Team Chocolate Orange share the love with Pilgrims Hospices
A Chocolate Orange treat for staff on all three Pilgrims Hospices sites was delivered by Allan Pippard from Faversham Town Walking Football in December 2022.
Allan and his wife Joanne arrived with 300 donated oranges to bring festive cheer to staff throughout the charity on behalf of Team Chocolate Orange. It’s their way of sending a much-deserved thank you for providing essential services 365 days a year, caring for those in need and their loved ones, and for always being there when they are needed.
The Team Chocolate Orange campaign was started by Chris Lamb, whose son, Elliott, spent a lot of time in hospital and very sadly passed away just before Christmas 2010, aged just four years old. The following year, Chris decided he wanted to do something positive to cherish Elliott’s memory and Team Chocolate Orange was born. Seeing the campaign as a way to turn a negative into a positive, Chris embarked on a mission to thank NHS staff for all they did and decided to give a Chocolate Orange to as many of them as he could.
Having started in St. Helens, Merseyside in 2011 with 145 Chocolate Oranges, the campaign, now running in areas from Newcastle to London, has resulted in over 100,000 donated Chocolate Oranges being gifted to deserving recipients.
Allan and Jo have a personal connection to Pilgrims Hospices; Jo’s Mum, Diane Mewett was cared for by the Canterbury care team in the Spring of 2017. Diane expressed a special wish to be part of her daughter’s wedding and celebrate alongside her family. Allan and Jo brought their wedding plans forward, and the team at the hospice did everything they could to help the family make a truly memorable day. A fabulous white wedding and blessing took place within the gardens and family room, where Diane was able to share the couple’s special day.
Jo and Allan with Jo’s mum, Diane, on their wedding day at the hospice
While delivering the chocolatey treats, they were reunited with some of the care team who looked after Jo’s Mum.
Allan said: “We are delighted to be the bearers of these treats for the hospices, we are regular supporters of Team Chocolate Orange at Faversham Walking Football and are delighted to be here to deliver some good cheer to Pilgrims.
“The care that the whole family received while Diane was at the hospice was very special, and the wedding gave us a life-long special memory to keep.”
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims community fundraising manager said: “On behalf of everyone at Pilgrims Hospices I would like to say a very big thank you to you for thinking of our charity and delivering Chocolate Oranges for our staff to enjoy.
“It is heart-warming to see people in our community wanting to spread some joy and I look forward to sharing your token of gratitude with our nurses, doctors and wider clinical teams over the next couple of days.
“Team Chocolate Orange has started something truly fantastic, and it is wonderful that you are bringing this to Kent to continue this generous act of giving.”
Pilgrims support thousands of patients and their families in east Kent each year. The gift of a Chocolate Orange to each of the team will no doubt be enjoyed with a cup of tea on tea breaks and lunch times. Pilgrims wish to thank Allan and Joanne Pippard and Faversham Walking Football for such a kind gesture and would like to wish them a very merry Christmas.
You can keep up to date with Team Chocolate Orange on Facebook and Twitter.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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.
Tree-mendous news!
Tree-mendous news, Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Tree Recycling is returning to Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet this festive season.
The environmentally-friendly fundraising initiative makes saying farewell to your festive fir as easy as possible, so that you can enjoy a hassle-free end of the festive period, in the knowledge that you are supporting a much-loved local charity.
Help Pilgrims to take care of the planet and hospice patients one tree at a time!
All you have to do is register on Pilgrims’ website and make a donation of your choice. Pilgrims’ volunteer elves will collect your real tree from your doorstep, where it will continue on a journey to be recycled.
There’s no need to mess up your car with pine needles, Pilgrims volunteers will do all the hard work for you and, in return, you will be helping to support the vital end-of-life care of local people through your donation.
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices Fundraising Manager said: “It’s really important to dispose of your real tree in a sustainable way. We are grateful for the support of Canterbury City Council, the incredible ongoing support of Ashford Borough Council, who have now supported the campaign for 11 years, Thanet District Council, and the huge number of volunteers, and local businesses who give up their time to help us raise vital funds in early January. Our last, and first, Christmas Tree Recycling campaign raised in excess of an amazing £42,000 and more than 2,250 real trees were collected by Pilgrims Hospices across east Kent. We hope the lovely and supportive local community will do the same again this year.”
Canterbury area
The doorstep collections will take place between 6 – 9 January 2023, but you need to register by midnight on Monday 2 January to book your collection. If you live in Canterbury, Sturry, Chartham, Bridge, Herne Bay, Chestfield, Whitstable, Seasalter or surrounding villages within the Canterbury City Council area, Pilgrims’ elves will come and collect your real Christmas tree!
Ashford area
The doorstep collections will take place between 14 – 16 January 2023, but you need to register by midnight on Monday 9 January to book your collection. If you live in Ashford, Tenterden, Charing, Wye. Appledore, Chilham or surrounding villages within the Ashford Borough Council area, Pilgrims elves’ will come and collect your real Christmas tree!
Thanet area
The doorstep collections will take place between 6 – 9 January 2023, but you need to get registered by midnight on Monday 2 January to book your collection. If you live in Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Margate, Westgate-on-Sea, Birchington, St Nicholas-at-Wade, Minster or all the surrounding villages Pilgrims elves will come and collect your real Christmas tree!
Faversham drop-off recycling station
If you live outside of the Canterbury City Council area, you can still support Pilgrims Hospices and recycle your real Christmas tree. You can bring your tree to Pilgrims designated drop-station at Macknade, Faversham, ME13 8XF on Saturday 7 (9:00 – 16:00) and Sunday 8 (10:00 – 16:00) January 2023. Please book online in advance here for the drop-off station at Macknade.
The scheme is delivered with the fir-tastic support of Kent County Council (KCC) and Kent’s Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC), FCC Environment, together with the local councils, all the parties are helping Pilgrims to recycle the trees; all for a good claus.
For information or images, please contact the Pilgrims Hospices Fundraising team at [email protected].
For more information about KCC, please visitkccmediahub.net.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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.
East Kent’s largest remembrance services returned in December 2022
Pilgrims Hospices’ Trees of Love saw thousands come together to remember loved ones in December 2022.
Pilgrims Hospices welcomed over 2,000 local people to their Trees of Love remembrance services, held at venues across east Kent during the first weeks of December 2022.
Each year, Pilgrims host remembrance services with carols in the grounds of their three hospices at Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, where huge festive trees are lit up in memory of lost loved ones. Adorned with beautiful doves bearing personal messages, many from across east Kent shared their special memories together at these festive events. The hospice also collaborates with other venues in the community, holding services in in Barham, Charing, Cheriton, River and New Romney, allowing more people to attend.
Ellie Cane, Pilgrims Hospices Individual Giving Officer, said: “During the pandemic we were unable to bring everyone together in person, so we were delighted to welcome everyone back to our hospices this year for the return of our remembrance services. Our thanks go to everyone who has 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.”
She added: “So far, we have raised over £47,000 for local hospice care from generous donations to the Trees of Love appeal. This is such an amazing amount, which will help us continue to provide our expert care and support on our wards and in people’s own homes. It really will make the difference for our patients and their families when they need us the most.”
Visitors to the hospice services on Saturday 3 December 2022 were welcomed by the charity’s Spiritual Care Leads at Thanet and Ashford, and guest Lead Rev Stefan Thomas at Canterbury, to enjoy readings from staff and volunteers, and sing carols accompanied by local choirs. Refreshments of mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine were on offer to keep guests warm on that frosty night.
Of the combined community and hospice effort it takes to host these events every year, Ellie said: “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.”
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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.
15th December 2022
Natalie Sutton – Pilgrims’ first Nurse Associate
Natalie Sutton has recently qualified in a brand new role as a Nurse Associate within the nursing team at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet.
She has been a valued Health Care Assistant (HCA) within the care team for six years, her new role will be working with healthcare support workers, and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and their families. It’s also a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.
Natalie is 35 years old and lives with her husband James in Ramsgate, she told us that after leaving school, she went to college to study child care, and pursued a career caring for young children. Thereafter she spent a number of years enjoying a career in retail. However, in her heart of hearts, she knew that care was in her blood, but didn’t quite know which area to choose.
Natalie Sutton, Nurse Associate
After nine years with Sainsbury’s, Natalie applied to work with a nursing agency, undertaking some domiciliary roles, working in peoples’ homes and care homes, she enjoyed the role, caring for a wide variety of people over two and a half years.
She said: “While I was with the nursing agency, I looked after someone who was dying, and the colleague I worked alongside, shared her skills and knowledge with me; I learned so much about the correct procedures, and it truly sparked my interest in palliative care.
“I decided to look for career opportunities with Pilgrims Hospices. My mum is a Palliative Specialist Nurse (PSN) with Pilgrims, and when I explained how I felt, she said that Pilgrims is a great place to work, and there might be opportunities for me to find a role within the care team.
“I joined as a Health Care Assistant, and loved supporting with patients’ personal care, dietary requirements and much more. These are some of the elements that nurses don’t always have time to do in their busy shifts.
In 2019, Natalie read about a brand new role of Nurse Associate that Pilgrims were going to add to the care team. It meant going to university as an apprentice while still working. “I was really interested, especially as this would allow me to continue working while taking on the university study. I would not have been able to afford to go back to full-time study.
“I knew at this point I was really interested in taking my care career to the next level. In 2020, I took up a place to study at Canterbury Christchurch University, knowing it was a two-year programme to qualify. Pilgrims were really supportive and I completed my protected learning at the Canterbury hospice, giving me some time away from my HCA day role in Thanet, allowing me some quality time to really focus on the new training.
“Initially, I felt quite overwhelmed and I wasn’t sure if would be able to manage the training, but with my husband’s and colleagues’ support, I soon got into my stride. I trained myself to find the best ways of learning and study, and soon came to grips with the essays and assignments to complete.”
In Natalie’s new role she will be assisting the nurses with their daily jobs, including medicine management, admissions and discharges.
As the first homegrown Nurse Associate, Natalie was instrumental in the selection of the brand new uniform for the role.
“I’m really enjoying my new role, I’ve also been able to share some of my training experiences with other HCAs that may encourage them to consider the opportunity. I’m always happy to share my experiences, Pilgrims are hoping to have a Nurse Associate at the Ashford and Canterbury sites too.”
When asked if she might consider taking her skills to the next level, and become a registered nurse she said: “Yes, perhaps in the future, but just now, I’m really enjoying my new role. Everyone here has been incredibly supportive and respectful of my new skills, I’m delighted to be part of Pilgrims’ care, we have the most amazing bond amongst our team.
“The whole team feel passionately about end-of-life care for patients and their families, and we know from personal experience that the people we care for are immensely grateful for our help.”
Kate White, Pilgrims Hospices Head of Nursing said: “I would like to say a massive congratulations to Natalie on becoming our first ‘ homegrown’ Nurse Associate! Her hard work and dedication has paid off, we are very proud of her.
“The new nursing associate (NA) role was introduced in England to bridge the gap between health care assistants and registered nurses. We hope to support further members of Pilgrims’ care team to take up these opportunities.”
If you would like to know more about care opportunities within Pilgrims Hospices, please visit pilgrimshospices.org/vacancies for more information.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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.
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.
14th December 2022
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun with Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Run! Tri-Series
Hundreds of festive fundraisers braved the chilly temperatures and embraced the ho, ho, holiday spirit on Sunday 11 December 2022 as they dashed along Margate seafront at Santas on the Seashore! all for a good Claus.
Margate was filled with Christmas cheer as more than 250 honorary Santas and elves ran, jogged, skipped and walked their way along the 3k or 5k route in support of Pilgrims Hospices, who care for thousands of local people each year who are living with an incurable illness.
The event is supported by a number of local companies and organisations, including Wahl. Grace Gummer from the east Kent-based company told us: “We love supporting this fantastic festive event for such a deserving local charity. It brings the community together and raises money in aid of the great care that Pilgrims Hospices offer families at such a difficult time.”
Early estimations show that this year, Santas on the Run! Tri-Series will raise in excess of £25,000. This could help fund the entire cost of Pilgrims Hospices community care teams for five days, as they provide specialist end-of-life care to patients spending Christmas at home with their families, and creating lasting memories.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Watching over 250 Santas and elves run, jog and walk through Margate on Sunday was truly a sight to been seen. Many drivers beeped their horns, and passersby cheered them all the way. I would like to personally thank Margate Ambulance, Pete our DJ, Sarah for our warm-up, Jackie on catering, Pilgrims Hospices staff, volunteers and all of our incredible supporters who came out to support this event in the cold to help raise further funding to support all of our services. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!”
Santas on the Seashore is part of Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Run Tri Series, with festive runs taking place over three consecutive weekends in Herne Bay, Folkestone and Margate. Since the event began in 2017, Santas on the Run! has become a family tradition in the seaside towns as a way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, and has gone on to raise over £161,000 for local hospice care.
Pilgrims Hospices would like to thank everyone who joined in the jolliest jogs of the year this festive season, and wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of 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.
Thousands raised at Pilgrims Hospices Victorian Christmas Fayre
Pilgrims Hospices first Victorian Christmas Fayre held at Kennington Hall on 19 and 20 November 2022 was a huge success and started the charity’s annual festive fundraising events.
Over £13,000 was raised and 1,200 people attended the beautiful Georgian country house to show their support for the local charity who provide free end of life care throughout east Kent.
Visitors enjoyed delicious refreshments, crafts, festive bargains, games galore, live music from the Invicta Ukulele Club and Hythe U3a Swing Band.
There was also lots to keep children entertained in the craft corner, including decorate a gingerbread man or paint a plate. The man of the moment, Father Christmas himself, also handed out presents to lots of excited children.
Special guest appearances from Superman, Wonder Woman and Elsa from Frozen also added to the entertainment, along with the cast of Cinderella from Ashford Theatre Society.
Many local companies and organisations showed their support and donated towards the weekend, including Supercups Vending Ltd, Bigjigs Toys, Wye Butchers, Bradleys, Tesco Crooksfoot, Ashford South Active Retirement Association and Korkers Sausages.
Community Fundraising Manager, Louise Newman, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who donated items or joined us on the day. Many thanks to all of our 100 strong team of volunteers who helped to make this success possible.
A big thank you to Roby and her team at Kennington Hall who supported the weekend from start to finish and went the extra mile to make the fayre possible.”
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of 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.