Fundraising together, caring together

Thank you for a record breaking year and here’s to 2026!

As we move into spring, we’re looking back with huge gratitude at what you our incredible supporters helped to achieve.

It’s been an extraordinary period for Pilgrims Hospices fundraising, and the impact of those funds is already being felt by patients and families across east Kent.

Every event, every step, every pedal, and every donation helps to ensure specialist hospice care is there when people need it most. Behind the fundraising totals are stories of love, remembrance, community and people coming together to honour someone special, give back for care received or to just take part and enjoy a fantastic Pilgrims event experience.

Walking and cycling challenges remained at the heart of the Pilgrims calendar. Supporters celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Cycle Challenge, marking the milestone by surpassing the previous year’s fundraising total and raising the highest total to date of £157,500.

Then came a truly historic moment: the Pilgrims Way Challenge raised £197,000, the largest amount ever raised by a single Pilgrims event. A phenomenal achievement by everyone who walked, volunteered, supported and donated.

There was thrill-seeking too, with brave supporters taking part in skydives and wing walks, while runners represented Pilgrims in the London and Brighton Marathons, alongside 10Ks, half marathons and races across the region.

2026 began in style with our ever-popular Christmas Tree Recycling scheme. The scheme raised an incredible £84,000, a staggering fundraising total made possible by our wonderful local community, dedicated staff and volunteers, and local businesses who brought their teams, vans and a positive can do attitude to make the event happen.

Pilgrims Way Challenge 1

Marathon 1

Cycle Challenge 1

Fundraising magic also thrives in everyday community life.

Across east Kent, supporters organised:

• Bake sales, quiz nights and coffee mornings
• Garden parties and sponsored walks
• Pub events and wheelie bin races
• Supermarket and community collections
• Sports matches, concerts and workplace events

Together, these efforts help Pilgrims provide compassionate care in people’s homes, in our hospices in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford, and via our 24-hour advice line.

Your support helps manage pain and symptoms, supports families emotionally and practically, and ensures no one faces life-limiting illness alone.

Looking ahead

If you’re interested in running your own fundraising event and would like support from our team, please email our Fundraising team or check out our events calendar to see what’s coming up in 2026.

Thank you for your continued support.

Your energy, kindness and generosity mean that when local families need us most, we can be there – with comfort, dignity and heart.

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.