance services on Saturday 7 December, to raise funds to support people living with incurable illnesses in east Kent.


    The events took place in the grounds of the charity’s three hospices at Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, where huge festive trees were lit up in memory of lost loved ones. Adorned with beautiful doves bearing personal messages, thousands from across east Kent shared their special memories at these remembrance services with carols. Trees of Love services were also held in other venues across east Kent in Barham, Charing, Cheriton, Dover and New Romney, to allow more people to attend.

    Ellie Cane, Pilgrims Hospices Individual Giving Officer, said: “Our thanks go to everyone who donated to the Trees of Love appeal and dedicated a dove in memory of their loved ones.

    “At what can be a difficult time of the year, sharing thoughts with others who have similar experiences keeps our loved ones firmly in our hearts. That’s why this year we wanted to encourage all those across east Kent who have lost loved ones to join us, regardless of a previous connection with Pilgrims.”

    She added: “So far we have raised £60,000 for local hospice care from the Trees of Love appeal. This is such an amazing amount, which could pay for many hours of nursing care both on our wards and in people’s own homes, or provides support in our Therapy Centres. It really will make a difference to our patients and their families who need support and care in such difficult times.

    Our thanks go to everyone who donated to the Trees of Love appeal.

    Ellie Cane, Pilgrims Hospices

    “We cannot thank all those who have supported us enough for helping us achieve such an incredible sum. Their contribution will mean so much to all those within the community who need help to live well in every moment.”

    This year, visitors were welcomed by Pilgrims Hospices’ Spiritual Care Leads at each site, followed by readings from staff and volunteers, and carols led by local choirs. Mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine were also available to keep guests warm.

    “Our thanks must extend also to our local communities and the many volunteers who give their time and skills every year to make the events run smoothly. It really couldn’t be done without them.” Ellie added.

    The Trees of Love and their doves will remain in the three hospice grounds for all to visit throughout the festive season.


    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.

    11th December 2019

    School choir Deck the Halls for Pilgrims Hospices

    Sir Roger Manwood’s School chose Pilgrims Hospice Thanet as their charity of the year last year and asked if they could present their charity donation of £6,020 to the Pilgrims team earlier this year.

    Holly Fletcher, a Year 8 pupil also presented a surprise gift of an impressive colourful collection tin, which flashes when a donation is made.


    Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said: “Holly gave me her gift and went to walk away, I noticed it had an electric plug so immediately found a power point. Holly explained how the tin would flash when a donation is made.

    “It’s quite incredible that a child so young had made this for our charity through a school project, what an amazing gift and one that benefits others too.

    We are very grateful for the wonderful support and awareness the school has given Pilgrims Hospices.

    Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices

    “There was more to add; after speaking with music teacher, David Smith, at the end of year, I mentioned that we were holding a Santa run in Margate on Sunday 15 December and wondered if they would be interested in recording a Christmas carol for the charity.

    “After the school summer holidays were over, the school got a group together and sent me a draft of “Deck the Halls”; when I played their rendition I was in bits as was everyone, so professional, with tenors and sopranos just beautiful. We now have the finished copy of the CD that we are asking for a minimum donation of £3 per copy. The CD cover features Holly Fletcher on the back with her collection tin. We are delighted that local radio stations will be playing this for us, and it will be played at the Santas run on  Sunday 15 December. This makes the perfect Christmas present.”

    Karen went on to say: “How very grateful we all are for the wonderful support and awareness the school has given us overall. From all our staff, volunteers and patients, we wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

    Copies of the CD are available at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet reception for a suggested donation of £3.

    Click below to listen to Deck the Halls by Sir Roger Manwood’s School choir.


    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 supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.

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