Pilgrims Hospices has been at the heart of the east Kent community since the Canterbury hospice opened in 1982.
The hospices were the vision of one local nurse, the late Ann Robertson, founder and Pilgrims’ Lifetime President. Ann wanted to make a difference for the people in her community facing terminal illness, following her own experience caring for her husband. Thanks to her devotion, and the help of countless others, today we have almost 200 clinical staff. Together, they support thousands of people each year.
The first hospice opened in Canterbury in 1982, followed by Thanet in 1992, and Ashford in 2001.
Our Hospice Story 5
Our Hospice Story 1
Our Hospice Story 4
Our Hospice Story 2
Our Hospice Story 3
It is a great privilege to have worked with so many forward thinking and talented individuals over the years; in the early years we faced the day to day headache of meeting our financial needs. As the years have passed, we’ve established relationships not only with our generous public but with the business community, who help us to raise the profile of our charity and engage with the wider community.
We remain the welcoming face that will guide people through some of the most difficult times, the support of the community fills our hearts with great joy as we continue our journey to help even more people each year.
Ann, speaking at our 40th birthday party in 2022
Helen Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, with Ann Robertson at Pilgrims Hospices’ 40th birthday party in 2022
The staff at the hospices are truly community heroes, with more than 3,000 people within their care each year. Over the years, Pilgrims has pioneered ground-breaking research in palliative care, embraced innovative, cutting-edge technology to improve the quality of life for patients, and delivers education and training across east Kent for many other health and social care providers.
Pilgrims continues to grow from strength to strength, and in order to provide the much-needed care, our clinical staff are supported by an award-winning charity fundraising team, an established network of profitable retail shops, a successful local lottery, and a wealth of talents through its invaluable volunteer workforce.
From the very beginning, patients have been at the heart of everything Pilgrims do, and we will only continue to grow and develop with the help of the community.
Help us continue our story and be here for anyone who needs us, for generations to come with a gift in your Will.
See the impact your legacy will have on the thousands of people and their families we care for, now and in the future.
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 February 2025
Pilgrims proud to join hospices across England, Scotland and Wales to protect the future of hospice care
We’re proud to announce the launch of the “This is Hospice Care” campaign, a ground breaking collaboration between 143 hospices across England, Scotland, and Wales, brought together by Hospice UK.
It’s finality and uncertainty, brave faces and shedding tears. It’s short days and long nights. Living for now with the weight of tomorrow.
But it’s also love and life and celebration. It’s care at home, and in a hospice, care for those dying and for those around them. It’s going the extra mile, doing away with convention and remembering what really matters. It’s easing pain and bringing comfort, cherishing memories and creating new ones. Part of the community, part of our story, part of us.
It’s allowing anyone, anywhere, to embrace the life we have left.
This is the legacy of hospice care. But we need it to be your legacy too.
Just as this incredible support would not exist without hospices across the UK, hospice care would not exist without you. A gift in your Will helps ensure care at the end of life is here for everyone who needs it, both now and in the future. It’s ours to protect.
Help hospice care live on for all, for now, forever.
Hospices like ours are at the very heart of communities, offering compassionate care and support when we need it most. For many of us, a hospice will touch our lives, whether for ourselves, a loved one, or a friend, providing comfort, dignity, and expert care through life’s most challenging times.
But just as this incredible support wouldn’t exist without hospices across the UK, hospice care wouldn’t exist without you.
We rely heavily on charitable donations to keep our doors open.
That’s why we’ve come together to shine a light on the essential role hospices play in our communities and protect our futures.
We’re asking everyone to consider leaving a gift in their Will to Pilgrims Hospices. By doing so, you can help us continue to provide this vital care, ensuring that everyone has the support they need for generations to come.
Together, we can make surethat hospice care lives on for all, for now, forever.
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.
12th February 2025
Gillian and Elizabeth pedal for Pilgrims in memory of dad Dennis
Sisters Gillian Coleman from Chartham and Elizabeth Brewer from Ightham completed the 30-mile Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge in 2024, raising an incredible £1,520 for east Kent’s largest hospice charity. They fundraised in memory of their dad, Dennis White, who received Pilgrims’ care in 2022, aged 89.
They plan to enter the Cycle Challenge again this year, taking place on Sunday 4 May 2025, hoping to raise even more for vital hospice care.
Now in its 15th year, the event will feature a new 15-mile route, a special anniversary medal and a beautiful new rest stop. An exclusive anniversary cycle jersey will also be available to purchase.
When Dennis was diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, he was referred to Pilgrims Hospices and offered a bed at the Canterbury hospice. His wife, Ann, and wider family were able to visit.
Ann And Dennis White 3 2
Ann And Dennis White 1 2
Ann and Dennis
Gillian and Elizabeth said: “The hospice staff were so compassionate, keeping Dad’s dignity at the heart of his care through his final days. They also kept us informed at each stage, offering us advice, kindness and thoughtfulness throughout, which is something we will always remember.”
Dennis
The Cycle Challenge 2024 was incredibly meaningful for the sisters; not only were they able to raise money and awareness for Pilgrims in memory of their dad, but it marked a significant moment for Gillian, who had recently finished her cancer treatment in March 2024.
Reflecting on the event, they said: “The organisation and the fantastic feeling we had riding for Pilgrims was remarkable. It was great that a variety of distances were offered – there was something for everyone – and the amount we raised was unbelievable; thank you to all who donated!
“This year, we’re looking into asking others to join us for the challenge and taking part as a group, so we can raise even more for Pilgrims. We feel that if others are able to experience the service that was provided to us, more charitable funds will be raised for Pilgrims’ vital care. That’s why we want to fundraise, so that other families can continue to benefit in the future.”
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.
4th February 2025
Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge celebrates its 15th anniversary on 4 May 2025
Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce the anticipated return of its iconic Cycle Challenge, celebrating an astounding 15 years on Sunday 4 May 2025.
Since the event’s creation in 2010, this beloved event has raised an incredible £1.4 million to fund skilled and compassionate care to thousands of patients and their loved ones each year.
This year, the team is aiming to cross the line to another milestone: raising £1.5 million while welcoming 1,500 riders to the event, promising to make 2025 their most memorable year yet!
To celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary, a brand-new 15-mile route has been introduced to encourage even more participants to join in on the fun. For this route only, entry has been opened to those aged 12 years and over, creating an exciting opportunity for families to cycle together, as well as being perfect for beginners or those seeking a shorter ride.
IMG 0822
IMG 0742 1
IMG 0731
DSC 0170
DSC 0100
30A4371 CR3 DxO DeepPRIME
30A4211 CR3 DxO DeepPRIME
Event organiser Billy Williams said:
“We’re so excited to be celebrating 15 years of the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received across the years. To make this year extra special, we’ve not only introduced the new 15-mile route, but also an exclusive cycle jersey, a commemorative 15th anniversary medal and a beautiful new rest stop for participants to enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome supporters to this year’s event and make it our best year yet!”
Starting and finishing at the University of Kent in Canterbury, the Cycle Challenge offers a range of distances from 30, 50, 75, 100 and 125 miles for participants aged 14 and over, in addition to the new 15-mile route.
Each distance offers an opportunity to experience Kent’s stunning countryside, whilst allowing supporters to push personal limits, ride alongside a supportive community and pedal for a fantastic cause.
Pilgrims Hospices provides vital care to people with life-limiting illnesses across east Kent, with services costing £17.2 million annually to run. Much of this funding comes from the generous support of the local community, making events like the Cycle Challenge essential in continuing this crucial work.
Registration for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge is now open.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this record-breaking year, all whilst helping Pilgrims Hospices continue to deliver compassionate care to those who need it most.
Sign up today and help make this year’s event the biggest and best yet!
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.
