Trees of Love: Jade’s story
Jade remembers her nan, Viv, and her mother and father-in-law through Pilgrims Hospices’ Trees of Love campaign, after they all received care from the charity in 2024.
My nan, Viv, was the heart of our family – a devoted wife to my Grandad Bill; a loving mum to Melissa and Alister, and a proud nan to myself, Grace and Jacob. She made every birthday special with homemade cakes, and every holiday memorable, whether it was a trip to Menorca or a week at Butlins.
Nan was a teaching assistant at a local school for over 30 years, and was so generous with her time to students and colleagues – always with kind words and on standby for a cuddle. She put her teaching knowledge to good use each evening when watching her favourite quiz shows, The Chase and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire!
When Nan was diagnosed with cancer, we required an extra helping hand at home. All of ours and Nan’s fears were put to ease when we were introduced to Pilgrims. She felt so comfortable, and at peace, with the Hospice at Home team. They managed to make her smile and giggle when some days felt darker than others.
My Grandad suffered a stroke in 2022, which left him bed-bound, and Nan’s nurses made sure that their beds were pushed together so they could fall asleep holding hands, just like they used to. It was those little things that brought a lot of comfort to them, and to us as a family. It was lovely to discover that she had been supporting Pilgrims with a monthly donation for many years, even before she needed their support.
Pilgrims’ care extended to us all; I received bereavement counselling to help me process my loss after Nan passed in September 2024.
From the reception volunteers to the counsellor I worked with, everyone was so unbelievably kind. It was when I was waiting for one of the sessions that I saw the leaflet for Trees of Love, and I knew I wanted to dedicate a dove in memory of my nan and for my mum and father-in-law who also sadly passed that year, with support from Pilgrims in their final days.
Participating in Trees of Love helped make our first Christmas without our loved ones feel that little bit more special. The service was so calming, which reminded me of my nan, and it was such a comfort to see our doves lit up on the tree.
Our family will forever be grateful to Pilgrims Hospices for everything; supporting such a great cause at such a special time of year makes it that extra bit more meaningful.
Trees of Love returns in December 2025.
Services will take place at the Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford hospices on Saturday 6 December 2025.
Alternative indoor services are available at venues across east Kent throughout the month.
Register today to dedicate a dove for Trees of Love 2025.
