Pilgrims Hospices blooms to victory with Best Float at Hythe Venetian Fête
A glowing sunflower, buzzing bees and a whole lot of community spirit helped Pilgrims Hospices celebrate a memorable evening at this year’s Hythe Venetian Fête, where the charity was crowned Best Float 2026.
What started as a simple sketch on paper has become one of the most talked-about entries in Hythe’s historic floating procession, delighting thousands of spectators lining the Royal Military Canal.
The award-winning float was the brainchild of Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager for Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford, who first dreamed up the idea after attending the fête two years ago.
“After seeing the incredible floats and the wonderful atmosphere, I remember thinking how amazing it would be if Pilgrims Hospices could be part of it one day,” said Lou. “To go from that first little sketch to winning Best Float is just incredible.”
Inspired by Pilgrims Hospices’ beautiful hospice gardens, Lou created a vibrant sunflower-themed float celebrating everything the charity stands for: compassion, hope, and helping families make the most of every moment.
The sunflowers also carried a particularly special meaning for Pilgrims Hospices. As a familiar symbol of remembrance, they reflect the charity’s annual In Memory events, where families and friends come together to remember loved ones and celebrate the lives they shared. The illuminated sunflowers on the float offered a colourful reminder that while someone may no longer be with us, their memory continues to shine brightly.
Alongside the sunflowers, cheerful bees and colourful garden scenes reflected the peaceful spaces so many patients and loved ones know across Pilgrims’ hospices.
The float came to life thanks to the generosity, creativity and hard work of volunteers, staff and supporters from across the Ashford community. Volunteer John joined Lou on the canal early on the day to help build the float, ready for the evening procession.
Even the weather couldn’t dampen spirits.
After torrential rain threatened proceedings, the clouds cleared just in time for the parade, with sunshine returning as beautifully decorated floats glided along the canal to huge applause from packed banks.
“It was such a special evening,” Lou added. “Seeing families, supporters, volunteers and local residents cheering us on reminded us exactly why community events like this matter. Pilgrims Hospices belongs to the people of east Kent, and this felt like a celebration of everyone who supports us.”
Every year, Pilgrims Hospices must raise millions of pounds to provide compassionate end-of-life care and support for thousands of patients and families across east Kent. Community fundraising events, volunteers, and local supporters help ensure that care remains free for everyone who needs it.
Hythe Venetian Fete 10
Hythe Venetian Fete 8
Hythe Venetian Fete 7
Hythe Venetian Fete 6
Hythe Venetian Fete 12
Hythe Venetian Fete 13
Hythe Venetian Fete 11
Hythe Venetian Fete 5
Hythe Venetian Fete 9
Hythe Venetian Fete 14
Hythe Venetian Fete 4
Hythe Venetian Fete 3
Rachael Fagg, Community Fundraising Officer at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“This wasn’t just about winning an award, it was about raising awareness of the care Pilgrims Hospices provides every day. The response from the crowd was amazing, and we hope our sunflower float reminded people that their support helps local families receive comfort, dignity and expert care when they need it most.”
Pilgrims Hospices would like to thank everyone who helped bring the float to life, the Hythe Venetian Fête committee and volunteers for organising another spectacular community event, and everyone who cheered on the sunflower float along the canal.
Because when east Kent comes together, wonderful things happen.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
21st August 2026
Celebrating 30 years of Pilgrims Lottery
Happy birthday to you… happy birthday dear Pilgrims Hospices Lottery!
This April, we celebrated an incredible milestone – 30 wonderful years of Pilgrims Lottery. For three decades, this has been so much more than just a weekly draw. It’s been about kindness, community, and people like you coming together to make a real difference.
Every week, your entries have helped provide compassionate, specialist care for patients and families across our community. That’s something truly special and it simply wouldn’t be possible without you.
30 years of making a difference
Together, over the past 30 years, we’ve been able to:
Raise millions of pounds to fund vital hospice care
Award over £200,000 in prizes every single year
Celebrate more than 5,000 winners annually
Support thousands of patients and their loved ones when it matters most
Behind every number is a person, a family, and a story, and your support has helped bring comfort, dignity, and care to so many.
A personal thank you
Whether you’ve been supporting us for years or have only recently joined, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. You are part of something truly meaningful, and every single entry helps us continue our work.
Join us today
If you’re not already playing, now is the perfect time to get involved.
For just £1 per entry per week, you can be part of something life-changing with the added excitement of chances to win.
And as we continue to celebrate our 30th anniversary, please keep an eye out for our 30th Anniversary Comfort and Joy Superdraw tickets. We’re planning something extra special, and we’d love you to be part of it.
Together, we’ve achieved so much over the past 30 years. With your continued support, we can do even more – reaching more families, providing more care, and making an even greater difference in the years ahead.
Thank you for being part of our journey — and for everything you help make possible.
Warmest wishes,
Shiralee, Lottery Manager
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
20th August 2026
Love, music and making memories: Claire and Simon’s story
For Pilgrims Hospices patient, Claire Scott, and her husband, Simon, life is filled with love, music and a deep appreciation for every moment they share together.
When Claire, 55, a talented pianist, met Simon, 45, a singer and songwriter, at a training event, their connection was immediate, love blossomed almost straight away.
Now living in Lyminge, the couple have built a life centred around creativity, compassion, and making meaningful memories together. They’ve even performed side by side at garden parties, sharing their love of music with others.
Claire was first diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago.
After treatment, she enjoyed precious years of stability, but two years ago received the devastating news that her cancer had returned and spread to her liver, bones and spine. Since then, she has undergone various treatments, determined, as she says, to “buy a little more time.”
Despite the challenges, Claire approaches each day with honesty, strength and remarkable positivity.
“I’ve recently been offered a new course of chemotherapy,” Claire explained.
“There’s hope it could give me more time, possibly even a couple of years. That means everything to us. It’s time to be together, to plan, and to make sure things are in place for Simon.”
With a background as a medical secretary, Claire feels she has been able to understand her diagnosis and treatment more clearly, helping her to make informed decisions about her care. Recently, a combination of steroid medication and pain relief has helped her feel more positive again, though she is open about the reality of living with serious illness.
“There are good days and bad days,” she said. “Some days are much harder than others, but I will always strive to be positive and grateful for the time I have with Simon, my family and loved ones.”
Support from Pilgrims Hospices has been central to both Claire and Simon’s journey.
“Pilgrims is full of warmth and love, it feels like a family,” Claire said.
“The team regularly check in with me to make sure I’m feeling supported and making the most of everything available. From the doctors, nurses, health care assistants, and wellbeing teams, I feel like I have a cushion of support helping me through every emotional step. It’s like they’re saying, ‘It’s OK, we’ve got you.’”
Through Pilgrims’ wellbeing services, Claire has taken part in therapeutic art, and creative sessions such as Tiles of Joy, while also recording special messages for her loved ones through the Blackbird Project, leaving behind treasured memories in her own voice.
For Simon, support has come through counselling and wellbeing walks, helping him to navigate the emotional challenges of Claire’s illness. Music, too, remains a powerful outlet. He has written a deeply personal song, Blessed, which will one day be played at Claire’s funeral, a reflection of their love and shared journey.
“Having the time to make these decisions together is incredibly important,” Simon said.
Claire is equally focused on Simon’s future, encouraging him to continue creating and sharing his music.
“We are both really creative,” she said. “I want Simon to have wonderful projects to focus on moving forward.”
Recently, the couple created one of their most treasured memories, their wedding day. With support from the charity Gift of a Wedding, Claire and Simon were able to celebrate a beautiful ceremony at Broome Park on 27 March 2026.
In just five weeks, an incredible team of supporters brought the day together, with everything from the venue and dress to photography, cake, and hair and make-up generously donated.
“It was the most wonderful day,” Claire said. “We didn’t feel a burning need to get married, we did it purely for love.”
Surrounded by family, along with members of the Pilgrims team, the day was a celebration not just of their relationship, but of life itself.
“We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a loving family,” Claire shared. “They are kind, supportive, and bring light even in the hardest moments.”
Claire and Simon
Together, Claire and Simon have made a conscious choice to face the future with openness and positivity.
“People can sometimes see death as something very dark,” Claire reflected. “But for us, it’s about embracing the time we have, focusing on love, creativity, and the kindness we receive from family, friends and Pilgrims.”
Simon is now passionate about giving back, using his music to support others facing similar journeys. He recently played some music for a fellow Pilgrims patient; one of the pieces really helpedthem reconnect with their family, which was wonderful, a moment that stayed with him deeply.
For Claire and Simon, every day matters.
“Pilgrims holds such a special place in our hearts,” Claire said.
“Knowing they are here for both of us, now and in the future, helps us remain positive. I know Simon will continue to support hospice care long after I’m gone.”
Together, they continue to focus on what truly counts: love, connection, creativity, and making the most of the time they have, holding on to joy, even in life’s most difficult moments.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
19th August 2026
The heart of hospice care: Celebrating our Health Care Assistants
Behind every moment of comfort, every reassuring smile and every act of kindness at Pilgrims Hospices, there is often a Health Care Assistant (HCA) helping to make it possible.
Health Care Assistants are an essential part of our clinical teams, providing skilled, hands-on care, practical support and emotional reassurance to patients and those closest to them. Working alongside registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team, they help ensure everyone receives personalised care that respects their wishes, dignity and independence.
Whether supporting patients on our inpatient wards or visiting people in their own homes through our community services, HCAs play an important role in helping people live well and make the most of every precious moment. But the role of a Health Care Assistant is about much more than the care they provide.
Our HCAs are often the people who notice the little things that make a big difference – recognising when someone needs a cup of tea, a quiet conversation, a helping hand, or simply someone to sit beside them.
They provide personal care with kindness and dignity, support independence wherever possible, and offer reassurance to patients and families during some of life’s most important moments.
They also help create special memories, supporting celebrations such as birthdays and weddings, and helping to arrange cuddle beds so loved ones can spend precious time together.
Alongside their clinical skills, our HCAs bring warmth, humour and compassion to their roles. They help create the calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Pilgrims Hospices such a special place.
4 Theresa HCA
5 Marife HCA
6 Sharon Amber And Sarah HCAs
Making every moment matter
For many of our HCAs, the privilege of supporting patients and families at such an important time in their lives is what makes their role so rewarding.
Melanie has been a Health Care Assistant with Pilgrims for nine years.
“It’s all about the patients and their loved ones. It’s a very special job,” she said. Michael, who has been part of the Pilgrims team for three years, shares the same passion for making a difference every day.
Theresa joined Pilgrims Canterbury around seven months ago following a 20-year NHS career, which began in end-of-life care at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
“It’s a wonderful, calm environment with caring colleagues, it’s a team that makes everything work so well, everyone plays their part.”
For many HCAs, the sense of belonging and the support of their colleagues is one of the things that makes working at Pilgrims so special.
An essential part of the team
Tina Ivanov, Director of Clinical Operations at Pilgrims Hospices, said: “Health Care Assistants are an essential part of our clinical teams. Their compassion, dedication, and commitment makes a huge difference to patients and families every day.
“They provide skilled and compassionate support, working closely with nurses and colleagues across our services to deliver the personalised care that Pilgrims is known for. Their ability to notice the small things and bring comfort at exactly the right moment is truly special.”
Nurses across Pilgrims also recognise the important contribution HCAs make, describing them as trusted colleagues who bring valuable knowledge, experience, and insight into every aspect of patient care.
Kate White, Senior Nurse Manager, said: “Our HCAs are at the heart of the care we provide. Their compassion, dedication, and ability to bring comfort, dignity and reassurance to patients and families every day is truly invaluable.”
3 Carole HCA
2 Michael HCA
1 Monica HCA
The moments that matter
Carole has been a Health Care Assistant at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury for 18 years and loves being part of a team that helps make every moment special for patients and families.
“I love supporting the patients and families and helping to make every moment special,” she said. “Being part of a team and knowing that we all care so passionately about what we do means so much.”
Alongside her caring role, Carole enjoys creating seasonal displays on the ward, from Wimbledon-inspired decorations to autumn leaves and festive scenes, bringing smiles to patients, visitors and colleagues alike.
Amber has been a Health Care Assistant at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet for two years, having previously worked at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. After taking time away from work to care for her daughter, Amber reflected on what was most important to her and discovered a real passion for end-of-life care.
“I truly love the relationships we’re able to build with our patients at Pilgrims,” she said. “Being part of the team is really special. We communicate so well, support one another, and always come together when it matters.”
Sharon has spent the past two years as part of the HCA team at Thanet, following previous experience with Pilgrims’ Hospice at Home service. With 11 years of valuable Pilgrims experience, she knows how important teamwork is.
“Patients never realise what a jolly place it is here,” she said. “To hear the laughter and spend time chatting with the HCAs can make a world of difference to patients and their families.”
At Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, the team shared the same feelings; Monica and Marife said: “It’s a privilege to care for people when they need us most.Every day is different, but knowing we’ve made someone’s day a little easier is incredibly rewarding.”
Every day, our Health Care Assistants bring compassion, dignity, reassurance and kindness to patients and families across east Kent. Whether offering practical care, sharing a quiet conversation, or helping to create lasting memories, they are at the very heart of hospice care.
A day in the life of a Health Care Assistant
Providing personal care with dignity and compassion
Helping patients maintain their independence
Working alongside nurses and the wider clinical team
Supporting families through precious moments
Creating special memories and celebrations
Offering comfort, reassurance and companionship
Helping make every moment matter
Thank you to every one of our Health Care Assistants for the extraordinary difference you make every day.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
18th August 2026
A tribute to Alex Miles: “Pilgrims go above and beyond”
Alex Miles from Folkestone was a family man; a devoted husband to Ruth and father to Millie, Jake, Mason, Layla and Bailey, he served as a sergeant in Kent Police and played football for Folkestone Invicta FC.
In 2019, Alex, then aged 44, was diagnosed with lung cancer, which had spread to his bones. He began treatment and, with his condition managed, was able to live relatively well and even continue working.
But in 2024, Alex suffered two strokes, after which he was admitted to Pilgrims Hospices for end-of-life care.
Alex died at the Ashford hospice in September 2024, aged 49.
Alex and Ruth with family on their wedding dayAlex with his son, Bailey
Ruth shares how Pilgrims helped their family to make the most of their precious final moments with Alex, and supported them in their grief after his death:
“Alex was transferred from hospital; after the second stroke, he wasn’t really conscious, but Pilgrims made him comfortable – it was noticeable as soon as he got to the hospice.
“As a family, we had such a positive experience of Pilgrims’ care. Alex was only in the hospice for a few days, and although it was never going to be easy, it was as comforting as it could possibly have been. We had a family room, so a few of us could sleep in there with Alex. Friends and family could visit any time to say their goodbyes.
“I was breastfeeding our youngest child, Bailey, who was just five months old at the time. The kind nurses and staff were so supportive – they made us countless cups of tea and toast, took Bailey for walks and played with him to give us a break, answered our questions, held our hands and simply listened. They even shared their own stories with us; we learned that so many of them have personal experiences of hospice care, which is what inspired them to work for Pilgrims. They did all this whilst keeping Alex comfortable; they really do go above and beyond.”
“After Alex died, myself and one of Alex’s older children were offered bereavement counselling; we really appreciated that continuity of care. I also had massages from the complementary therapy team, which were lovely.
“I can’t fault Pilgrims, they’re fantastic.”
In April 2025, Alex’s family launched the inaugural Miles Memorial Cup – a football match in honour of Alex to celebrate his life, which they plan to make an annual event. On 18 April 2026, the match was held in aid of Pilgrims, raising £4,000 for local hospice care.
Ruth said:
“We wanted to give back to those that helped us on Alex’s journey; Pilgrims were able to offer the specialist, compassionate care that Alex needed at the end of his life, when no one else could. If our fundraising helps just one other family to have that same support and peace, it will mean so much to us. We’re lucky to have such brilliant hospice care in the UK, but it is only available thanks to peoples’ generous support and donations – that’s why it’s so important for us to fundraise for Pilgrims.
“Any opportunity to talk about Alex and have other people remember him, I’ll take it, because he deserves that. It’s very comforting for me. Although Alex’s life was cut short, this is how we can keep his memory alive.”
Alex Miles With His Wife Ruth
Alex Miles With Family
Alex And Ruth Miles With Their Children Mason, Layla And Bailey
Alex Miles With His Children L R Jake, Mason, Millie And Layla
Alex Miles With His Children Mason And Layla
Top Alex Miles With His Sister Nicola And His Uncle
Follow @milesmemorialcup on Instagram for news and updates about the annual Miles Memorial Cup.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
14th August 2026
Introducing Dr. Tina Ivanov: “I have a genuine interest in how we get death and dying right for people”
Dr. Tina Ivanov is the Director of Clinical Operations at Pilgrims Hospices; she joined the charity in March 2026, following a long career as a paramedic in both Australia and England.
She has also worked in clinical education and service development, helping to keep patients safe, engaging staff, and leading on clinical governance.
Tina shares what drew her to palliative care, and her hopes for the future at Pilgrims.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Tina moved to the UK in 2015:
“People always ask me why I left Oz. Firstly, I love to travel, and the world seems much closer when based in England. But the other reason was work; I thought I could learn so much being part of the healthcare system in England. It’s not perfect, but there’s a lot to be excited about in the way we deliver health and care here.”
What is your professional background?
“It’s a lovely mix of clinical, people and education. I’ve been a registered paramedic, which is one of the Allied Health Professions, for nearly three decades. I also have a professional membership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and I’m a Doctor of Education.
I’ve worked in ambulance services and a hospital, as well as in universities, in lecturing and course development, for most of my career. I’ve been a manager for about 20 years, leading teams and services, and working at senior levels across operations, people and service development.”
Tina at work as a paramedic in Australia
What drew you to palliative care? What is your personal experience of palliative care?
Tina’s mum, Dorothy, with her grandson (Tina’s son), Luke
“As a paramedic, I’ve seen the full spectrum of palliative patients, dying and death. In my early career, I felt I needed to “save” everyone, but as I learnt more and saw the reality, my approach to death and dying changed. I saw that having dignity in death and allowing the dying person to feel supported and in control, and providing information to them and their family, was far more beneficial than medication or intervention – so I have a genuine interest in how we get this right for people.
I experienced this personally through my mum, Dorothy, who lived with Parkinson’s disease for many years before being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although one part of my family remained in denial right to the end, my mum wanted a safe space to talk about her wishes and to die at home. The support provided by the hospice team was exceptional, and my mum died at home with us there. Being able to support that outcome for her was one of the most privileged positions I could be in.
These two experiences made me curious about best practice in palliative and end-of-life care; not just from a medical point of view, but with the whole picture in mind – psychological, environmental, the family, support – everything.”
Why did you choose Pilgrims Hospices? What do you enjoy about your role?
“The more I learnt about Pilgrims, the more I felt this is the right place for me. It has such a strong connection to the community we serve, which is so important to me. When I asked people about the charity, everyone spoke with such pride and connection, and I wanted to be part of that. And now that I’m here, I feel it; it’s not words on a poster on a wall, it’s real, and something I experience every day. Our people, staff, patients and volunteers all really matter.
I love working with individual teams and hearing about those stories where families and patients are supported, the stuff that goes on behind the work. Because we get to know our patients, we can do the very personal things that make such a difference. I love that, as Pilgrims, we champion that and give people the space to do it properly. It gives me a real positive energy in my role, and it’s what makes Pilgrims a very special place to work.”
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.
