26th August 2021

    Charity Cycle Challenge raises £1 millionth pound for Pilgrims Hospices

    Hundreds of brave cyclists took to the lanes and hills of east Kent on Sunday 22 August despite some challenging weather conditions across the county. Their heroic efforts were in support of Pilgrims Hospices, who care for more than 2,500 people each year living with an incurable illness.


    Kent Event Marshals with cyclist Eleanor Keel

    The Cycle Challenge, known as Kent’s biggest bike ride, has been held annually since 2010 and is a favourite among cyclists of all abilities. Riders took on five possible routes from 30 miles up to a leg-testing 125 miles, all starting from the event HQ at the University of Kent, Canterbury.

    This year’s sell-out event returned after a 2020 hiatus and cyclists were determined to show their support regardless of some unseasonable rain affecting portions of the day.

    Event Manager, Robert Grew, told us, “I’m blown away by the incredible efforts of our cyclists, many of whom turn out year after year to support the ride. From early estimations, this year’s ride has raised in excess of £95,000 for hospice care, and sponsorship will be coming in for several weeks to come. This means that we have reached the astonishing milestone of the Cycle Challenge having raised £1 million for hospice care since the very first ride back in 2010!

    “I’m immensely proud of everyone involved in making the event such a safe and enjoyable day. From the fantastic signage volunteers, to the enthusiasm at our rest stops. I’d especially like to thank the local cycle mechanics who supported at rest stops and Kent Event Marshals who had a busy day providing roadside assistance to cyclists from the first to the very last rider. Not to forget our amazing cyclists themselves!”

    Participants collectively cycled over 43,000 miles on Sunday, which is equivalent to riding from London to India more than seven times!

     

    Judy Tsai and Steve Ball from Herne Bay have raised £3,500 in sponsorship.  Steve said: “We had a fantastic day and it’s great to see the Cycle Challenge back again.  We are both very proud to support Pilgrims Hospices, and wish to thank everyone who kindly donated, especially Judy’s family in Thailand who have been very generous in helping us to achieve this brilliant total.”

    Judy Tsai and Steve Ball

     

    Pilgrims Hospices has been providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care for the people of east Kent for over 35 years. From their inpatient units in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, and in patient’s own homes, they support people living with incurable illness to live well; making them comfortable, alleviating pain and enabling them to make the most of the time they have. With just 20% of funding coming from the NHS, the charity relies on the generosity of the local community to continue being there for the families who need them.

    Barretts of Canterbury have been a long-term sponsor of the event, and the business’s CEO, Paul Barrett, was instrumental in the ride’s early years. A keen cyclist himself, he told us, “It’s a real privilege to be part of such a well organised event. I honestly can’t think of another cycling event that comes close to the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge. It’s so polished.

    “The signage and catering are always excellent and the smiles that greet you at every stop keep you going throughout the day.”

    Click here to view photographs from the day on our Facebook page.

    Avid cyclists won’t have to wait too long for next year’s event.

    The Pilgrims Cycle Challenge will be returning to its usual time of year on Sunday 1 May 2022.


    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.

    24th August 2021

    Local solicitors Boys & Maughan join in the Colour Run fun

    Pilgrims Hospices’ Thanet 5k Colour Run is back!

    Many supporters have already signed up to run, jog or walk along the cliff tops of Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday 26 September to raise vital funds to support end of life care in the local area.


    Participants will take part in a 5k run with locations along the route where coloured powders are thrown over the runners.

    Pilgrims supporters local Boys and Maughan solicitors, will be taking part again in this fun-packed event by entering their staff team. Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “It’s great to have the Boys and Maughan team with us again, they’ve taken part in the event in previous years and have been regular supporters of Pilgrims Hospices for some time now. Thank you so much for your continued support.”

    “We really like how people of all ages and fitness levels can join in. Some of our staff plan to walk part or all of the way, or jog very slowly, and they know that this doesn’t matter.

    Ian Priston, Boys & Maughan Solicitors

    Ian Priston from Boys and Maughan Solicitors said:  “Taking part in the Colour Run means a lot to us at Boys and Maughan. There are 13 of our staff taking part, and we hope to increase our sponsorship total we achieved when we last joined in back in 2018.

    “Our team is thoroughly looking forward to being part of the day and getting covered in powdered coloured paints from head to toe. Adding colour to the run makes it a lot more fun and is sure to provide some great photo opportunities for families and friends who are planning to watch.

    “We really like how people of all ages and fitness levels can join in. Some of our staff plan to walk part or all of the way, or jog very slowly, and they know that this doesn’t matter.

    “Most people in east Kent have had some personal experience of the support Pilgrims Hospices provides to individuals and families. There can be no doubt that it makes a huge contribution to the community, so we are always on the lookout for ways in which we can raise money for the hospice or lend a helping hand.”

    This spectacular family fun event has raised over £159,500 for the charity since it began in 2016.

    Karen continued: “The event was so popular, we simply had to offer our supporters an opportunity to take part again. What a great fun way to restart the roll out of our fundraising events here in Thanet, raising important funds for hospice care locally.

    Everyone will receive a running number, white t-shirt, funky colourful glasses and a colour sachet on the day. Be prepared to get messy. You can purchase extra powdered colour sachets at the event for even more spectacular paint clouds. And… what’s more, you will receive a thank you medal from Pilgrims when you cross the finish line.

    The Pilgrims staff and volunteers will be ready and waiting for everyone from 9:00am on Sunday 26 September, with the fun starting at 11.30am.

    Registration is open and will cost £20 for adults and £15 for under 11s until Sunday 5 September, thereafter on the day prices will apply.

    Sign up now at pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun or contact Karen Kenward for further information:

    Photo (left to right): Ian Priston, Emma Moor, Chloe Louca, Mollie Telford, Beverley Thomas, Kelly Ashton and Paula Patton.


    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.

    18th August 2021

    Pilgrims Garden Festival brought summer fun for all the family

    On Sunday 15 August 2021, Pilgrims Hospices hosted a brand-new event within the stunning grounds of Mount Ephraim, Faversham.

    The Pilgrims Garden Festival brought local food and drink producers, plant sellers and crafters together in the market area celebrating local businesses from across east Kent. 


    With something for everyone, people of all ages came along to shop and discover everything from plants, flowers and local wines to hand-made jewellery and textile plant pots! When the shopping was finished, visitors enjoyed a game or two on the coconut shy or tombola before relaxing in the tea party with a cream tea or slice of cake.

    Visitors were left inspired after watching The Nightingale Garden demo on how to create a beautiful hand-tied bouquet, followed by a wine tasting hosted by Clive from Corkk – the English wine specialists.

    Canterbury Community Fundraising Manager Leila Ilkhan said: “We are delighted that our first ever Pilgrims Garden Festival was enjoyed so much by visitors, volunteers and local businesses. After so long not being able to hold events, it was great to welcome the community to come together to support their local hospice.”

    The day finished with a magic show for all the family hosted by Stuart Weller Magic that left visitors marvelling over his tricks.

    A big thank you to our headline sponsors Canterbury Suzuki and to all the other local businesses and volunteers who helped make this event such a huge success, raising nearly £9,500 in vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices.


    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.

    17th August 2021

    All the fun of the fair

    The weather didn’t dampen the fun at the annual Pilgrims Summer Fair held on Saturday 7 August.

    Visitors braved the rain at The Farriers Arms in Mersham, which was a new venue for 2021.


    Hundreds of people still attended to show their support for the local charity who care for people and their families facing an incurable illness. Over £11,500 has been raised so far with the figure still rising.

    The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowles and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge came to show their support for Pilgrims and the much-loved traditional fair. Deirdre Mewse, Pilgrims Fundraising Officer for the Ashford hospice said: “The Mayor and Mayoress were delightful and, despite the showers, between the sunshine they took time to speak with many of our volunteers who do such much to help with our events, along with visitors who came to join in with all the fun of the fair.”

    The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowle and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge with Deirdre Mewse, Fundraising Officer (Pilgrims Hospice Ashford)

     

    Over 75 volunteers helped run a selection of stalls, activities and games on the day. There were old favourites including Bottle Fishing, The Beer Slide and new games to try including Tin Can Alley and The Paper Plane Game.

    Visitors were offered a selection of delicious refreshments including afternoon teas, hog roast and Pimm’s. Faversham Ices were also there volunteering and serving a host of different ice creams.

    We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year.

    Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager

    Magician Geoff Partner and Katie Parker-Green from Once Upon A Dream Parties also gave up their time to help entertain visitors.

    Many local companies showed their support. Hallett & Co Solicitors in Ashford donated a TV for the Grand Draw, along with The Tiger Inn in Stowting who donated a £100 voucher for the Grand Draw.

    Ashford Fundraising Manager Louise Newman said: “We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year. It was great to be back holding a family event in the community we care for, whilst raising much needed funds for the hospices. Despite the challenging weather we still had a great day and we’re so grateful for all the support we received.

    “Whether you volunteered on the day, donated prizes or spent your money at the fair, your contribution is extremely valued and appreciated.

    “Special thanks to landlords Lindsey Best and John Hockley from The Farriers Arms who donated use of their field and supported the event from start to finish.”


    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.

    11th August 2021

    Rob runs London Marathon for Pilgrims in memory of mum

    Rob Maynard from Deal experienced Pilgrims Hospices’ care first-hand when his mum, Susan, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and received support from the charity at the end of her life.

    To give back and say thank you, Rob will run the Virgin Money London Marathon for Pilgrims on Sunday 3 October 2021. He has already raised more than £3,000 of his £5,000 fundraising target, partly through completing the virtual London Marathon in October 2020.


    Susan and Derek on their ruby wedding anniversary

    Susan was married to Rob’s dad, Derek, for 49 years; they missed reaching their golden wedding anniversary by less than three months, but the family still mark special dates like this together. Originally from Portsmouth, the couple moved around for Derek’s job as a Customs Officer while Susan raised their young family: Kirsty, Neil and Rob. Susan taught at primary schools around Deal throughout the 1980s and 90s, before retiring together with Derek when they were both 51.

    Rob said: “They worked hard to retire early because Mum had polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the same degenerative kidney condition that had limited her mum’s life. They wanted to make the most of their later years together, and they got to do the travelling they hadn’t been able to do with a young family now that we were grown up.

    “They always enjoyed the simple pleasure of driving to the south of France to see the sunflowers in July; they were Mum’s favourite flower.”

    Rob with his sunflower

    Rob and his family also take part in Pilgrims’ annual Sunflower Memories event, where they remember Susan with a sunflower memory marker in the hospice gardens.

    As Susan’s kidney condition worsened, she required dialysis and the search for a donor began. Rob’s sister Kirsty was best placed to be her donor.

    Rob added: “After receiving Kirsty’s donated kidney, Mum was frequently in hospital with various infections. All along, unbeknownst to us, MND was creeping up on her. We all did what we could to make her life as comfortable and fulfilled as possible.

    “She went into hospital in October 2018 and was seldom home except for a week from Christmas eve to new year, which was amazing. We went to a Christingle service from my parents’ house, and when we returned an hour later, the ambulance had delivered her home – the best Christmas present!”

    By January 2019, Susan’s condition had deteriorated and she was referred to Pilgrims.

    Rob said: “Moving Mum from a hospital ward and into Pilgrims was the best course at that stage. Mum died in the Canterbury hospice on 22 January 2019, aged 71. My dad and one of her best friends were by her bedside.

    “Before Mum went to Pilgrims, I didn’t know much about hospices, how they care for the whole family not just the patient. It was comforting to know she was in the best place for her complex needs. The fact my dad could stay overnight was a massive comfort and convenience, allowing him to spend as much time as possible with her before the inevitable.

    To know that the care and dignity my mum received has and will be valued by so many other families in our local area makes Pilgrims, their staff and supporters very special and important.”

    Rob

    “The most important thing was that she could spend her remaining time in a peaceful environment with dignity. The care that Pilgrims staff gave Mum was personal and empathetic, allowing our family to enjoy the time we had left with her. It was also an opportunity to invite friends from far afield to see her and say goodbye. All the grandchildren saw her a few times in her last weeks at Pilgrims. This simply wouldn’t have been possible if she’d been on a hospital ward.

    “From my perspective, Pilgrims provides the best possible end of life experience for the terminally ill, their friends and family. To know that the care and dignity my mum received has and will be valued by so many other families in our local area makes Pilgrims, their staff and supporters very special and important.”

    Rob was due to run the London Marathon for Pilgrims in April 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant this was postponed. Instead, he completed the virtual event in and around Deal in October 2020:

    “I did this alone but on the same day as members of a local club, Deal Tri, which meant the support on the route was fabulous. It was all very muted at the finish due to the restrictions in place, but for that event in total I raised around £3,000.

    “My close family are supporting me in giving back to Pilgrims and helping me achieve a lifelong ambition to run a marathon. Running for a great cause makes the pain of training worth it, and the event itself will be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.”

    Rob has also received generous donations from friends, customers and colleagues.

    My marathon training itself has led to some very emotional times. On the big day this October, the thought of how proud my mum would be of me will keep me going.

    Rob

    He continued: “I’m choosing to fundraise for Pilgrims to help support the fabulous work they do for patients and families in east Kent. I’m sure everyone who is touched by them feels compelled to give something back.

    “My marathon training itself has led to some very emotional times. On the big day this October, the thought of how proud my mum would be of me will keep me going. Ultimately, my mum’s passing at Pilgrims has its legacy in my love of running and the opportunity of running the London Marathon; for that, I will be eternally grateful.”

    You can keep up to date with the Rob’s fundraising journey on his Virgin Money Giving fundraising page.

    Inspired to follow in Rob’s footsteps and run the London Marathon for Pilgrims? Charity places for 2022 are available; apply here.


    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.

    5th August 2021

    Jo and Jim’s journey supporting local hospice care

    Reverend Jo Richards and husband Jim from Canterbury are keen supporters of Pilgrims Hospices; over the years, they have raised more than £1,600 for local hospice care.


    As a priest and rector in the area, Jo often supports those approaching the end of life, and in 2012 she did her chaplaincy placement at Pilgrims.

    The couple have also experienced first-hand Pilgrims’ holistic, compassionate services through loved ones cared for by the charity.

    Jo and Jim at the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2021

    In 2008, the couple’s close friend and their daughter Hannah’s godmother, Dawn Smith, died in the Canterbury hospice. Three years later, Jo’s grandmother, Mary Pocock, died in the Margate hospice.

    Jo said: “I hold Pilgrims close to my heart, both personally and professionally. When Dawn died, that was the first time I had experienced the love, care and attention Pilgrims’ staff give to their patients. It just seemed different to anything I’d witnessed before. Then when my grandmother died, again the same level of care and compassion was offered to her and our family. One abiding memory is that she died just after her 95th birthday; on that occasion, her bed was wheeled into a room where the whole family gathered around her and we celebrated with food and a cake – a memory to cherish forever.

    “More recently, as the local priest, I have been called to offer bedside prayers and last rites to those who are close to the end; again, nothing is ever too much trouble for the Pilgrims team. Likewise, through members of our congregation I have seen first-hand what the Hospice at Home service means to those who wish to die at home.

    “The whole hospice movement, from its inauguration in 1967 at St Christopher’s Hospice in London by Dame Cicely Saunders, resonates with me. I really believe in its philosophy, enabling someone to have a ‘good death’ along with the love, support and care given to the family.”

    Jim added: “Pilgrims is an important part of our east Kent community, offering a connection to people from all walks of life when they need it the most. I’m keen to support a local charity, and I admire the work of the hospice movement in providing the best care and experience for those with terminal illnesses, and the support it provides to their families and friends.”

    In 2019, Jo and Jim completed the Pilgrims Way Challenge, choosing the 35km route from Canterbury to Dover. They took part again in 2021, this time walking the longest distance – 55km from Wye to Dover. Jim will undertake the Cycle Challenge for a second time on Sunday 22 August 2021. During lockdowns, the couple completed the Walk the Underground virtual hike and Jim is currently doing the UK End to End Virtual Cycle.

    Jo continued: “My passion is walking, and to get fit for the 55km was a real challenge; the 35km route was manageable, so we wanted to push ourselves to go further. It was a personal challenge and to do it for the hospices, to raise awareness and support them, was the very least we could do. We’ve had support from family, friends and the congregations in Canterbury of the three churches I’m responsible for: St Dunstan’s, St Mildred’s and St Peter’s. The event organisation was incredible all the way through – the welcome from volunteers was lovely and the food along the way was excellent. We very much want to do it again next year.

    “Pilgrims offer an invaluable service. It is a resource available to us all, and therefore should be funded by us all. It’s the least we can do to help support it financially.”

    Main image taken by Andrew Hastings.


    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.

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