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.
28th October 2026
A family connection makes Burgess Hodgson’s charity choice extra special for Kieran
When Canterbury accountancy firm Burgess Hodgson chose Pilgrims Hospices as its Charity of the Year for 2026, apprentice Kieran Kelly was particularly pleased.
Hospice care is close to his heart, as his sister, Caitlin, works as a Palliative Specialist Nurse (PSN) at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford.
Kieran is in his fourth year of training towards becoming a qualified accountant, working in audit at Burgess Hodgson.
“I really love my role and being part of the team here,” he said. “It’s great to be part of such a good team.”
With around 220 employees, Burgess Hodgson gives its staff the opportunity to nominate charities for its Charity of the Year partnership. A shortlist is then put to a staff vote, giving everyone a say in which cause the firm supports.
Lloyd Taylor, associate at Burgess Hodgson, said, “As a firm with deep roots in the local community, it’s important to us to support charities that mean something to our people. That way, our fundraising becomes more than just raising money for a good cause; it means something personal to our team, too.”
Caitlin Kelly
For Kieran, the result was particularly meaningful because of his sister’s work at Pilgrims.
Just two years older than Kieran, 27-year-old Caitlin originally trained as a nurse and worked in intensive care before moving into palliative care following the pandemic.
Kieran speaks with huge pride about his sister and the difference she makes to patients and their families:
“She is so caring, and I can’t imagine anyone better to be working with people and families who need such specialist care,” he said.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Hospices Corporate Fundraising Manager, said, “It is always extra special when businesses run a staff vote for their Charity of the Year and Pilgrims is chosen. It shows how much the hospice means to so many, and we are delighted to once again be supported by the team at Burgess Hodgson.”
Having seen through his sister just how important specialist hospice care is, Kieran is pleased to be part of a team that will be supporting Pilgrims throughout the year.
“It’s a really lovely thing to be involved with when we vote for our preferred charities,” he said. “Fundraising gives us all a sense that we are really doing something special, helping to make patients and their families just a little more comfortable.”
Knowing that the money raised can support so many different aspects of hospice care makes the partnership even more meaningful:
“Whether our fundraising is helping families, supporting the hospices to move forward with their care projects, or simply helping to provide the hospice kitchens with ingredients to make nutritious meals for those in their care, it all makes a difference.”
Throughout 2026, Burgess Hodgson’s fundraising and staff support will help Pilgrims continue providing its specialist care to patients and families across east Kent.
For Kieran, it’s a chance to support a cause that means so much to his family, while bringing his professional life and his sister’s work together in a particularly special way.
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.
27th October 2026
Remembering Nan: Dylan’s special connection to Pilgrims Hospices
Burgess Hodgson is supporting Pilgrims Hospices as its Charity of the Year for 2026, a partnership that has a particularly personal meaning for one member of its charity committee.
For Dylan Jones, supporting Pilgrims Hospices through his workplace is about much more than fundraising.
The Canterbury accountancy firm, Burgess Hodgson, has chosen Pilgrims as one of its charities for 2026, with colleagues taking part in challenges, quizzes, and a host of fundraising activities throughout the year.
For Dylan, who has worked at Burgess Hodgson for four years, being part of the charity committee has a special significance; Pilgrims cared for his nan, Catherine, during the final months of her life in 2017.
Dylan was just 14 when Catherine died, aged 65, but almost a decade later, he still remembers the hospice and the kindness shown to his family with remarkable warmth.
A very special nan
Catherine played a huge part in Dylan’s childhood.
He spent a great deal of time with her growing up and says she taught him all kinds of practical skills, including cooking, sewing and ironing, things he is still proud to have learned from her.
“She was full of amazing stories,” Dylan says. “I often wish I’d asked her even more.”
After being diagnosed with a serious illness, Catherine took early retirement from her role with Kent County Council. She and her husband, Derek, made the most of their time together, travelling and enjoying experiences while she was still well, including trips to Australia and Singapore.
Although she is no longer here, her memory remains very much part of the family.
In the final months of her life, Catherine was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury; she died in February 2017.
“The nurses took the time to remember everyone’s names and treated us as part of their family,” Dylan says. “They were amazing and so friendly. They helped us to manage our expectations and made such a difficult time a little easier.”
The hospice gave the family space to spend precious time together, including being able to take Catherine’s bed into the garden so they could make final memories together.
Dylan also remembers the family room and conservatory, where they could simply be together away from the clinical environment.
His grandad, Derek, found his own way of giving something back – he began volunteering in the hospice garden and still talks fondly about the people he met and the support they gave him while his wife was being cared for.
Now, through his role at Burgess Hodgson, Dylan is helping to support Pilgrims in another way.
With over 220 staff, Burgess Hodgson has a strong culture of giving back. Each year, staff choose two charities to support, with colleagues getting involved in fundraising challenges and activities throughout the year.
Dylan joined Burgess Hodgson straight from school as an apprentice and is now a member of the firm’s charity committee. He loves his role and the people he works with, describing his colleagues as a “great group” who are friendly and supportive.
For the Burgess Hodgson team, the Charity of the Year partnership provides an opportunity to come together, have some fun, and raise vital funds to help support local people and their families living with a terminal illness.
We’re so grateful to Burgess Hodgson and its team for choosing to support Pilgrims.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager
Lloyd Taylor, Associate at Burgess Hodgson, said:
“It’s lovely to see our team coming together to support causes that make a real difference in our local community. Knowing how much Pilgrims means to Dylan and his family makes this partnership particularly special, and we’re proud to be helping support the care they provide to local people and their loved ones.”
For Dylan, however, the partnership is particularly meaningful.
He knows first-hand what Pilgrims means to families like his own and how much hospice care extends beyond the person who is ill to everyone around them.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“We’re so grateful to Burgess Hodgson and its team for choosing to support Pilgrims. Dylan’s story is a lovely reminder of how the care we provide can stay with families long after a loved one has died. Support from local businesses helps us continue to be there for patients and the people closest to them, making precious time together matter as much as possible.”
Almost ten years after Catherine was cared for at the Canterbury hospice, Dylan still remembers the kindness of the staff and the difference they made to his family.
Now, through his work at Burgess Hodgson and his involvement with the charity committee, he has the opportunity to help other families create their own precious memories, just as his family did with Catherine.
For Dylan, it is a very personal way of remembering his nan and saying thank you.
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 October 2026
Charlotte’s story: “Pilgrims treated my grandma like royalty”
Charlotte Ridley, an editor and artist from Smarden, ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon for Pilgrims Hospices in October 2026 in memory of her grandma, Jean Ridley.
She raised more than £1,200 for the hospice charity to say thank you for the care Jean received in her final weeks.
Charlotte with her grandma, Jean
Jean lived in Smarden her whole life, and was well-loved within her local community. In 2023, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer; after two years of chemotherapy treatment, she was referred to Pilgrims Hospices, and died at the Ashford hospice in January 2025, aged 87.
Charlotte said: “My grandma and I were very close; we lived together for most of my life. She always supported me and was the strongest woman in my entire family.
“She said yes to every possible treatment offered and went through chemo like an absolute boss, hardly ever complaining, simply playing the cards she was dealt. From the minute she was diagnosed, she unequivocally said she wanted to go into the Ashford hospice when the time came; she’d volunteered in Pilgrims’ Tenterden shop for more than 10 years when she was younger, so was familiar with the charity.
“Her wishes were upheld; in January 2025, upon needing a bed, the Ashford team did everything they could to get her in quickly and with no fuss. They treated her like royalty whilst supporting our family through the toughest weeks. She received the best care, and she fought for those final weeks with everything she had, under the incredible care of the Ashford hospice staff. They were always on hand to help and nothing was too much trouble. They even visited my grandma at home and called daily to offer support before she was officially in their care.
Charlotte and her grandma at an art exhibition in April 2024
“After she passed, it was her wish that donations be made in her name to Pilgrims; from the church service and donations via the funeral directors, over £1,000 was raised in her memory! I wanted to carry this forward through my own fundraising.”
Charlotte completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 11 October 2026, raising £1,288.99 for Pilgrims. Many donations came from her local community, who knew and loved Jean. Charlotte also runs a print club – Pelican Post (@charlotteridleyart) – which is a monthly subscription service where members receive original artwork designed and created by her, through the post. Charlotte advertised that all profits from the months before the half marathon would go towards her fundraising goal, something that contributed massively to her total:
Charlotte at the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026
“I woke up on the day of the Royal Parks Half Marathon super excited for the event and the day ahead. I crossed the start line at about 09:00am kitted out in Pilgrims blue, with blue hairclips and blue jewelry to match!
“The atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic races was absolutely amazing; it was such a privilege to run through the streets lined with supporters and see famous landmarks as I made my way round. It started to get really tough around 18km, but as I remembered why I was running, I pushed through to get a time I was really proud of. I crossed the finish line knowing I had given it my best shot and feeling really proud to represent the people I was running for.
“The rest of the day was dedicated to eating a copious amount of pastries and reuniting with my supporters, who were definitely the loudest ones cheering at the 15km checkpoint! I’m so grateful to Pilgrims for enabling me to represent them, and I hope that all the amazing people who have donated to me know that they’ve made such a difference.”
Charlotte continued:
“I thought it would be fitting to draw attention to a charity very close to home, not only emotionally due to the personal connection, but literally! I personally wanted to be able to know that my fundraising efforts and donations contributed to the great work Pilgrims do in east Kent.
“Our community were incredible in supporting my fundraising, and they also shared their favourite memories of my grandma, which was lovely. In addition, my mum, Alison, is an artist and arts events organiser, and has been instrumental in helping me build and run my print club, to ensure the largest percentage of profits could go towards my goal.
“I hope that through my fundraising, more people learn about the great work Pilgrims does, and that the money raised helps to give others the same care my family received at the most critical time; I hope more families are lucky enough to be cared for by Pilgrims when they need it most.”
Feeling inspired to take on your next running challenge for Pilgrims?
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 October 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.
15th October 2026
Tiles of Joy, creativity, connection and moments of happiness at Pilgrims Hospices
Photograph: Palak Sharma, Wellbeing Practitioner with Kavita Sodhi, Wellbeing Practioner Lead
A beautiful community art project, kindly funded by the Cantiacorum Foundation, is bringing colour, creativity and connection to Pilgrims Hospices, as patients, carers, staff and volunteers come together to take part in Tiles of Joy.
Led by ceramic artist Jayne Wright of JAW Ceramics CIC, Tiles of Joy began in 2023 in partnership with Power of Women (POW) Thanet, with an inspiring workshop at the Margate Caves.
Since then, the project has grown into something truly special, with more than 2,000 handcrafted tiles created by people across Thanet and beyond.
The project has united a wide range of community groups, from local schools and heritage organisations to social inclusion initiatives and arts groups, nurturing creativity and connection across the area.
More recently, Pilgrims’ Wellbeing groups have been taking part in the inspiring Tiles of Joy project. Patients, carers, Stepping Stones bereavement groups, staff and volunteers were invited to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting what brings them happiness. During the sessions, participants explored clay by scraping, indenting and shaping their designs, supported throughout by Jayne, who then carefully fired each piece before returning them ready for display.
Now proudly displayed at the hospices in Ashford and Thanet, these unique artworks form beautiful, fixed installations, each tile telling its own story and together creating a lasting celebration of community, creativity and care.
The experience has been both thought-provoking and uplifting. Participants have not only enjoyed the hands-on creative process, but also the special experience of seeing their work become part of a shared piece of art, something that will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who visit.
The project has also inspired Pilgrims’ Wellbeing team to explore how clay and creative therapies could play a bigger role in future sessions, opening up new opportunities to support patients and families through creativity and wellbeing activities.
Ann with the Tiles of Joy mural at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
As the Wellbeing team shared:
“It has been such a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Seeing people relax into the process, express themselves so freely, and then light up when they see their finished tile on display, has been incredibly special.”
Ann Mapley, a Wellbeing patient at Pilgrims Hospices who took part in the sessions, said:
“The brief was to design tiles that meant something to us, and for me that was my grandchildren. One of them loves George’s Dragon and the other loves snails, so I created a dragon and a snail on my tiles. It was such a fun afternoon, there were lots of laughs and giggles as we all tried to get everything just right with help from the lovely ladies running the session.
“Seeing the mural come together has been wonderful; it looks so lovely now. I first found out about the project through a leaflet that had been brought in, and I’m really glad I took part.”
Tiles of Joy is a reminder that even small moments of creativity can have a lasting impact, bringing people together, sparking reflection, and creating something truly meaningful.
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 2
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 1
Ann’s tiles
Follow Tiles of Joy on Instagram to find out more:@tilesofjoy
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
