Helen hikes for hospice care in memory of auntie
Helen Edwards from Camber, East Sussex is taking on the Pilgrims Way Challenge on Saturday 21 June 2025.
She will hike 25km from Canterbury to Wye in memory of her auntie, Patsy Bolton, who received Pilgrims Hospices’ care in December 2024.
Patsy worked in care and was always looking after others, so she understood the importance of being in a place of comfort at the end of life. When her own time came, she knew she wanted to be cared for in a hospice, and was offered a bed at the Ashford hospice.
Helen said: “Pilgrims made Patsy feel loved and cared for, so I wanted to give something back. She didn’t want a big fuss at her funeral, and asked for donations to Pilgrims in lieu of flowers. So when I saw the Pilgrims Way Challenge advertised, I signed up straight away. I’m hoping to raise as much money as I can to help make sure Pilgrims’ vital services continue to be available to other families, and to keep Patsy’s memory alive.”
Patsy’s daughter, Sarah Bolton, originally from Lydd, added:
“No one ever wants to receive a call telling you a precious loved one’s time has come, but from the moment those hospice doors opened, Pilgrims offered nothing but a positive and calming experience. The hospice was a place for our family to say goodbye to Mum, in comfort and with beautiful settings.
“All the staff were so kind and compassionate, not only to patients within their care, but to their family members as well. A special mention to Bernie, the Healthcare Assistant who made Mum’s final hours comfortable. No words or gratitude are enough to express the blessing we were afforded by Mum getting a bed at the hospice; Pilgrims’ work is priceless.
“As a family, we want to support Pilgrims to ensure others can experience their special care, offering people dignity and kindness in their final days. In the darkest times, Pilgrims gave us light; the hospice is a place where love and compassion knows no bounds.”
You can follow Helen’s fundraising journey via her JustGiving page.
Feeling inspired? Sign up now to join Helen and hundreds of others hiking for local hospice care.
The Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of all fitness levels; you’ll stroll through charming villages of oast houses and period cottages, surrounded by endless green fields. Rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings, and ancient woodlands all await you. The Pilgrims Way between Dover and Wye really does have it all.
