Pilgrims Hospices response to the Government’s announcement of a £100 million funding boost for hospice care in England
We welcome the Government’s recognition and support, which will help us to continue to provide end-of-life care for our patients and their families living in east Kent.
This represents an important step towards acknowledging the significant financial pressures hospices face. We look forward to working with Hospice UK early in the new year to fully understand what this funding means for hospices.
We’d like to thank Hospice UK for all for their hard work and ongoing support for the hospice sector.
Helen Bennett
CEO Pilgrims Hospices
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
18th December 2024
Step into Wonderland this Christmas at Pilgrims Hospices Westgate-on-Sea shop!
Pilgrims Hospices’ Westgate shop is bringing festive cheer to the high street with its stunning Alice in Wonderland-themed window display, designed by Manager Vanessa Turner and her talented team of staff, volunteers, friends, and family.
The whimsical scene is captivating the hearts of passers-by, encouraging them to step inside and discover the magic of sustainable shopping.
Vanessa, who has a passion for creating eye-catching displays, said: “I think the window displays are one of my favourite things to do! I’m always on the lookout for creative ideas, and when we’re so generously donated items that spark inspiration, it’s so much fun to bring it all together. These displays don’t just brighten the street; they encourage people to pop in, have a browse, and often make a purchase, supporting the vital work of Pilgrims Hospices.”
The Alice in Wonderland theme, with its quirky characters and enchanting story, reminds us of the wonder in the everyday – much like the surprises you can find when exploring the shop’s diverse collection of pre-loved clothing, accessories, and household items. Every purchase contributes to Pilgrims Hospices’ mission to provide compassionate end-of-life care for those in need across east Kent.
As awareness of sustainable fashion and eco-friendly shopping grows, Vanessa notes that customers are increasingly mindful of the choices they make:
“People are far more savvy about how they shop now, with many considering the environment and looking for greener options. We’re proud to offer a wide range of quality items that encourage thoughtful purchasing and reduce waste.”
The Westgate-on-Sea shop team
The shop is a hub of community spirit, with a strong local vibe that sees supporters regularly donating and shopping, helping to sustain Pilgrims Hospices’ essential services. By shopping here, you’re not just nabbing a bargain or a unique piece – you’re making a real difference in the lives of families facing terminal illness.
So why not follow the White Rabbit and explore this fantastical display for yourself? You’ll find treasures galore, festive cheer, and the chance to support an incredible cause.
Follow our Westgate shop on social media for the latest news and updates:
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
17th December 2024
Bringing Christmas cheer to Pilgrims Hospices: Penny’s heart-warming tradition
Pilgrims Hospices is once again preparing for a festive transformation, thanks to the dedication of Penny Cattermole, one of our valued healthcare assistants.
For several years, Penny has made it her mission to bring the joy and spirit of the holiday season to the hospice wards, creating a magical winter wonderland for patients, staff, and visitors alike.
Penny’s efforts go beyond simply putting up decorations. Throughout the year, she scours boot sales and local markets, on the lookout for unique and beautiful Christmas ornaments to add to her collection. “I love a good bargain,” Penny says, “but more than that, I love seeing the delight on everyone’s faces when the decorations go up.”
Every year, Penny donates her time coming into the Thanet hospice on her days off to transform the wards and corridors of the hospice. Her contributions include four elegant white Christmas trees, which she has generously gifted over the past few years. These trees, adorned with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, are the centrepiece of her winter wonderland. Penny’s dedication isn’t limited to Christmas; she also decorates the ward for Easter, adding touches of spring with her collection of seasonal decorations.
“I don’t do it for the praise,” she shares. “I do it because it brings happiness and cheerfulness to the ward. The staff work incredibly hard, and I hope my efforts bring a bit of joy to their day.”
This year, however, Penny will not be decorating her own home for Christmas. With a mischievous 8-month-old Maine Coon kitten, Leo, at home, she knows the festive setup would be at risk of being toppled over in moments! Instead, she’s focusing all her energy on making the hospice a warm and inviting place for everyone.
Penny has been a valued member of the Pilgrims care team for 14 years; she has followed a career in care throughout her working life. Many of the care team will be on duty on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. They will have already made arrangements to spend their special festive times with their families and friends on alternative days.
Jon May, Pilgrims Hospices Service Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, said, “Penny is just full of community spirit; it’s just wonderful to see Penny’s beautiful decorations and experience the festive atmosphere she creates. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of our team of staff and volunteers, who bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normality to the hospice environment.”
Pilgrims Hospices wishes everyone a warm and caring Christmas.
Thank you for supporting our services in your area.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
16th December 2024
Santas on the Run! Pilgrims Hospices event brings festive cheer and raises vital funds
Herne Bay was transformed into a sea of red and white on Sunday 15 December 2024 as over 1,150 Santas jogged, strolled, and sprinted their way along the stunning seaside during Pilgrims Hospices’ Santas on the Run! festive fundraiser.
The event has already raised over £27,000, with donations and sponsorship still arriving. This impressive amount will ensure that Pilgrims Hospices can continue delivering vital end-of-life care across east Kent.
Participants of all ages and abilities embraced the holiday spirit, donning Santa suits to tackle 3k, 5k, or 10k routes starting at the iconic Clock Tower. The scenic course took runners along the promenade, past Herne Bay Pier, and along the coastal path before looping back to the Clock Tower for their well-earned medals.
A Day to remember
The day kicked off with a lively warm-up led by the energetic Active Life crew, setting the tone for a morning filled with laughter and joy. Adding to the festive atmosphere were the rhythmic beats of the San Pelo Mar drummers, who kept spirits high throughout the event. Even the weather played its part, remaining mild for the time of year, much to the delight of participants.
Jean Butcher, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, joined the festivities, congratulating participants and presenting medals to many of the jubilant Santas.
Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr. Jean Butcher
“Watching so many Santas come together to support Pilgrims Hospices is heart-warming,” said Rachel Edmed, Community Fundraising Manager. “The enthusiasm and generosity of our supporters ensure that we can continue providing compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families across east Kent. We’re so grateful to everyone who made this event a huge success!”
Thank you for spreading festive cheer
Pilgrims Hospices extends its heartfelt gratitude to the runners, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators who made Santas on the Run! such a memorable day. Events like this are only possible with your unwavering support, and together, we’re making a real difference for those facing life-limiting illnesses.
Whether you sprinted, strolled, or spectated, thank you for being part of this festive celebration. Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive — see you next year!
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
10th December 2024
Finley raises £100s for Pilgrims Hospices by dancing on his drive
7 year-old Finley Dyer from Ramsgate was inspired to support Pilgrims Hospices after his nan, Barbara (Nanny B), was cared for by the local hospice charity in 2021.
Finley woke up one morning and decided he would dance on the driveway outside his home to try and raise awareness and donations to help support Pilgrims services.
Finley’s dad, Chris, said: “Finley’s fundraising started off as a couple of pounds and then exceeded £100, and now he has a JustGiving pageshowing an incredible £935 (plus Gift Aid). Our thanks go out to the kind support and donations of passersby who generously donated to Finley.”
Finley said: “I danced and sold my old toys on my driveway as I wanted to help people who are poorly and need Pilgrims care, because they looked after my Nanny B. I hope my fundraising helps others, too. If you want to raise money for Pilgrims Hospices, you can do the same. Merry Christmas, everyone!”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, added:
“Chris called me to let me know what Finley had done through his own initiative, and I was absolutely amazed at the total he has raised to date, which is still increasing. Finley’s family and friends are so very proud of him, and his JustGiving page keeps growing. What Finley has achieved is just wonderful; at just 7 years old, to have this idea to support our charity’s cause is just incredible. It’s so wonderful to see from someone so young.
“We at Pilgrims, his dad Chris, and his family and friends, are so very proud of Finley’s amazing commitment. His school has also recognised his commitment to our charity. Thank you so very much, Finley, your Christmas festive video on how to encourage others to donate is so heartfelt, we really cannot thank you enough.”
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
8th December 2024
Kevin and Dympna’s story: “There has to be hope”
Kevin Carlton and Dympna Goldsack from Canterbury first met at a Pilgrims Hospices bereavement support group. Their spouses, Gill and Colin, each received Pilgrims care and died within days of each other in December 2018.
Their story shows that life continues after bereavement and throughout grief, and how hospice care supports loved ones into the future.
Kevin’s wife, Gill, received Pilgrims care and died at home, aged 62. They met as teenagers in 1972, were married for 42 years, and had three daughters: Emma, Jennifer and Laura.
Dympna’s husband, Colin Goldsack, died at the Canterbury hospice, aged 70.
Gill and Kevin
Kevin and Dympna met after being invited by Pilgrims to attend a bereavement support group. Both were reluctant to attend, but encouraged by family, they decided to give it a try. After completing the sessions, they kept in touch so that they could continue to support each other. Some months later, Kevin invited Dympna to lunch as a friend.
Dympna added: “Initially, I was hesitant and turned Kevin down. It felt too early to be socialising with another man. But I thought about it some more and changed my mind, and we started meeting for lunch once a week.”
They began spending more time together, and when COVID hit, Kevin’s daughters suggested that they form a support bubble to avoid isolation. This meant that, although living separately, they could continue to see each other as if they were members of the same household. After navigating the pandemic, there was no looking back, and they continue to live happily together.
Colin and Dympna
Kevin also plays Pilgrims Hospices Lottery and the couple support Pilgrims through various events, including Sunflower Memories, where they each dedicate special sunflower markers to Gill and Colin. They praise Pilgrims highly for the care they received throughout their hospice and bereavement journeys.
Kevin said: “I thought a hospice was where you go to die, but it’s so much more than that. Pilgrims were as much interested in me as they were in Gill. I remember one hospice doctor who made a special trip to see Gill at home during their already busy day. That extra level of care is very special.
“When the time came, Gill was able to die at home with our family beside her. I held her hand, told her I love her, she smiled at me and took her last breath. Pilgrims were with us every step of the way, ensuring that everything was our decision.”
Dympna said: “Colin was frightened of the hospice when it was first mentioned, but Pilgrims doctors put his mind at rest about the end of life, and that made it much easier to have acceptance. The care was marvelous, just brilliant. Pilgrims is always in your corner.”
The couple added: “We have Pilgrims to thank for us getting together. You can’t see it at first, but there has to be hope; that’s why we started going to the counselling groups. Now we have a future. It will be lovely if our story can help others who are worried it’s going to be the end of world – you come pretty close, but there is hope.”
Sophie Van Walwyk, Head of Bereavement Services at Pilgrims, said:
“As National Grief Awareness Week draws to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in our events and engaged with the resources we shared. This week has been a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, supporting, and normalising the grief experience within our community.
“From our insightful introduction to healthy grief to the inspiring stories shared by those who have benefited from our Stepping Stones bereavement services, we have explored the many facets of grief together. We’ve highlighted the vital role our volunteers play in supporting others and showcased community initiatives, like the Wooden Box Cafe, that foster connection and healing right at the heart of our communities.
“The interviews with individuals who have navigated their own grief journeys remind us that while loss is deeply personal, we are never truly alone. The bonds formed through shared experiences can bring light to even the darkest of times.
“I encourage everyone to take what they’ve learned this week into their own lives and communities. Whether through our grief awareness training programs, or simply by offering a compassionate listening ear to someone in need, each of us can make a difference.
“Thank you for joining us on this journey. Let us continue to support one another, advocate for awareness, and ensure that grief is understood and normalised. Together, we can build a compassionate community where healing is possible.”
National Grief Awareness Week takes place 2-8 December 2024. It raises awareness of the impact of grief and loss on a national platform. To find out more, visit thegoodgrieftrust.org/ngaw.
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
