Julie puts her best foot forward for Pilgrims every day
Occupational Therapy is an essential component of the care and services provided by Pilgrims Hospices. Julie Cox is an Occupational Therapist based in the Thanet hospice, with a career in social services spanning over two decades, she’s dedicated her skills to the hospices for the past six years.
Her role as a Palliative Specialist Occupational Therapist has supported hundreds of patients with their personalised practical, psychological and emotional needs of people approaching end of life.
Julie said: “My role at Pilgrims is always interesting; I support patients on the ward and out in the community. Applying my skills to meet each individual’s needs can be really rewarding. Whether it is providing the correct piece of equipment to allow someone to get home or improve their independence, encouraging patients to continue to do the things that are important to them or, to give them support to manage symptoms, it’s a unique place of work.”
Julie with some of her medals
She added: “It’s been a difficult and challenging 18 months for the team at Pilgrims Hospices. For my own wellbeing, I love to be outside and I have enjoyed taking on some interesting fundraising challenges this year. It’s been fun, keeping me fit and also helped with fundraising for Pilgrims.”
Julie took part in the Canterbury Half Marathon in August, she explained: “The runners pass close to where I live in Canterbury, and I’ve been cheering them along for around 20 years now! I was never a runner up until around 10 years ago when I thought I would give it a go. I’m pleased I did the Canterbury Half, it was a challenge but so rewarding to have completed it.”
Julie has just completed the virtual London Marathon. Along with her running, Julie has taken on the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge over the years. Doing the 55k Pilgrims Way Challenge walk was the hardest one of all and there was a real sense of achievement arriving at Dover Castle after a long day walking.
Well done Julie for being a superstar fundraiser and one of our extremely valued hospice team.
Pilgrims palliative specialist occupational therapy offers personalised support for social, practical and emotional needs of people approaching end of life.
It enables people and their families to live independently and maintain meaningful occupations in accordance with their preferences for as long as they are able.
Occupational Therapy aims to bring purpose and meaning to a person’s life by promoting independence, choice, dignity and quality of life. Occupational Therapists work with patients and those important to them, together with the multidisciplinary team, to identify priorities and goals. Pilgrims Hospices’ Occupational Therapists work with people in the hospice, in their own homes or via the virtual Therapy Centre.
If you are interested in working for Pilgrims Hospices, click here for more information on available opportunities: pilgrimshospices.org/jobs
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.
22nd October 2021
NHS team get colourful for local hospice care in memory of colleague Trish
On 26 September 2021, laughter and colourful powder paint filled the air in Palm Bay, Cliftonville as hundreds walked, jogged and ran the Thanet 5k Colour Run to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. Amongst them were a team from the cardiology department at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), who took part in memory of their much-loved colleague, Trish Penman.
The team has raised almost £1,000 to help ensure that Pilgrims’ holistic, compassionate services continue to be available to people across east Kent who are living with a terminal illness.
Trish
Trish worked at the QEQM, Kent and Canterbury and William Harvey hospitals in cardiology, respiratory and A&E. She was 49 when she diagnosed with advanced cancer in November 2020, and was supported by Pilgrims at the end of her life; she died in the Thanet hospice on 31 July 2021.
Catherine Goult, Chief Cardiac Physiologist at EKHUFT, said:
“Trish was known and loved around the Trust for her smile, her twerking, her generosity of spirit and her phenomenal work ethic. When she was diagnosed, she made her wish known that she would like to spend her final days in Pilgrims Hospices; she felt it was somewhere she and her two boys could be cared for and supported at that time.”
Catherine
Catherine and her colleagues decided to enter the Thanet 5k Colour Run so that Pilgrims’ vital services can continue to be offered to those who need them in the future. They have been supported in their fundraising by many kind people, and aim to plan a few more fundraising activities to reach their £1,000 target.
She continued: “It was moving to be at the start with so many other people whose lives had also been touched by Pilgrims; reading the messages on their numbers and t-shirts made it clear that everyone was there for a reason close to their heart. It was a great way to celebrate the life of our friend because the day was filled with laughter and colour! We loved seeing people’s costumes, too.
“Trish would have loved the warm-up because she loved music and dancing and was so energetic. The atmosphere was great and everyone was just having fun. The colour cannons made sure that we all finished fully covered in powder paint!
“From the registration process through to the marshals on the day and the very welcome packet of crisps at the end (best crisps I’ve ever had!), at every point everyone was so kind. It made us feel proud that we’d achieved something together in Trish’s memory; the medals are also really unique and quirky, they’re a great souvenir of the day.”
Pilgrims means a lot to us because death is something that we will all have to face at some point. It can be a frightening time, but Pilgrims can take away some of the fear and pain; they can alleviate suffering and bring humanity, dignity and even joy into those final days.
Catherine
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “It was lovely to welcome Catherine and her colleagues to support this year’s Thanet Colour Run. This event always brings so much fun, laugher and colour to all who join it each year. It’s just wonderful to see so many people come together to support our charity in such a joyous way, and in turn help raise incredible funding for the next person who needs us. Thank you all so very much and enjoy your well-earned medals with pride; we hope to see you next year.”
Catherine added:
“Pilgrims was there for Trish and her family at the hardest time they’ve ever had to face. Trish was given comfort and dignity during the final days of her life.
“Pilgrims means a lot to us because death is something that we will all have to face at some point. It can be a frightening time, but Pilgrims can take away some of the fear and pain; they can alleviate suffering and bring humanity, dignity and even joy into those final days. The hospice is a sanctuary that helps us to focus on the present and live each moment.”
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.
21st October 2021
Paul and Alfie go the distance for local hospice care
On Sunday 22 August 2021, Paul Maxted and his son, Alfie, from Ashford cycled 50 miles around east Kent, raising more than £700 for local hospice care.
They wanted to support Pilgrims Hospices after the charity cared for two family members – Paul’s dad, Robert (Bob) John Maxted, and his father-in-law, Roger (Rog) Thomas Bent.
It has been an emotionally challenging year for the family; Bob passed away aged 69 years on 27 June 2021, and Rog died shortly after, aged 74, on 18 July 2021.
Robert (Bob) Maxted
Paul said: “Following long battles with terminal illnesses, we lost my father to cancer and Rog to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) within three weeks of each other; it was devastating, to say the least. The most painful part was watching them both succumb to these terrible illnesses as my wife and I provided care and support. We were lucky to have two such wonderful, loving and inspirational role models in our lives, and we gain some comfort in knowing we carry them in our hearts and thoughts for eternity.
“Pilgrims cared for my dad and Rog both on the hospice ward and at home at the end of their lives. They were superb, providing equipment, personal care and support to them and our family. The staff showed real empathy and understanding; they were never too busy to take a call or give us time to understand what was happening, all the way until the end.”
Roger (Rog) Bent
To give back and say thank you, Paul and his son Alfie decided to take on the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge to ensure that other families continue to benefit from local hospice care.
Paul added: “I’m a keen footballer and runner but cycling isn’t my choice of activity! So this was a real challenge for me (and my rear end). I’m so grateful for the support we’ve received from family and friends; any donation, no matter how big or small, is hugely appreciated.
“Pilgrims made a very sad time easier for both my dad and Rog during their battles, giving us as a family a small piece of comfort knowing that they did not suffer. We want to support Pilgrims so that more people can receive the level of empathy and care we did, both now and in the future.”
You can still sponsor Paul and Alfie now that they have completed their challenge by visiting their JustGiving page.
Inspired to get on your bike and fundraise for Pilgrims?
Cycle Challenge returns on Sunday 1 May 2022; register your interest today:
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.
The Provincial Grand Lodges of Mark Master Masons of Kent have supported Pilgrims Hospices with an incredible £16,000 donation from their Mark Benevolent Fund (split between Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury £5,000, Pilgrims Hospice Thanet £5,000 and Pilgrims Hospice Ashford £6,000). Sixteen Mark lodges in the Province nominated Pilgrims Hospices to receive £1,000 from their lodge.
The donation, which is part of the Major Capital Grant of £1.3m to over 250 hospices in England, Wales, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, recognises the contribution made by HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to the service of the Crown and the life of the nation.
The first presentation of the day for £5,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Thanet and was attended by Ralph Apperley, Neil Drakley, Peter Jenkins and Reg Pritchard representing, Holmesdale 129, Granville 390, Sandwich Haven 796, St Peter in Thanet 1053 and Ramsgate 1073 Mark lodges.
The second presentation for £5,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury and was attended by Peter Dowling, Bob Mitchell, Cliff Norris, Tony Lay and Peter Lapage who represented, Dover and Cinque Ports 152, St Marin’s 262, Herne Bay 771, Whitstable 983 and Cantwara-Byrig 1168 Mark lodges.
The third presentation for £6,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Ashford and was attended by James Stretton, Peter West, Peter Dowling and Colin Griffiths who represented Amherst 266, Invicta 378, Folkestone 380, Crane 1157 and Romney Marsh 1417 Mark lodges.
Sue Sharp, Director of Income Generation of Pilgrims Hospices welcomed the donation by saying:
“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome members from the The Provincial Grand Lodges of Mark Master Masons of Kent who all came together to support their local Pilgrims Hospices by visiting each hospices garden. The past year has been very challenging for Pilgrims, like for many of us, so it is with deep gratitude that we have received such a generous donation which will help ensure we are able to continue providing our compassionate care and support to our patients and their families in our hospices or in the community, even in difficult times.”
W.Bro. Martyn Summers, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Kent summed up the day with the following quote:
“We are absolutely delighted that sixteen Mark lodges chose to support the Pilgrims Hospices located in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford. We are all aware of the toll that the pandemic has taken on charities across the country and hope that this small gift will go some way to help enhance patient care and provide improved facilities for those in need and their families.”
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 October 2021
Hospice nurse retires after almost 50 years of caring service
Sue Clark from Canterbury has enjoyed a long career in nursing; starting out as a children’s nurse, she then moved to caring for elderly patients. Finally, Sue spent the last 15 years of her career at Pilgrims Hospices, supporting adults approaching the end of life.
Now, aged 65, she is looking forward to retirement with a sense of gratitude and appreciation that has come from working with hospice patients.
Originally from Bracknell, Berkshire, at 16 years old Sue became a nursing cadet. She trained in orthopaedic and general nursing at Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children, qualifying in 1978.
Sue moved to east Kent with her best friend from nursing school, whose father managed the local cottage hospitals and got Sue a job at Herne Hospital. She also worked at Nunnery Fields Hospital in Canterbury, and further afield in south-east London, before moving to Kent and Canterbury Hospital in the 1990s.
She said: “I initially wanted to be an air stewardess! But I really loved caring for people and became interested in children’s nursing. It’s funny – I started out working with children and ended up at the other side of life.”
At Pilgrims, we care for the patient and the whole family. It’s not like in hospital; we can get involved, we have the time to get to know families.
Sue
In between, Sue did some community nursing work with Marie Curie, supporting patients with terminal illnesses. This was her first experience of working in palliative care, and in 2006 she joined Pilgrims as a Registered General Nurse (RGN).
In 2019, she gave up her registration and spent her last two years of service working as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA).
Sue continued: “At Pilgrims, we care for the patient and the whole family. It’s not like in hospital; we can get involved, we have the time to get to know families. We’re also able to provide aftercare for loved ones, too.
“I love being hands on with basic nursing care, and the HCA role enabled me to do even more of this so I really enjoyed it.”
Working at Pilgrims, you realise that life is so short. I just want to enjoy retirement with my husband and make the most of every moment.
Sue
Kate White, Head of Nursing at Pilgrims, said: “To dedicate 50 years to nursing is a huge achievement and shows strength of character. I cannot imagine how many patients and their families have been cared for by Sue in all this time!
“We wish her all the very best for a well-deserved retirement and thank her for her commitment to Pilgrims.”
Now that she has retired, Sue is looking forward to catching up with friends, spending time with family and planning a few mini-breaks.
She added: “Working at Pilgrims, you realise that life is so short. I just want to enjoy retirement with my husband and make the most of every moment.”
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 patients 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.
11th October 2021
Martyn braves Firewalk and other challenges for local hospice care
Martyn Battrick from Hawkinge near Folkestone experienced Pilgrims Hospices first-hand when his mother, Mary (Madge) Elliott Battrick, was cared for at the Ashford hospice in 2004.
To give back and say thank you, Martyn is a keen fundraiser for Pilgrims; to date, he has raised more than £500 for local hospice care.
Martyn completed the Pilgrims Way Challenge in June 2021, and will brave a barefoot Firewalkacross red-hot coals held in the Ashford hospice gardens on 29 October 2021. He also plans to take on the Three Peaks Challenge for Pilgrims in 2022. His fantastic fundraising will enable the charity to keep providing vital, compassionate care to people across east Kent when they need it the most.
Mary was born in Waterhouses, County Durham on 26 February 1922. During WW2, she was an ambulance and heavy vehicle driver for the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). She met her husband, David, at that time in Hull, Yorkshire, where he was working as a Naval Officer. They married in 1945 and enjoyed a rich and varied life, raising a family and travelling around the world, and living in Plymouth, Devon and Durban, South Africa – where David sadly died on 16 June 1997.
Mary (third from left) with her ATS friends during WW2
On the morning of that day, Martyn took on and successfully completed his biggest challenge to date, the famous Comrades Marathon (a 90km ultramarathon) with an 11 hour cut-off, in his dad’s name.
Martyn said: “If you don’t make it you get nothing; no medal, no ribbon, no certificate – nothing! My time was 10h 44m 01s. I’d seen Dad in hospital the day before and told him I was a little unsure of my ability to do the run (having never run that far before – most was 56km – and I’d never previously failed at anything I had set out to do). We expected Dad to come home from hospital on the Monday, but he died of a myocardial infarct at 04:30 that day, whilst I was walking in the dark to the start of the race. They called me on the PA system but I didn’t hear it.
“Dad’s last words to me as he called me back from leaving when Mum arrived to sit with him were, “Get the medal for me”. I heard of his death at about the 55km mark but resolved to get the medal first and foremost and deal with the sadness later. I got the medal and it was cremated with him.”
Mary and David at home in South Africa (1985)
Mary found it difficult being without her life partner. She returned to England and settled in Folkestone; near to her eldest son, Michael, and her daughter, Barbie (who had also recently returned to England from Durban). David would have been 100 years old on 22 October 2021.
Later in life, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Mary spent time in Pilgrims Hospice Ashford where she died on 22 March 2004.
Mary with her grandson, David, at the Ashford hospice (March 2004)
Martyn continued: “I was still overseas when Mum went into the hospice, though I had visited her a couple of months before then. After her diagnosis, she moved in with my brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Ros, in Folkestone and remained in their care until she was admitted to Pilgrims.
Mary and David on David’s naval business in Antwerp (c. 1950)
“My eldest son, David, travelled from South Africa to see his grandma in the hospice.
“Michael and Ros visited daily. After Mum had a stroke they and Barbie kept up a 24-hour vigil at her bedside. The medical staff were truly excellent, and could not have been more kind, helpful, and understanding. We were more impressed than we could ever say. Thank you.”
Martyn now enjoys supporting Pilgrims by taking on fundraising challenges for the charity.
He said: “I entered the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2021 with my niece, Samantha (Mum’s granddaughter), and her husband, Steve. We chose the 55km route from Wye to Dover – the 25km and 35km were out of the question for me, I’m an all or nothing man! – and completed it in under 11 hours, including stops. We’ll likely do it again!
“Now we know about the various events Pilgrims offer, we will do more. I’ve already signed up for theFirewalk challenge on 29 October 2021 and plan to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge in mid-2022. We’re supported in our fundraising by family, both here and overseas, and others including staff at Saga in Folkestone, where Samantha works.”
Martyn added: “Pilgrims is a kind and caring organisation, there to comfort and support those who are facing their last days; the benefit of knowing that the best that can be done is in place gives relief and solace to families at a very difficult time.
“As a family, we know from personal experience about Pilgrims’ wonderful work; we fundraise so that this can continue. We also know others who have been supported by the charity, and we have friends who have volunteered for Pilgrims, too. It’s a local charity for the people of Kent – our home.”
Mary with her four children: Martyn from South Africa, Barbie, Robert from North Carolina, USA, and Michael behind (February 2004 )
Pilgrims Events Manager, Robert Grew, explained: “It’s supporters like Martyn and his family that mean Pilgrims can continue being there for the many others that will need our care in the future. By taking on such challenges and raising vital sponsorship, he is enabling others to receive the skilled and compassionate end-of-life care they deserve, just like Mary.
“I’m sure thoughts of his mother will bolster his nerve and spur him across the Firewalk on 29 October. Good luck, Martyn!”
You can keep up with Martyn’s fundraising and sponsor him on 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.
