Chris Barnett takes on 25-castle cycle for friend Bob
“I witnessed first-hand the quality of care given by Pilgrims staff and volunteers.”
Chris Barnett, a retired scuba diving instructor from Temple Ewell, has enjoyed taking part in the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge alongside friends for many years, but when his dear riding buddy, Bob Potts, received end-of-life care from the charity in 2016, cycling for Pilgrims took on a greater significance.
Chris told us, “Bob was a builder – literally Bob the Builder(!) and was dependable and generous with his time. When we attended events like the hospice rides, he would pick us up and drive us to the start. He was affable, had a great sense of humour and took as much as he gave in the constant stream of banter. His mantra, when pushing against a headwind or up a challenging hill, was “Come on Chris. No pain, no gain.” Bob loved the countryside, and was knowledgeable of the changing seasons and wildlife, so our conversations often revolved around what we were witnessing as we explored the country lanes.
Bob’s mantra, when pushing against a headwind or up a challenging hill, was “Come on Chris. No pain, no gain.”
“Pilgrims Hospices is an invaluable community resource. While my immediate family haven’t needed their services, through Bob and visiting two other friends while they were receiving end-of-life care with Pilgrims, I’ve witnessed first-hand the high quality of care given by the staff and volunteers.
“It is essential that hospice care is available for our community and that is why I’ve decided to take on the Tour de Castles in Bob’s memory and fundraise to support the place that offered him such comfort in his final days.
PHCR06Chris Barnett on his bike at the 2016 Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
“I’m a member of a local Rotary Club and we’ve been supporting Pilgrims for many years in a variety of ways. Our planned charity golf day was unfortunately cancelled, a victim of COVID-19, much like the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge. Pilgrims rely on around 80% of their funding coming through voluntary donations and fundraising, so with the pandemic causing so much to be cancelled, they’ve been significantly affected. The Tour de Castles is a great alternative to the usual bike ride and the concept really appealed to me.
Dover Castle. One of the key virtual milestones on the Tour de Castles
“As anyone who knows the area, living in Temple Ewell, near Dover, means my cycle will be, quite literally, an uphill challenge. I can’t leave my house without hitting an incline, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I’d encourage anyone to give it a go. Don’t be daunted by the miles and take it in bite-sized chunks. Whether you choose to ride 120 miles or 330 miles throughout September, if you plan your rides each week and monitor progress, you’re sure to reach the goal.
“What I love about cycling is getting out into the fresh air and exercising in the lovely countryside with like-minded friends. And I’m sure my thoughts will turn to Bob, my old riding mate, once or twice when the road steepens, and I’ll hear him saying, “Come on Chris. No pain, no gain.”
The Tour de Castles is a virtual cycling challenge which challenges people to ride the equivalent distance between either 10 or 25 of the South east’s historic castles between 1st – 30th September.
This year alone, Pilgrims Hospices has to raise over £11 million through voluntary donations and fundraising 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.
13th August 2020
Paul’s 100 mile pedal for a purpose!
On Thursday 6th August cycling enthusiast and dedicated long term Pilgrims Hospices supporter Paul Kelly, cycled 100 miles for Pilgrims Hospices. Paul, who likes a little adventure, and is a 73 year old retired Marine Engineer, decided that after the unfortunate cancellation of Pilgrims Cycle Challenge that he would utilise his lockdown training over the last few months and get back in the saddle on his own carefully thought out 100 mile route.
Paul planned his own ‘feed stations’, including one at his home at Whitfield near Dover. Not only did Paul cycle 100 miles, but he also did it on one of the hottest days of the year! Purely a coincidence, Paul also chose to complete the challenge on #CycleToWork day, which this year was changed to Cycle to Who? What? Where? Day because of the pandemic.
We would like to thank all those who have supported Paul in raising an impressive £1,700
Kate Duddell, Fundraising Manager
Paul explained: “My wife and I did our first Pilgrims Cycle Challenge on the 50 mile route to Margate, when this route was changed I tried the 75 mile challenge. Of course, I then had to attempt the 100 challenge the next year and the year after, regrettably the 125 epic would be too much for me as I wouldn’t get back in time for my medal!”
“This year having stated training in March for the postponed May event, I kept in shape for the new event due to take place on 23rd August. I seriously doubted early on that cancellation of the event was a real possibility so I planned my own 100 mile challenge roughly based on the Pilgrims route which I completed on 6th August”.
“One of my reasons for supporting Pilgrims Hospices is for the fantastic treatment my father-in-law was given in the Canterbury hospice where he passed away with motor neurone. Our family were so relieved to see how his last days were made as comfortable as possible, we cannot thank you enough.”
Fuelled largely by flapjack to counter the 6,000 calorie burn, the 73-year-old left Canterbury East train station at 7.45am. Stowting Hill and the climb out of Shepherdswell near Dover were the biggest spikes on his Fitbit and the heatwave added to his challenge. Paul finished the circular course at 4.15pm, at his finish line he was greeted with surprise smiles, cheers and a balloon arch held up by the little members of his family.
Paul has raised an incredible £1,700 for local hospice care and has more to gather in.
Fundraising Manager, Kate Duddell said: “We would like to thank all those who have supported Paul in raising an impressive £1,700 for end of life care in east Kent. The amount raised for hospice care is so valuable and will allow us to provide the best possible support to families who need us. Every £25 would pay for an hour of nursing care. The funds raised by Paul and his loved ones are vital to the work Pilgrims Hospices does across east Kent and is continuing to do so during the pandemic.”
Paul was aiming for this to be his last Pilgrims Cycle Challenge, however he loves a challenge, and a little adventure and may be tempted to join the new 30 mile route in 2021. For this year, and now he has completed his own pedalling challenge for Pilgrims, he is looking forward to becoming a grandad for the first time and walking his daughter down the aisle this September.
You can still support Paul and his 100 mile achievement by donating to his JustGiving page.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are 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.
12th August 2020
Head shave raises £2,000 for Pilgrims Hospices
Sally Gibbs has supported Pilgrims Hospices with a spontaneous head shave to help raise vital funds to support end of life care. To make this challenge even more memorable Sally’s head was shaved by her mother- in-law, Sylvia Gibbs who is currently receiving care in Margate.
Sally said; “I would just like to thank everyone that supported me and donated towards this amazing charity.
“Pilgrims Hospices go above and beyond to help and care for loved ones. I just wanted to show my appreciation for everything they do.
“By shaving my head, together we raised £2,000, which was a great effort. Thank you and everyone and stay safe.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said; “Having incredible people like Sally and Sylvia supporting our charity helps us to continue to provide daily palliative care throughout east Kent to the next person that needs us.
“£25 would pay for one hour of specialist nursing care in one of our inpatient units. Sally, Sylvia, family and friends have helped provide 80 hours to the next person that needs us.
“Thank you to each and everyone of you that made a donation to make this possible, and most of all thank you Sally for taking on this courageous challenge.”
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of our charity, please contact:
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patient’s to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
11th August 2020
Shop with Pilgrims and support local hospice care at the same time
Good news for those of you itching to revisit your friendly local Pilgrims Hospices charity shop in Faversham. The much loved shop opened its doors to the public for the first time since lockdown on Saturday 31 July.
The shop will initially trade with reduced hours, however the charity is delighted to announce that during the first three days of trading, the income generated for hospice care reached an amazing £1700, an excellent result.
I’m very pleased to be back supporting Pilgrims and it’s great to be around fellow volunteers.
Janet Stickles, Pilgrims Volunteer
Mandy Hawkett, Pilgrims Retail Area Manager told us: “We are so pleased to be open again in Faversham, our customers told us how much they’ve missed their visits.
“The support from the team of volunteers was absolutely first class as always and it was heart-warming to see customers waiting for the shop to open its doors and receiving a truly friendly welcome from my team.
Shop Manager Robert Adams with volunteers Janet Stickles, Babs Seville Antoinette Hayward and Area Retail Manager Mandy Hawkett.
“As you might expect, a number of changes and extra measures have been put in place to protect shoppers and volunteers. We’ve received lots of positive feedback on the new layout and roomy shopping area.”
Janet Stickles, shop volunteer added: “I’m very pleased to be back supporting Pilgrims and it’s great to be around fellow volunteers; there’s great comradery and respect amongst our team here in the Faversham shop. I have been a Pilgrims supporter and shop volunteer for many years.
“I thoroughly enjoy helping customer’s to seek out a particular item from our stock. It’s great to see the smiles on faces when we are able to find just what they have been looking for!
“We know the hospices need us but we need the hospices too. It’s a wonderful way to keep in touch with customers and friends within the community. I’ve met new people, made many friends, and know my support is really making a difference to those who need Pilgrims care.”
The Faversham Shop on West Street will be open Thursday to Saturday 10:00am to 4:00 pm until further notice.
We are so pleased to be open again in Faversham, our customers told us how much they’ve missed their visits.
Mandy Hawkett – Pilgrims Retail Area Manager
The charity is reopening shops throughout east Kent in phases and when it safe to do so; you can find a list of those already trading here – shop with us.
In line with government guidelines, donations are sanitised before going on sale; anything donated will be held for a minimum of 72 hours before it’s processed for sale.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are 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.
7th August 2020
Plantlet in Broadstairs raises £1,450 for Pilgrims Hospices
Izzi Brown the owner of Plantlet in Broadstairs has supported Pilgrims Hospices by making face coverings and selling a staggering 290 to her regular customers.
Izzi said; “After making myself a plant themed face covering, customers began asking where they could get them. So I decided to make some to sell in the shop and raise funds for Pilgrims Hospices.
“I couldn’t believe the demand! In just under 2 weeks, I have made and sold 290 face covering, selling them at £5 each and therefore raising £1,450. This involved many very late nights and early mornings! I only intended on making a few masks in the hope of raising a little bit of money.
Thank you Izzi for being so creative and thinking of us at such difficult times for all.
Karen – Pilgrims
“I have been blown away by the support of my wonderful customers. Unfortunately as I also run the business, I have now made the decision that 290 masks is where I am going to have to stop!
“I have had family members cared for by the hospice; I am so pleased to have done something to help support them during these difficult times for charities.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said: “Izzi and our local community provide ongoing donations that enable us to continue to provide daily palliative care throughout east Kent to those who need us most. We really need them more than ever now in these challenging times.
“We cannot thank you all enough for every penny donated to support our care. £1,400 would cover the cost of our community care teams at one of our sites for 24 hours. Thank you Izzi for being so creative and thinking of us at such difficult times for all.”
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of our charity, please contact: Fundraisingto find your local area Pilgrims Hospices fundraising manager, or look at our new virtual site for ideas: StayHomeHospiceHero.
We need you more than ever, Thank you.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patient’s to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
4th August 2020
Pedal power for Pilgrims
Cycling enthusiast and dedicated Pilgrims Hospices supporter Peter Brun, took his lockdown daily exercise allowance to a different level to help raise funds for his local hospice charity. Peter who is 80 years old, has been cycling the lanes around his home in Hawkinge to reach a distance of 317 miles; the distance between his home and Barnard Castle in Durham. His tongue in cheek play on this much published journey has helped him to raise £500 for hospice care.
Peter smiled and told us: “I’ve actually cycled 417 miles; I decided to do a little sight-seeing along my way too. Some blue-bell woods, local landmarks and beauty spots have made my journey very rewarding.
“I wanted to do something really positive with my daily exercise during these challenging times. My aim to cover the Barnard Castle mileage and get the rides sponsored for an organisation who’s fundraising has been hit by the pandemic, seemed like an excellent way to support them.
“I often went out with a camera and captured our wonderful countryside in its glory. Cycling during the lockdown has been very pleasant, the roads were less busy which has allowed walkers and cyclist to enjoy the lanes so much more than in ‘normal’ times. It was good to be reminded of what a beautiful area we live in.”
I wanted to do something really positive with my daily exercise during these challenging times.
Peter
The rides were not all trouble free; his bike suffered some slow punctures along the way but nothing that kept him for continuing his journeys.
Peter added: “Thank goodness for internet shopping which enabled me to replenish cycle repair kits and to obtain tyre liners to reduce the chance of puncturing. But more importantly, thank you to those who have made a donation to Pilgrims Hospices. I have enjoyed my rides and if you would like to make a donation to my Just Giving page, that would be wonderful too.”
Peter had been waiting for surgery which was postponed due to the COVID-19 lockdown, his cycling helped him to stay fit and well enough to be re-assessed, and he will have knee replacement surgery quite soon. We wish Peter a speedy recovery.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
The Tour de Castles is a virtual cycling challenge which challenges people to ride the equivalent distance between either 10 or 25 of the South east’s historic castles between 1st – 30th September.
