As the winter approaches, we find ourselves entering a season of reflection, compassion, and connection. In this edition, we aim to bring you stories, insights, and information that resonate with the spirit of the upcoming winter months.
In this edition, you’ll find:
Give the gift of care – Know your legacy will live on for generations to come
Become a bereavement support volunteer – Pilgrims Stepping Stones Bereavement Support groups offer informal assistance to bereaved adults across east Kent.
Alan’s story – Gemma tells us about her dad, Alan, and the memories of his last weeks that she’ll keep forever.
GrowUp – Vertical farming specialists are donating fresh salad vegetables from their range of produce to Pilgrims Hospices kitchens.
Cate Gibson – Cate’s first year as a Palliative Specialist Nurse
Our fundraising activities and your generosity mean that we are able to continue to offer our end-of-life services, to our local communities when and where they need it. With your help and support, we intend to continually develop, and improve our services so that we are still here, still caring, both now and in the future.
Please keep safe and well.
Best wishes,
The Pilgrims Hospices team
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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 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.
23rd August 2023
The love of flowers brings people together.
L-R: Volunteers Janet, Viv, Carol
Volunteering in the hospice often brings like-minded people together who share similar passions. This is definitely the case when it comes to volunteers and friends Viv, Carol and Janet who are the Pilgrims Hospices Canterbury flower arrangers.
The group of ladies who met at the Canterbury hospice have been volunteering since 2018 and they have dedicated a combined total of 15 years to the charity. They started arranging their beautiful displays on site with the aim to bring colour and smiles to the patient and family areas.
Former nurse Viv Said: “We all love flowers and arranging and we wanted to bring something to the hospice to give patients and visitors some comfort. People think that hospices are depressing places, but we want to remind people they can be a happy bright place.”
We hope that the flowers brighten everyone’s day
Volunteer Viv
“Carol is a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner so she’s the real expert! But we really enjoy getting together to make the arrangements and to help the hospice. We hope that the flowers brighten everyone’s day.”
The talented trio very generously source all their own flowers to make the arrangements, as Viv explained: “We see it as our donation to the hospice and our way of helping add something to all the wonderful care that’s carried out here.”
The group’s dedication to the hospice doesn’t stop there as they’re currently busy organising a three day Flower Festival with the theme ‘Musicals’ which they are holding at the Canterbury hospice next month.
There will be over 20 beautiful flower displays in the garden areas and Therapy Centre kindly created by their friends and network of arrangers from the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies
The Flower Festival will take place on 8-10 September from 10:00 – 17:00 (16:00 on Sunday 10). Donations on the day very welcome and there will be refreshments to enjoy, a tombola and a Children’s Butterfly Hunt to keep the little ones entertained.
Please note parking is limited.
If you have any questions about the Flower Festival or Volunteering please email: [email protected].
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.
20th August 2023
5 reasons to take part in the Folkestone Downs Challenge
Pilgrims Hospices’ popular hiking event, the Folkestone Downs Challenge, takes place on Saturday 2 September 2023.
Here’s why you should get involved and put your best foot forward for local hospice care.
See Kent’s South coast like never before!
The Folkestone Downs Challenge has been designed to showcase the very best of Kent’s spectacular South coast. Starting from the Folkestone Harbour Arm, you’ll climb to the height of Kent’s famous white cliffs and enjoy breathtaking views over the English Channel, Folkestone, and Romney Marsh beyond as you follow the chalk ridgeline westward.
Along the way, you’ll pass Castle Hill, the site of an early Norman fortification, as well as the Folkestone White Horse, before reaching one of the highest points of the North Downs at Tolsford Hill (181m). From there, your trail descends through fields and woodland to the picturesque Lympne Castle, with a chance of glimpsing some exotic animals as you pass by Port Lympne Safari Park. Then, you’ll join the scenic pathways of the Royal Military Canal through Hythe and Sandgate on your return to Folkestone’s historic harbour.
The carefully curated 36km course is sure to hold more than a few surprises for locals and visitors alike!
Achieve your fitness and wellness goals
It’s nothing new that spending time in the great outdoors, walking and being active, does wonders for our physical health, but it doesn’t stop there. Research shows that being outside, particularly in nature, has many benefits for our mental wellbeing as well.
From a long hike, to a simple lunchtime stroll, walking has been proven effective in reducing anxiety, stress and fatigue, and there is evidence to show that walking in nature improves those results even further. That’s because different parts of our brain activate while in a natural environment. Our mind calms, leading to physiological changes, including reductions in heart rate and blood pressure.
The activity can lead to improved self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of depression. With all these benefits, it’s little wonder why so many are choosing to pull on their boots and join the Folkestone Downs Challenge this September.
Spend quality time with friends and family
We all know how tricky it can be to make time in our busy lives to enjoy quality time with those we care about. The Folkestone Downs Challenge is a perfect opportunity for that long overdue catch-up and to have a great day out among friends or family. It’s not a race, the challenge is to complete it, so there’s no need to rush. Enjoy the great views, chat and support each other in achieving something out of the ordinary! Intrepid solo hikers will find lots of friendly, fellow hikers to enjoy the day with too. And together, everyone can reach the finish line as a hospice hero.
Enjoy a fully-supported day out
From the moment you receive your very own Pilgrims technical T-shirt, to claiming your medal at the finish line, you’ll enjoy a fantastic level of event support that has become synonymous with Pilgrims Hospices charity hikes. This includes clear route signage, regular refreshment stops, toilet facilities, medical support, a free event information app and more. Not to mention our friendly team of volunteers who’ll be cheering you on throughout your challenge!
But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of our past hikers have said:
“Spectacular scenery, superb refreshments, fabulous company, wonderful volunteers, immense sense of achievement.”
“The food stops were incredible… the encouragement, friendly and smiling faces at the rest stops made the whole experience fantastic.”
“It was all amazing! Route, scenery, weather, signage, refreshments, volunteers, organisation, the whole thing!”
Make a difference for local people living with incurable illness
By taking on the Folkestone Downs Challenge, you’ll be directly supporting the care of thousands of local people who are living with an incurable illness. Whether at one of our three inpatient units in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, our Therapy Centres, or in patient’s own homes, Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care, completely free of charge, to empower patients, together with their family and friends, to live well in mind and body, and make the most of the time they have.
With around 80% of our funding coming through voluntary contributions from our local community (like sponsorship), by taking on the Folkestone Downs Challenge and going the extra mile, you’ll be making a huge difference to those who need us, now and in the future.
You can find out more about the Folkestone Downs Challenge, and sign up today, by clicking the button below.
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.
18th August 2023
Rev’d Angie becomes spiritual care chaplain at Pilgrims Hospices
Recently Bishop Rose of Dover, came to the Canterbury hospice to undertake Angie Stupple’s licensing ceremony. It was a small, intimate and personal service, attended by a close party of her friends and family. To support this special celebration Karen Warden, Chair of the Trustees, Sue Sharp, Pilgrims Director, Angie’s new colleagues in the spiritual care team, and a group of staff gathered to welcome her to her role in supporting both patients, their families, staff in the hospices and within the local community.
Up until quite recently Angie was still working with her husband, Gerry, running their hair salon and barbers in Dover town centre. She said: “Many years in the salon, interacting with people from all walks of life, was a great grounding for my life in ministry”. The business continues now that they have both retired.
Angie started training in 2017 as a lay minister, which is a four year course, and then transferred to ordination training for a further two years. She was ordained two years ago by Bishop Rose. Angie explained: “My original plan was to be licensed in the diocese of Dover, but having experienced hospital chaplaincy as part of my training, I felt drawn to this role and confident that this is where my gifts would be best used.
I understand spirituality as a whole and complete concept. It’s not about pinning a belief down to a particular faith, it is outside the confines and boundaries of having a faith or no faith. In the context of palliative and end-of-life care our greatest connection, our common denominator, is our humanity, expressing our compassion, love and care for each other. Our humanity and our spirituality, particularly at the point of life and death, are inextricably interwoven.
I feel truly privileged to be a part of the multi-disciplinary team at Pilgrim’s Hospices
Angie – Pilgrims
My licensing by Bishop Rose was a very moving service, it was wonderful to share with my family, friends and new colleagues, especially in the holistic environment of the therapy centre at Canterbury hospice. It is an honour to be here and to walk alongside patients, sharing stories and being with them where they lead, hearing their needs and concerns and offering support. In the holistic environment of the hospice, quite often, when people are relieved of physical pain and symptoms, it frees their mind and spirit and that’s when the thoughts and conversations around the meaning of life start to come in. Sometimes there is simply great joy to be found in a shared silence.
Of course, we cannot help the terminally ill patients in a really meaningful way if we do not include family and loved ones. They play a significant role during a time of illness which will affect how a patient copes and responds. This can be a spiritual and emotional roller coaster for everyone involved. The dying patients pain, of course, will come to an end, but the families pain carries on. I hope that I can support loved ones and carers by showing they are not alone, and by offering hope and a sense of normality in a situation which is anything but normal.
I took up my role in late April and I’m finding my feet. Though I am based at Canterbury I will also help at the other sites in Ashford and Thanet as and when the need arises, as well as supporting hospice-at-home patients in the community.
I feel truly privileged to be a part of the multi-disciplinary team at Pilgrim’s Hospices. The staff and volunteers are quite extraordinary in their care and commitment. This is a very special place where staff remain connected to patients and their families throughout their time here and beyond if necessary. Compassionate care is at the heart of everything that happens at Pilgrims.
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.
17th August 2023
Introducing our Corporate and Trusts Partnerships team
As a charity, Pilgrims Hospices relies on the invaluable support from the community including businesses, trusts and grant giving foundations to help us continue delivering care to people across east Kent.
How businesses can make a big impact on local hospice care
Corporate giving has long been an avenue for businesses to give back to the community on a national and local level and can help businesses achieve so much. With approximately 80% of Pilgrims’ income coming from voluntary donations, we rely on the support of our business community and the difference they can make.
The benefits go far beyond the impact that a monetary donation can have for the charity and can be a mouth piece for businesses to demonstrate to clients, customers and the community their social values objectives and aims. It is also a fantastic way to strengthen a business’ reputation and can have a positive impact on workforce relations and morale.
Isabel Smith, Pilgrims Senior Trusts Fundraiser, works with teams, clinical and non-clinical across all the hospice sites to identify projects to apply for funding for.
Projects can vary greatly which shows the breadth of services Pilgrims delivers and can include applying
for funding for the replacement of equipment, refurbishment projects to enhance the warm, inviting environment at each of our sites as well as core running costs which help Pilgrims to continue delivering its services free of charge.
We would like to say a big thank you to all the Trusts and Foundations who have generously supported Pilgrims including some recent donations from:
• The Albert Hunt Trust who generously donated £30,000 to contribute towards Pilgrims’ essential core running costs; their continued support is so valuable to the charity.
• The Hobson Charity who donated over £4,300 and the R.V Coleman Trust who donated over £5,200 so
we could purchase syringe drivers and lockboxes.
• Kent Community Foundation who donated over £3,300 for our Kitchen Garden project at the
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manger explains, ‘It is not an understatement to say that customers and clients are drawn to businesses who demonstrate strong charitable values. My role is to work with businesses on creating exciting partnerships which are tailored so both Pilgrims Hospices and businesses can achieve mutually beneficial goals.’
Corporate partnerships are an exciting opportunity to achieve transformational change and can take on many different forms to suit the aims of a business. Leila will sit down with a new corporate partner to advise and brainstorm ideas on what would work best for each business. This bespoke and tailored approach means we can make the most out of our partnerships and ensure companies feel part of the Pilgrims’ vision.
By partnering with Pilgrims Hospices your business will be supporting charity which has been delivering
specialist end of life care in the east Kent community for over 40 years and is at the heart of the community for so many people.
If you would like to get involved with Pilgrims Hospices and make a meaningful difference which impacts thousands of people each year please contact [email protected].
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.
Isabel Smith, Pilgrims Senior Trusts Fundraiser, works with teams, clinical and non-clinical across all the hospice sites to identify projects to apply for funding for essential core running costs; their continued support is so valuable to the charity.
The Hobson Charity who donated
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery community ties
Here in the world of Pilgrims Hospices Lottery we pride ourselves on the strong connections and amazing relationships we have with our local communities in the Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet areas.
We have been meeting up with many of our wonderful members for an amazing 27 years, in fact since Pilgrims Hospices Lottery began in the April of 1996.
We have seen our members’ families grow up to have families of their own. When they have moved we have too, moving their collection onto the relevant Collector in their new area. Winning cheques have been hand delivered to many with messages of thanks, perfect timing, happy purchases, travel arrangements made and kind donations given.
Lottery Collectors and members have been sadly lost along the way but those strong ties remain, family and friends picking up the reigns and taking over membership entries and collections.
New relationships and connections continue to be made with over 2800 new or additional entries into our weekly draw plus hundreds of you buying superdraw tickets, scratch cards, wedding favours and gift vouchers. This last year alone; we have raised over £1.2 million, have sent out more than 5,500 winners cheques and made over 50 thousandaires!
When you see the difference the compassionate care makes to Pilgrims Hospices patients and their families it’s easy to see what drives us.
We are and will remain truly grateful and humbled by the tremendous generosity shown in support of the incredible compassionate care provided by our teams both in the community, in people’s homes and in our hospices. Thank you, we really couldn’t do it without you. Together we really do make a difference.
£25 pays for one full hour of compassionate care by specialist nurse so you really do and can make a difference; help us continue to provide care and comfort to those that need us the most.
If you would like to join and make a difference today please call 01227 379741, or click here to go directly to our website page. Still only £1 per entry per week and you could win up to £20,000!
P.S Our Christmas Gift Vouchers are available now and our Christmas Superdraw tickets will be landing on doormats soon.
With Warmest Wishes from
Shiralee and your Lottery team.
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.
