These two treasure troves offer an array of unique pieces, perfect for anyone looking to make a sustainable style statement.
Canterbury Vintage and Retro brims with timeless classics from retro eras, where high-waisted trousers, polka-dot dresses, and tailored blazers transport you to a more elegant time.
Meanwhile, Store50 brings you modern twists with repurposed and retrended pieces, blending vintage charm with contemporary flair.
Together, they offer endless opportunities to mix and match, experiment, and craft a wardrobe that is as unique as you are.
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All items are preloved and generously donated by supporters who trust that discerning shoppers like you will cherish these treasures and give them a vibrant new lease of life. From timeless vintage gems to creatively repurposed garments, each piece has its own story and charm, waiting to become part of yours.
Whether you’re seeking a bold retro jacket, a delicate vintage scarf, or reimagined denim with a contemporary edge, these shops have something for every style enthusiast. Plus, by shopping with Pilgrims Hospices, you’re not only redefining your wardrobe – you’re making a difference. Every purchase helps fund compassionate end-of-life care for those in need across our local community.
To get inspired, explore the beautifully styled outfits showcased in the photographs, featuring one-of-a-kind items from both shops.
Visit Canterbury Vintage and Retro and Store50 today, where fashion meets purpose. Give preloved treasures a new home and support Pilgrims Hospices in providing vital care.
Together, let’s celebrate sustainable style and compassionate care.
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.
9th April 2025
Pilgrims Hospices is grateful to Quinn Estates for their donation
Pilgrims Hospices is very grateful to Quinn Estates Ltd, who have made a significant donation to the charity. This will greatly help us with the modernisation project on London Road.
Mark Quinn, Chairman and Chief Executive of Quinn Estates Ltd, has been a long-standing supporter of Pilgrims Hospices and our ambition to improve our facilities in Canterbury.
Pilgrims Hospices have a special place in Mark Quinn’s heart and we are very moved that he has made such a generous donation at such a critical time as we embark on modernising our hospice on London Road. We wish to place on record our thanks and it is enormously touching that Mark and his team will continue to support us.
Helen Bennett, Chief Executive of Pilgrims Hospices
The Pilgrims Hospices deliver amazing work for the community, something I have first-hand experience of. I am incredibly proud to have supported their ambitions over the past decade, whether that’s through strategic land consultancy and planning support or funding towards building a new hospice, or now to support the refurbishment and modernisation of their existing facilities. I look forward to seeing the refurbishment and supporting them for the future.
Mark Quinn, Chairman and Chief Executive of Quinn Estates Ltd
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.
Sue’s story: Celebrating 15 years of Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge marks its 15th anniversary on Sunday 4 May 2025; in doing so, Pilgrims celebrate one of its most dedicated supporters, Sue Barrett-Austen from Ashford.
Sue has taken part in every event since the challenge began, in memory of loved ones and in appreciation of Pilgrims.
Sue completed the very first Cycle Challenge just 18 months after her best friend, Eve, received Pilgrims care.
Sue shared that “Eve was the most incredible lady. A real force of nature. She received such wonderful care in the time that she was in the hospice. But it wasn’t just her who received that care, nor just her family, but me as well, her friend.”
Sue set herself the challenge of riding an impressive 75 miles in Eve’s memory, to raise vital funds and awareness for the hospice.
She reminisced on a poignant moment of the day, saying “registration for that first Cycle Challenge was under the balcony of what had been her room. It really did feel like she was looking down on me!”
Sue’s late husband, Richard
Reflecting on how much the event has evolved since its inception, Sue told us that “it’s grown to something almost unrecognisable from those very first years. What remains unchanged is the faultless support, rest stops, planning and organisation. To see the growth in distances and numbers of participants is a magnificent testament to such a wonderful event.”
Sue shared what motivated her to keep coming back each year: “Having lost Eve, I wanted to do what I could to support the hospice and raise money.”
Her motivation grew further when her husband, Richard, was diagnosed with lung cancer and spent the last week of his life being cared for at Pilgrims.
Richard, Sue and Eve
Sue said: “Richard had supported my efforts in participating in the Cycle Challenge and, even when he was so poorly, insisted that I take part.
“We both were shown a phenomenal level of care, dignity and empathy. This is what motivates me to come back every year no matter what. It’s a little, tiny bit of payback. It is also very important to me as the event is always very close to, if not actually on, Richard’s birthday.”
Sue has special memories of Cycle Challenge over the years, and has met so many incredible people along the way. Whether at rest stops or during training rides, she has “met a whole group of wonderful people who have become good friends”, each with their own special reasons for taking on Cycle Challenge.
Incredibly, it was through this community that she met her now-husband, Jay.
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Sue and Jay taking part in Pilgrims Cycle Challenge
Sue’s story shows how Pilgrims not only cares for patients, but also loved ones into the future, by creating a supportive community that continues even after bereavement.
Sue is a super fundraiser, and has even become a Pilgrims volunteer, giving her time back to her local hospice. She has raised an astonishing £13,319 in memory of Eve and Richard, which has directly helped support others who need Pilgrims’ care.
Sue has her own fundraising tips and tricks to share: “Keep people up to date on your progress, training, your goals and why you are doing it. Share your achievements, photos, and any anecdotes!”
For anyone thinking about signing up to Cycle Challenge, Sue has one piece of advice – do it!
Whether you’re taking part in memory of a loved one, or are keen to support your local hospice, Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge really has it all, as Sue says:
“The atmosphere of excitement, nerves and camaraderie at the start. Seeing those motivational signs on the hills! All the volunteers and Pilgrims staff at the fantastically catered rest stops. The welcoming bell, the smiles, the hugs, the feeling of achievement at the end… I enjoy everything about the day!
“I am so very proud to have participated in Cycle Challenge every year. It means such a lot to me, more so than any other event. I intend to keep going in one way or another for as long as I am here. I am taking on the 100-mile route this year. I feel very humbled that I’m able to participate, and grateful for the support I have received from family, friends and my very dear Pilgrims community.”
If you’d like to support Pilgrims by taking on Cycle Challenge, visitpilgrimscyclechallenge.orgto get involved.
With six ride distances to choose from, there’s something for all fitness levels!
To celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary, a brand-new 15-mile route has been introduced to encourage even more participants to join in 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.
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 April 2025
Pilgrims Hospices launches exciting Mystery Bag event in Margate
Pilgrims Hospices is inviting bargain hunters and fashion lovers alike to take part in their brand new Mystery Bag event, launching on Thursday 10 April at its Margate Discount store.
For just £5, shoppers can pick up a pre-packed Mystery Bag bursting with at least seven items of ladies’ clothing. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, love the thrill of a surprise, or want to support a local cause, these bags promise incredible value and sustainable shopping all in one.
“This is such a fun way for our customers to get great fashion at a low price while supporting the work of Pilgrims Hospices,” says Elizabeth Hilden, Shop Manager at Margate Discount store.
“We hope to develop the Mystery Bags idea as we move forward, with themed bags for stag and hen parties and collections inspired by the amazing gigs and events coming to Dreamland this summer.
“Festival lovers will love grabbing a bag to suit a retro band look or a fun-filled day out. The bags are a great way to extend your existing wardrobe, try out new outfit styles, and add a little something different – all at the bargain price of just £5. Why not give it a try?”
The Margate Mystery Bag will be an ongoing feature at the shop, with fresh drops and new surprises added regularly – so there’s always a reason to pop in and see what’s in store.
The initiative reflects a growing trend in charity retail – combining the joy of second-hand shopping with a lucky dip experience. Across the UK, similar events have proven popular with students, vintage lovers, and eco-conscious shoppers alike.
Mystery Bags help reduce waste, give pre-loved clothes a new home, and raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices, which provides free end-of-life care to people across east Kent.
But be quick – we think they will go fast!
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.
7th April 2025
Pilgrims Matters virtual edition – Spring / Summer 2025
As we look forward to longer and warmer days ahead, we’re excited to share news of our upcoming events and bring you heartwarming and inspirational news from across Pilgrims.
Local charities unite for sustainability: We’ve teamed up with fellow local charity, Canterbury Umbrella, to make a meaningful difference in our east Kent community
Making every donation count: Our Retail team turns donations into compassionate care for individuals and families across east Kent
Pilgrims Hospice Thanet refurbishment: Our Thanet hospice has undergone an extensive refurbishment, improving accessibility and facilities for patients, families and staff
Nourishing body and soul: Our catering team create comforting, high-quality food that brings warmth and a sense of normality to all who walk through our hospice doors
Kevin and Dympna’s story of hope: After meeting at a Pilgrims Hospices bereavement support group, Kevin and Dympna share how life continues after bereavement and throughout grief, and how they now support Pilgrims in several ways, including by dedicating sunflowers at Sunflower Memories
Our fundraising activities and your generosity mean that we’re 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
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.
4th April 2025
Pilgrims Hospices’ Store50 in Canterbury reopens with exciting new look and stock
Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of Store50, our beloved charity shop in St Peter’s Street, Canterbury, following an extensive refurbishment.
The refreshed store is now open, offering an enhanced shopping experience filled with fantastic pre-loved fashion and unique outfit opportunities.
Discover your perfect look
With a stylish new layout and an abundance of fashionable finds, customers can now create their own special outfits from our carefully curated collection of second-hand fashion.
Whether you’re searching for a chic party ensemble, a stylish work outfit, or something casual yet trendy, our friendly team is always ready to help you put together the perfect look.
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New sportswear department
One of the most exciting additions to Store50 is our brand-new sports department, located on the upper floor. This dedicated space showcases high-quality sportswear from well-known brands, ensuring shoppers can find activewear that makes their outfits pop.
Amy, Store50’s Shop Manager, shared her enthusiasm:
“We knew that sportswear was always one of our most popular ranges, so we’ve dedicated more space and created a fantastic display area to showcase our products. We can’t wait for our customers to explore this new section and discover great finds.”
Sustainable shopping for a better future
By shopping at Store50, customers are not only refreshing their wardrobes, but also making a positive impact on the environment. Buying pre-loved fashion helps reduce carbon footprints and supports sustainable shopping habits.
Plus, by visiting us on foot or using eco-friendly transport, shoppers are helping to protect our planet while raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices’ compassionate end-of-life care services in the community.
We invite everyone to visit Store50, explore our exciting new stock, and be part of a shopping experience that is both stylish and sustainable.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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.
