Trees of Love has become part of Julie and her family’s Christmas
Ron, Julie’s dad, received such amazing care at Pilgrims, she and her mum thank the hospice by dedicating a dove to him
The care we all received was so amazing
Julie
We were first introduced to Pilgrims when my dad, Ron, went in to the Thanet hospice for pain management. My mum and me had been caring for him at home, but unfortunately we could no longer meet his needs, and all we wanted was for him to be comfortable. He was only supposed to be in for a few days, but he was so happy there he stayed. He especially liked that he could have a bath, which he had missed at home – it brought a smile to his face when one of the ladies there covered him in lovely smellies! It made him feel nice and clean and human again, it was wonderful. He was so relaxed and comfortable at the hospice, and so were we. We were always welcomed, nothing was too much trouble for anyone there. The ladies at the desk making us teas and coffees, the kitchen staff offering to make Dad anything he liked for dinner, it was such an amazing place.
Dad stayed three weeks at the hospice, mum, myself, my husband Dale and my daughter visiting him every day, before he died at the end of January 2009. The care we all received was so amazing. We’re only a small family but we were able to spend as much time together as we liked. This is why Mum and me take part in Trees of Love and Sunflowers every year. It’s a way for us to give back to the hospice, for the incredible care they gave my Dad and us – it’s our way of saying thank you.
It was lovely to have Sunflower Memories this year, despite everything going on, although it’s not quite the same, we appreciated the chance to still be able to remember Dad as sunflowers were his favourite. I planted his memory marker in the garden next to the plant I bought last year, and really enjoyed the film. I’m so glad that Trees of Love will be going ahead this year, it has become part of Christmas for us now, and we’ll be able to have his dove at home with us again.
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
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.
17th November 2020
The Blackbird Project fundraising milestone
In 2018, Sheena and Nick Jackaman and their daughter Anna started to create a legacy for their son Ben, who passed away at Pilgrims Hospices Canterbury in 2017, aged 34.
For many families who lose a loved one, it is often realised that although they will have lots of photos and mementos to remember them by, they don’t have the sound of their voice.
Pilgrims Occupational Therapist, Julie Cox, was aware through her work that many people like telling stories about their lives and the comfort that can bring for the bereaved to hear. It was then that The Blackbird Project was created.
Ben Jackaman
Nick and Sheena have been supported by their friends and family both in the UK and as far as France, who have taken on their own charity challenges, organised events and shared their support to continue this project. From one family friend running an Ultra Marathon to another organising a music event and many other fundraising activities, an incredible £10,606 has been raised so far.
Nick and Sheena said, “We would like to express our gratitude to Pilgrims Hospices for establishing and developing The Blackbird Project. It is heart-warming to hear the responses and personal stories of how the Blackbird voice recordings are cherished. To support this charity is a privilege and has given us strength and purpose. We will always be extremely thankful for the compassion and skilled care given to Ben by all the staff at Pilgrims at such a sad time, and for the continued support for his loved ones.”
We would like to express our gratitude to Pilgrims Hospices for establishing and developing The Blackbird Project.
Nick and Sheena Jackaman
The project has been led by Justine Robinson, Therapies and Wellbeing Manager, who describes how voice recordings play an important part in creating precious memories for families. She says, “The Blackbird Project gives people a chance to leave a memory, a family story, read a favourite book or poem or just a few words of love and comfort. As well as giving the person doing the recording a sense of peace, it leaves a permanent recording and the personality of their loved ones.”
For all of us, 2020 has been a challenging year due to COVID-19, but the Pilgrims team has continued to find ways to keep families connected. More patients have turned to The Blackbird Project to leave a voice recording for their families. Justine and her team are also continuing to enable patients in the community to access the project by finding ways to support recordings.
Ben playing his beloved guitar
The fundraising and support led by Sheena and Nick will enable this project to continue to be there as a resource for families, and allow the project to develop in the future. They describe the inspiration for its name, a family favourite, Blackbird by The Beatles, a song much loved and performed by Ben. Their hope for the future of The Blackbird Project is that “the memory messages continue to comfort the patients and support wellbeing in the loved ones left behind”.
If you would like to find out more about how you or a loved one receiving care from Pilgrims can access The Blackbird Project, please contact: [email protected]
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.
Linda Lorraine and April say thank you Pilgrims each year at Trees of Love
Linda, and nieces Lorraine and April, remember their dear sister and mother, Sharon, at Trees of Love every year as their way of saying thank you for the care and support they all received
Sharon was first cared for by Pilgrims Hospices in October 2018, after a two year fight with bowel cancer. She was in and out of the Canterbury hospice, where she chose to stay for her final days, as she felt it would be easier for her young daughters than having her at home. Those last four days at the hospice were hectic with family coming to visit her often. We were all so close, and I was with her all the way along through her illness especially at the hospice. It was really hard going through it, but it was made so much easier by the care and support everyone at Pilgrims gave us. My two nieces and myself could all stay as long as we wanted – we were with her almost constantly until she died on 9th December.
We are so grateful for everything Pilgrims did for us, and that’s why we all take part in Trees of Love each year – it’s our way of saying thank you. Last year, it was just brilliant, standing together with my kids, remembering her in front of the trees in Canterbury. One of my nieces also takes part at Ashford, and it is lovely to know that we can all remember her together in that way. It was really hard, but we did it, and I know she would love me taking part each year, and supporting the place that looked after her so well. I set up a regular donation because it’s easier knowing Pilgrims will be getting my support every year, and it gives me comfort to know they will always be there for me and my family to help remember her. We all miss Sharon loads, every day we think about her, and I’m looking forward to dedicating my dove again this year.
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
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.
13th November 2020
Camera fans to focus on images for local hospice
Pilgrims Hospices is calling keen photographers to capture images of local views, classic countryside, iconic landmarks and buildings across Thanet, Deal, Dover, Sandwich and surrounding villages.
As part of a mini refurbishment project taking place at the Margate hospice, Jon May, Hospice Services Manager is asking people to submit photographs to brighten patients rooms, communal and staff areas for everyone to enjoy throughout the building.
Jon said: “I hope that members of the public, whether they are keen amateurs, professionals or from local camera clubs, will come forward with images to captivate people’s imagination and hopefully create interesting and thought provoking conversations.
“We have some of the most beautiful countryside, coastline and historical, quirky and fascinating buildings, I’m sure this will inspire people to share their shots with us.
“We have no prizes to award but hope people will take pleasure in knowing that their gift of an amazing photograph will be admired by many within our much loved local charity.”
You can submit photos for consideration digitally at email: [email protected] the closing date for submissions is Monday 14th December 2020; when around 30 photographs will be selected for display within the hospice.
Jon added: “Each photograph selected will be produced as an acrylic piece of artwork and displayed for everyone to enjoy. It’s important to the whole team at Pilgrims, that patients and families feel stress-free and welcome. Photographs of local interest are just one way we can engage in conversations, shared memories and experiences which help people to relax and enjoy a comfortable environment.
The Thanet hospice local management team will shortlist a selection of images for the nurses and ward staff who will make the final selection.
When submitting a photograph please include your name, contact details and name the landmark or view you have submitted.
Photos submitted must be your own work but please do not send images that have your signature on them.
We hope to share the final selection in a Facebook gallery in the new year.
We are really looking forward to seeing your photographs, thank you!
Everyone at Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to ensuring people living with a terminal illness can access the quality care and comfort they deserve, when and where they want it.
If you would like to make a donation to support continued end-of-life-care within our local community please visit our donate page. Or you can get involved with some of Pilgrims Christmas fundraising activities by sending E-Christmas Cards, ordering a Letter from Santa or by taking part in the virtual 10K Winter Wonderland Walk
Visit Pilgrims fundraising area of the website and get involved or simply e-mail the team at [email protected]for fundraising information.
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.
Polly is remembering her Dad, Peter at Pilgrims Trees of Love virtual service this year
Polly tells us about the incredible care her Dad, Peter, received at Pilgrims and why remembering him with a dove is so important to her
My Dad, Peter Neaves, had been fighting cancer for several years, and after a short stay at the Thanet hospice in September 2018, he returned home to be cared for by Pilgrims’ community nurses. The care he received was just amazing, I really don’t know how Pilgrims do the job they do. In October, he went to the Canterbury hospice, where the atmosphere was so homely and warm. Dad was so much more at ease in his last few days, and I couldn’t fault the care and support they gave us. I realised how heavily Pilgrims relies on support from their community, and the possibility that they might not be here if we don’t support gives me all the more reason to take part in Trees of Love to remember my Dad.
A good friend of mine had been dedicating a dove to her husband for several years, and she told us how moving it was, and invited mum and me along with her. It was the first time Mum had been back to the hospice since Dad had died, and it was quite difficult that year – it brought back all our memories. I still can’t go alone, but going to the event with my mum and friend makes it easier. It’s hard to describe – it allows a moment for reflection at what is often a busy time of year, and being in the company of others who have been through similar experiences is comforting somehow.
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for more than 2,500 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.
10th November 2020
High Sheriff, Remony remembers her father at Pilgrims Trees of Love remembrance service
Remony Millwater holds the special position of High Sheriff of Kent for 2020/21; here she shares warm messages with the community, especially those who have been supported and care for by Pilgrims Hospices.
She will be part of the annual Trees of Love remembrance in December saying: “My father, Edward Brice received care from Pilgrims Hospices Home Care team, we were very grateful for their special care and comfort provided for Dad and our family during and after he passed away in the summer of 2011.
Both of my parents were strong Pilgrims Hospices supporters and I wish to continue to be an important part of Pilgrims too
Remony Millwater – High Sheriff of Kent
“Dad died very suddenly, his quick deterioration of about 3 weeks came after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer I remember it well; he was attending the Golf Open on 10th July then became unwell extremely quickly.”
Remony explained: “Both of my parents were strong Pilgrims Hospices supporters and I wish to continue to be an important part of Pilgrims too.
“I became part of the Sandwich fundraising group in 2012 and was secretary with them for two years.”
My father held the position of High Sheriff 40 years ago, I’m very proud to also have the role that has been an important part of our family history, as my Grandfather held the position in 1965, my Father in 1980 and now myself in 2020.
The High Sheriff is nominated for a five year term and it’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community and raise awareness for important charities such a Pilgrims Hospices.
The role is voluntary with no subsidies and appointed by The Queen as her representative for law and order.
“I will be placing a message on my Trees of Love dove and perhaps placing it on the olive tree where I had planted Dad’s sunflower marker earlier this year. Although we will not all be together in December for our annual Trees of Love remembrance services, we can share our love and some special thoughts of those we have lost when we watch the special film the Pilgrims team are putting together, which I am privileged to feature in.
“Although as High Sheriff of Kent this year has been a different and challenging time, my role will still allow me raise awareness of end-of-life care along with many other charities to our Judges and police force and official organisations who continue to provide a large network of support across the county of Kent for those who need care and support.
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for more than 2,500 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.
