Gift Aid Awareness Day takes place on October 5th, 2023, and is an excellent opportunity for Pilgrims Hospices and its dedicated team of staff, and volunteers to engage with supporters and emphasise the importance of Gift Aid in boosting charitable donations.
Gift Aid is a tax relief system that allows registered charities, like Pilgrims Hospices to claim an additional 25% on eligible donations, and it comes at no extra cost to the individual donors.
Tim Stewart, Pilgrims Hospices Head of Retail said: “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our supporters for their commitment to Pilgrims Hospices. Donations to our shops and warehouses are invaluable in supporting the essential work we do. Our charity claimed over £200k last year, and would love to claim more!
“By choosing to Gift Aid your donations, you are allowing our charity to reclaim tax on your contributions from the government. This means that for the donated items sold in our shops; every £1 raised, Pilgrims Hospices can receive an additional 25p, making your contributions go much further.”
Every additional 25p is making an impact, enabling Pilgrims to provide more care, support for more patients, or more investment in essential facilities and equipment.
No Extra Cost:
We can’t emphasise enough, that Gift Aid doesn’t cost supporters anything extra. It’s simply a way to maximise the value of their donations. Their generosity can go even further without any additional financial burden.
The challenges that charities like Pilgrims Hospices face, are considerable in today’s environment, including increased demand for services and rising costs. Every Gift Aid donation makes a significant difference in meeting these challenges. That’s why your Gift Aid is more critical than ever.
How to #tickthebox: It’s a simple process and only needs to be completed once; our friendly staff and volunteers can assist with completing the form in store. If you would like to get in touch with a member of the Pilgrims team regarding Gift Aid, please email [email protected].
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our supporters for their commitment to Pilgrims Hospices
Tim – Pilgrims
At Pilgrims Hospiceswe have a simple vision of a community where people with a life limiting illness, and their family and friends are supported, and empowered to live well in mind and body until the very last moment of their life.
Your Gift Aid can play a pivotal role in achieving it. We hope our dedicated friends and supporters will continue to care for our charity and be an integral part of making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we care for.
Pilgrims Hospices has 31 shops throughout east Kent, ranging from furniture warehouses, vintage clothing, specialist book shops, thrifty discount stores, and our general stores featuring contents to suit everyone. You can find information on our website pilgrimshospices.org/get-involved-shop-with-us.
Each year Pilgrims’ gives care to thousands of people across east Kent. 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 approximately £11 million each year from the generous local community.
28th September 2023
The Lord Mayor’s end-of-summer afternoon tea supports Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims Hospices alongside The Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Jean Butcher, hosted a lovely end-of-summer afternoon tea event on September 21st at Tower House in Westgate Gardens, Canterbury. The event was organised in support of Pilgrims Hospices, which is the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity for the year 2023. Pilgrims Hospices provide palliative care services from three sites in, Canterbury Ashford and Thanet, in the community, and people’s homes across east Kent.
The event was attended by members of Canterbury City Council, charitable trusts, High Sheriffs, and respected members of the community.
During the afternoon tea, volunteers from the charity prepared a beautiful spread, which was served on traditional china tableware. These traditional touches added to the elegance and charm of the event.
The Pilgrims Hospices Team With Lady Mayoress Di Baldock
Rosie Duffield MP With Pilgrims Nurses Lorna Moss And Laura Gouch
Pilgrims Trustee Elizabeth Sharp With Rosie Duffield MP
Nadra Ahmed CBE, DL, High Sherriff With Cllr Michael Dixey, Deputy Leader Canterbury Council, Elizabeth Sharp, Pilgrims Trustee
Nadra Ahmed CBE, DL, High Sherriff Of Kent With Lord Mayor Canterbury Jean Butcher
Lord Mayor Of Canterbury, Jean Butcher With Sue Sharp Director Of Income Generation Pilgrims Hospices
Lord Mayor Jean Butcher With Pilgrims Fundraising Manager Kate Duddell
Jon Sillett Pilgrims Deputy CEO With Lord Mayor Jean Butcher
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Sue Sharp, Pilgrims Director of Income Generation, and Jon Sillett, Deputy Chief Executive for Pilgrims Hospices. They spoke passionately about the care provided by Pilgrims, and focused on how community and corporate stakeholders can contribute to Pilgrims Hospices’ essential fundraising efforts, and support the hospice’s mission. Sue also explained how the support of 1300 dedicated volunteers is vital to the running of the hospice services, from catering, administration, patient support and within the retail shops across Kent.
The Lord Mayor also spoke fondly of her years of work as a Health Care Assistant at the Canterbury hospice, and shared smiles with Senior Ward Nurse Laura Gouch, and Health Care Assistant, Lorna Moss who were guests attending on behalf of their colleagues. It was a delightful and meaningful event, that brought together community members to support a worthy cause.
Many of the attendees said, it was indeed a heart-warming and meaningful gathering, bringing together the community to support a vital cause and a most enjoyable afternoon tea.
If you would like to become involved and help support end-of-life care services at Pilgrims Hospices, please contact [email protected] the charity would love to have your support.
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.
27th September 2023
Pilgrims Hospices Charity Golf event raises over £10,300 for Hospice Care
In a day filled with golf, sunshine, and heartfelt speeches, the Pilgrims Hospices Charity Golf Day at Canterbury Golf Club on September 15, 2023, was a resounding success, raising more than £10,300 for hospice care.
The event, featuring a shotgun start, brought together 18 teams of four enthusiastic golfers, all teeing off with a shared goal in mind: to support Pilgrims Hospices in their mission to provide essential care and support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
Under the warm and glorious weather, participants showcased their golfing prowess while contributing to a cause close to their hearts. The picturesque Canterbury Golf Club served as the perfect backdrop for a day filled with camaraderie and charitable spirit.
The highlight of the event was the heartfelt speeches delivered by distinguished guests. The Lord Mayor of Canterbury graced the occasion with her presence and expressed her gratitude to the event organisers and participants for their unwavering support of hospice care in the community. CEO Helen Bennett also took the stage, offering words of appreciation for everyone involved, emphasising the vital role Pilgrims Hospices plays in providing comfort and care to those in need.
We are delighted that this year’s golf day has raised more than £10,300 – our best one yet!
Leila – Pilgrims
“The success of this charity golf event is a testament to the incredible generosity and community spirit that exists within our community,” said Helen Bennett, CEO of Pilgrims Hospices. “The funds raised today will make a significant difference in our ability to provide quality hospice care to those who rely on our services.”
The day’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of sponsors, including this year’s headline sponsors, Bauvill, volunteers, and the enthusiastic participants. Every swing of the golf club and every donation contributed to the overall success of the event and the advancement of hospice care in east Kent.
Event Organiser Leila Ilkhan Pilgrims Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager said: “We are delighted that this year’s golf day has raised more than £10,300; our best one yet! A huge thank you to all 72 golfers for teeing off for local hospice care and supporting the charity to continue delivering specialist end of life care to people in east Kent.”
Pilgrims Hospices extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who participated, sponsored, volunteered, and attended the charity golf day. Your support ensures that individuals with life-limiting illnesses receive the care, compassion, and dignity they deserve.
Leila added: “We also extend our grateful thanks to Canterbury Golf Club, for such a well-maintained golf course, attentive staff, and hospitable grounds people, who certainly enhanced the overall enjoyment of our golfing experience.”
For more information about Pilgrims Hospices and their ongoing efforts to provide hospice care, please visit www.pilgrimshospices.org.
About Pilgrims Hospices:
Pilgrims Hospices is a registered charity that provides palliative care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. With a mission to ensure that everyone in their community can access compassionate and comprehensive hospice care, Pilgrims Hospices has been dedicated to improving the lives of patients and their families for over 35 years.
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 September 2023
Get ready to splash into fun and make a difference at the Thanet 5k Colour Run 2023!
Dust off your running shoes and prepare to be drenched in a riot of colours at the Thanet 5k Colour Run, happening on October 1st, at Palm Bay Green, Cliftonville, Margate. This vibrant event promises an unforgettable day of fun, fitness, and fundraising, all in support of a great cause – Pilgrims Hospices.
It’s back and offering an exhilarating experience for participants of all ages. Whether you’re a serious athlete or just looking for a unique way to have fun, this event has something for everyone, a colourful 5k run or walk suitable for all fitness levels.
Participants can kick off the fun with a musical warm-up before embarking on a 5k route with colour stations, where they will be showered with safe and vibrant coloured powders. It’s a visual spectacle like no other, transforming ordinary runners into living works of art! Don’t worry; these colours are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for all.
Bethesda Medical Centre, Palm Bay, Margate has entered their team of 19 colour fun runners including staff, family, along with three of their doctors taking part on the day too!
Caroll, Bethesda Practice Finance Manager told us: “This is the first time we as a Surgery have taken part in a Colour Run, one of the staff spotted the event promotion, and we’ve signed up to get involved. Although I’m unable to take part on this occasion, I know the team are really looking forward to it! Our Practice Manager, myself and 2 other staff members took part in the Pilgrims Folkestone Downs Challenge recently and raised over £200 in sponsorship. As a Surgery, we are always keen to support our local hospice when we can.”
Caroll added: “On a personal note, my father passed away in May this year, after a short illness, and I cannot thank Pilgrims Hospices enough for the care that he received, as well as the help and support that myself and my mum received. At my dad’s funeral we asked for donations to Pilgrims rather than flowers, and we raised just short of £500; mum received a lovely thank you letter for this from Pilgrims.”
The Thanet Colour Run isn’t just about fun; it’s also about making a meaningful impact on our community. All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting Pilgrims Hospices care, a charity dedicated to providing vital care and support to individuals and their families facing life-limiting illnesses. Your participation directly contributes to improving the lives of those in need.
Share your colourful journey using #thanetcolourrun
Karen – Pilgrims
Event organiser Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “Our goal is to bring our community together for a day of fun while supporting a vital cause. We want participants to not only enjoy themselves, but also feel proud of contributing to Pilgrims Hospices care.”
So, mark your calendars for October 1st, 2023, and get ready to run, laugh, and make a difference at the Thanet 5k Colour Run! Follow us on social media at FBK @pilgrimshospices Insta @pilgrimshospices, for updates and share your colourful journey using #thanetcolourrun.
Your support means everything to the people we care for. Around 75% of our funding comes from the generous community. With your help we can continue to offer quality end-of-life care and our full range of wellbeing activities. Thank you.
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.
12th September 2023
Mr. Bird’s CD collection is flying off Pilgrims Hospices eBay site
10,000 CDs have kindly been donated by Mr. Mick Bird from Dover.
His amazing music collection, which is in mint condition, has been gifted in memory of his father who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices.
Mick (72) has spent years collecting music by a wide variety of artists and bands, starting from the 60s and onwards through a vast range of modern, rock, heavy metal, Motown, disco and so much more.
Jonathan, Pilgrims Hospices E-commerce Manager, said: “We’ve already sold over 400 of Mr Bird’s CDs on our eBay site, which have raised over £8,000 so far. We’ve been meticulously cataloguing the artists and collections in order that we can take full advantage of his generous donation.
My dad had been looked after so well, I wanted to give something back to the hospices.
Mick Bird
“There are also many concert tickets that he has kept in pristine condition, including Status Quo tickets from the 80s, which have sold for figures in excess of £45 per ticket, along with Thin Lizzy, Fleetwood Mac, ELO, and many heavy metal bands too, all achieving sales in excess of £40 each.”
Mr. Bird said: “My dad, Reg, had been looked after so well, I wanted to give something back to the hospices. He used to attend the hospice as a day patient, until eventually he was admitted on to the ward in the Canterbury hospice. The care team were amazing, nothing was too much trouble for Dad or our family.
“Every time I visited Dad, I brought along some biscuits for the Pilgrims staff, they were so good to my dad, I just felt I wanted to say thank you and offer a little treat for them, too.
“Each year, on the anniversary of Dad’s death, I travel over to the Canterbury hospice with some biscuits for the staff. It’s my little way of saying thank you, and continuing my connection with the hospice that made such a difference for Dad at the end of his life.
“On the day he passed away, I sat for three hours holding his hand. The hospice and the staff were wonderful, I will always be grateful for the care we all received.
“I do this little trip each year, to keep his memory alive in a positive way. I just pop over, and explain why I’m there. It’s important to me and my memories, I’m sure the nurses and care team enjoy the biscuits. This year is the 8th anniversary of when Dad passed away.
“I decided after some deliberation, that although I’d already bequeathed my music collection to Pilgrims Hospices in my Will, I’d like to make the donation sooner rather than later, to help raise important funds for hospice care. My huge collection had almost outgrown my small home, it was taking over, and I thought it was time for it to go and do more good, and give even more people the pleasure it had given to me. I contacted Jonathan at Pilgrims eBay about making my collection available much sooner; he came to meet me, and we discussed how to make the very best of the collection, especially as some of it is really quite rare and valuable. I felt confident that Pilgrims’ would put my collection to work on their eBay site, and start helping people who need Pilgrims care straight away. Knowing the time was right to do so, I felt it was a really positive thing to do. I’ve retained a small collection of CDs, so will definitely continue to enjoy my music at home for years to come.”
What Pilgrims did for my dad was priceless.
Mick Bird
This vast CD collection started when Mick was unable to find a particular album on vinyl, as it was only produced on CD. After selling his vinyl collection of 3,000 albums, 1,100 singles, and 400 12” singles, he set about replacing everything in CD format.
The collection originally started with his passion for 60s music, but after that, his tastes spread and he said with a smile, “I had a job to keep up with it.” Mick found a shop in Whitstable, Gatefield Sounds, who with their vast array of contacts in the music business, helped him locate and purchase many of his more unusual artists. Even though he is no longer collecting, he told us that he stays in touch with his friend at the shop, and they meet up and chat on the phone frequently.
Mick said: “What Pilgrims did for my dad was priceless, he didn’t mind going to the hospice, he knew it as a place of warmth and safety. When he was more able, he was a dance instructor, and when he went to the hospice, he used to teach the nurses to dance. He was such a character, and I wanted to give something back for all of the kindness and care he received. I know my collection is worth a considerable sum, and I thought that this is the very best thing I can do with it.
“I’ve kept around 300 CDs; a few disco, Motown, soul, and country, but mostly 60s, easy listening, and also some heavy metal, but not a lot. Just those that I really like, mostly the greatest hits. I didn’t want to break up the artist’s collections and spoil what they are worth as a compilation.
“Whatever mood I might have been in, I had music for it, that was the fun. I’m hoping that it brings lots of joy to other music fans.”
“I will be keeping him updated with how much the collection is raising as we continue to list more of his CDs.”
We are very proud and honoured that Mr. Bird has chosen Pilgrims to share his fabulous collection with.
Jonathan, E-commerce Manager at Pilgrims Hospices
Mick added: “Strangely enough, it was quite therapeutic when Jonathan and his team came to collect the CDs, I was truly ready to share it with Pilgrims. I’d had my fun with it, and now it was time for others to enjoy it.”
Jonathan added: “We are very proud and honoured that Mr Bird has chosen Pilgrims Hospices to share his fabulous collection with. It will rais thousands of pounds for local hospice care, and continue to give pleasure to more collectors, who will enjoy bidding and purchasing from our eBay site. Thank you so much for your generous donation, I have enjoyed chatting about the music and sharing his memories, whilst we arranged moving the collection to our warehouse. He is a most knowledgeable and interesting gentleman.”
Mr. Bird laughed and said: “I’m glad I didn’t wait until I died before sharing the collection with Pilgrims, it’s been interesting hearing about how the items are being sold, and how much money they are raising to help the hospices. I’ve had so much pleasure from the collection, and I’m delighted to hear that others are enjoying it now, too!”
Each year Pilgrims’ gives care to thousands of people across east Kent. 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 approximately £11 million each year from the generous local community.
8th September 2023
There’s nothing quite like afternoon tea!
National Afternoon Tea Week, what a wonderful thing to celebrate! Pilgrims Hospices shared tea with their Living Well groups, and agreed it was a great opportunity to bring people together and enjoy delicious treats. It’s heart-warming to hear that Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Group recently organised a special afternoon tea for their patients at the Canterbury Ashford and Thanet hospices.
Jane Stanley, Pilgrims Wellbeing Practitioner told us: ”I just want to say, a huge thank you to Pilgrims catering teams, for putting together such a lovely afternoon tea for our service users. The chefs are always ready to help make our patients feel very special, nothing is too much trouble.
“They are normally tirelessly working behind the scenes ensuring each and every day that patients are well fed, have their strength built up, and even in their last days, patients can enjoy every moment and enjoy having tasty food to eat. During National Afternoon Tea Week, the catering teams at Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford were thrust into the spotlight, were their kindness and skills were truly recognised.
“With short notice, they prepared an afternoon tea for the patients who attended the Living Well groups across the hospice sites. They exceeded expectations, offering sausage rolls, sandwiches, dips, a cheese board, freshly made scones, cakes and a fruit platter. The standard of cooking and presentation was 5 Star, said one patient who tucked in.”
Afternoon tea is a cherished British tradition, and it can bring a lot of joy and comfort to those in hospice care. Scones and sausage rolls are classic choices for afternoon tea, and serving tea alongside these treats makes it a delightful experience for everyone involved.
Celebrations like this not only provide a chance to enjoy delicious food but also create a sense of community and support among the patients and staff. The hospice environment can be challenging, and such events can lift the spirits and foster a warm and caring atmosphere.
PHOTO 2023 08 08 16 22 55 (4)
It’s heartening to see organisations like Pilgrims Hospices making an effort to provide these special moments for their patients, ensuring they have the best possible quality of life during their time at the hospice. National Afternoon Tea Week is a perfect occasion to cherish those moments and celebrate life together.
A huge thank you to Pilgrims Catering Teams
Jane – Pilgrims
It was made extra special when patients were able to thank the chefs in person, when they delivered the trollies of tasty treats. Gasps of joy and wonder could be heard as many were rendered speechless by the standard of work, one patient said, he had been on a luxury cruise where the food was not nearly so delicious or skilfully presented. Comments from those who enjoyed the fruits of the teams’ labours included “Absolutely brilliant” “A delicious array” “Scrumptious” “Lovely Jubbly” “Most enjoyable” and “Wow so much effort, so much care and attention.”
Ian Ashton, Pilgrims Head of Catering Services said: “This shows the wonderful team spirit fostered within our catering staff, they truly value each other, this is what makes our hospice kitchens so successful.”
Alison Griffiths, a Living Well Support Volunteer said: “Part of my role each week is to help support the patients who attend the Living Well Group with their lunch requirements. In the course of my doing so, I will often go and see the kitchen staff with requests on behalf of the patients. I have always found all the catering staff who work in Pilgrims Hospices kitchens to be extremely obliging and helpful. They always do their best to meet the individual needs and requests of the patients.
“Whilst the kitchen staff are always very busy catering for the whole of the Hospice, the team are always cheerful and welcoming. As a volunteer it is clear how all the kitchen staff really make a significant contribution to the enjoyment of the patients who attend the Living Well Groups. The patients frequently ask me to pass on their compliments to everyone in the kitchen.”
The Wellbeing Teams know that without volunteers like Alison, who give their time and skills so kindly, the groups run at the hospices would not be as successful or run as smoothly. There is nowhere quite like Pilgrims with such a beautiful team spirit and genuine care of people.
Visit the Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing Programme more information on care and services. Would you like to become a hospice volunteer? Opportunities are listed on the website here:
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.
