Remembering our dads with love: Yat and Claire’s story
Yat and Claire Lee from Herne Bay support Pilgrims Hospices in memory of their fathers, Wai Lung Lee and David Ingrey, who were cared for at the Canterbury hospice within 12 months of each other – Wai Lung in December 2024, and David in September-October 2025.
The family felt so supported by Pilgrims, both during Wai Lung and David’s illnesses and after their deaths, that they are keen to give back; they want to help ensure that other local families can receive the same compassionate care.
Yat’s father, Wai Lung
Yat, Claire and their 3-year-old daughter, April, attended Sunflower Memories at the Canterbury hospice in July 2026. The event provides an opportunity to dedicate memory markers to Wai Lung and David, which are planted in the hospice gardens, and spend a summer’s afternoon reflecting and remembering with love.
Yat said:
“It was such a lovely and poignant day for us. As April is still so young, she doesn’t yet fully understand the significance of the day or how much it means to both of us.
“The support that my mother, my four siblings, and I received during Dad’s time at the hospice was truly indescribable. The team at Pilgrims, along with the support from their Stepping Stones services, helped us through one of the most difficult periods of our lives.
Claire’s father, David
“When my father-in-law, David, was referred to the hospice, we experienced the same outstanding level of care, compassion, and support that I had witnessed a year earlier.
“With both bereavements happening less than a year apart, it was very difficult. Without Pilgrims’ help, we don’t know how we would have coped.
“We feel we owe so much to the staff at Pilgrims. They made the remaining time both our fathers had as comfortable and dignified as possible, and that is something our families will never forget.
“It’s so important to raise awareness of the incredible work Pilgrims does, which is why we want to share our story.”
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.
3rd October 2026
Chris’s story: Going the extra mile for Pilgrims in memory of his mum
When Chris Wootley takes on the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge on Saturday 10 October, every step will have a very personal meaning.
Chris is taking on the tough challenge in memory of his mum, Sandra, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices in 2018 after a 10-year battle with cancer.
Chris supports Pilgrims in memory of his mum, Sandra
“Sandra always put others first, even in the toughest of times. She was caring, thoughtful and considerate of others,” says Chris.
When Sandra’s health deteriorated, she was cared for at Pilgrims’ Ashford hospice. Chris remembers the kindness and compassion shown by the whole team.
“The care and consideration for my mum’s welfare and comfort was second to none. No question or request was too much, and the entire team, from the reception desk to the nursing team and doctors, were fantastic.”
As Sandra’s life drew to a close, she expressed a wish to return home to spend her final days surrounded by the people and place she loved. Once again, the Pilgrims team rallied around to make it possible, continuing to support Sandra and her family with daily care at home.
For Chris, it is a level of support he will never forget.
That is why he continues to put himself through some seriously challenging adventures to raise money for Pilgrims.
An experienced obstacle course racer and ultra-marathon participant, Chris took part in this year’s Pilgrims Way Challenge and loved every minute, despite the inevitable hills and miles!
“The vibe is relaxed and supportive, the organisation was excellent and I’ll be back out on the course for 2027.”
Now he is going one step further with the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge.
Training has not been entirely straightforward. Chris is currently living with a knee injury and is awaiting an operation, which he has chosen to postpone until after the challenge.
“My priority is raising funds for Pilgrims. My knee can be fixed later,” he says with characteristic determination.
Alongside his personal fundraising, Chris is also a long-standing supporter through his Ashford-based business, The Monster Merchants. The company specialises in second-hand wargaming miniatures, retro board games, role-play books, action figures, toys and video games.
Every week, items that are unsuitable for sale are set aside for Pilgrims. Chris’s dad, Roger, collects, sorts and delivers the donations to Pilgrims’ Ashford site. Over the years, the family estimates they have donated thousands of items, from toys and board games to collectables, retro clothing and computer games.
“It’s about turning old and unwanted items into funds that can support Pilgrims,” says Chris.
With £260 already raised for the Kent Downs Challenge, Chris is hoping his fundraising will continue to grow.
“I will continue to support Pilgrims Hospices to give back to our local east Kent community by raising vital funds for compassionate end-of-life care. Every contribution helps provide comfort, peace and essential support for patients and their families when they need it most.”
Chris taking part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge
For Chris, the 50km challenge is about much more than the finish line. It is his way of remembering Sandra, and giving something back to the hospice team who cared for her when his family needed them most.
Want to raise funds for Pilgrims with your own challenge?
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.
