How creativity, friendship and love come to life at Pilgrims Hospices
When Kevin Carter first heard about Pilgrims Hospices’ 12-week Time to Create group, he wasn’t convinced it was for him.
“I thought it would all be drawing,” he admits. “I really wasn’t sure what to expect.”
Now, the 58-year-old from Ramsgate wouldn’t miss a Thursday for the world.
Kevin attends the Wellbeing and Therapy Centre at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, having been referred by King’s College Hospital in London following a diagnosis of liver cancer. After being introduced to the range of wellbeing support available at Pilgrims, he decided to give Time to Create a try, and quickly discovered something special.
“Well, it’s been amazing,” Kevin says. “This is how I spend my Thursdays now. I’ve made such good friends, tried lots of different crafts, and created keepsakes and cards for my family to treasure forever.”
One creation in particular has captured hearts across the group: a soft, handmade teddy bear Kevin proudly named Wonky.
Wonky is stitched together with care, his slightly uneven seams and gentle smile giving him real character. Made in warm, neutral fabric and small enough to be held close, he’s far from perfect, and that’s exactly why Kevin loves him.
“I’m especially pleased with my teddy bear,” Kevin says. “I named him Wonky because he’s not perfect, just like all of us. But he’s full of love.”
Wonky is a gift for Kevin’s nine-year-old daughter, Bonnie, and a symbol of something much deeper.
“It matters to me to leave something behind that’s been made with love,” Kevin explains. “I hope when Bonnie holds Wonky, she feels how much she means to me. I also have a 13-year-old son, Logan, I’ve yet to make something for him… however, I am responding well to treatment, so there will be time.”
The teddy-making didn’t stop with Wonky. Inspired by Kevin, several other members of the group began making bears of their own.
One fellow participant even created a set of tiny bears in tins for Kevin, keepsakes he treasures just as much.
“They’ve truly captured my heart,” Kevin says with a smile. “I’ve named them Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Moe. One’s for Bonnie and one’s for me. They live in their own special tins.”
For Kevin, creativity was never part of his life before joining Pilgrims.
Having spent his career in the building industry and lived in Thanet for 30 years, originally hailing from the Rhondda Valley in Wales, sewing and crafting were entirely new experiences.
“I never imagined I’d be doing this,” he says.
“But the group brings me to life. We laugh a lot, we share stories, and there’s always tea, cake, friendship and care here.”
The Time to Create group is facilitated by Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing team and offers patients a relaxed, supportive space to explore creativity, whether through sewing, crafting, card-making or other hands-on activities.
It’s open to people living with a life-limiting illness and focuses on emotional, psychological and social wellbeing.
Kate Brewer, Wellbeing Practitioner at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, has seen first-hand the impact the group has had on Kevin:
“Kevin’s idea to make a teddy didn’t just result in one bear, it inspired the whole group,” she says. “Creativity gives people a sense of purpose, connection and joy. We’ve seen Kevin grow in confidence, build friendships and create something that will carry his love forward.”
During sessions, the room is often filled with laughter, gentle concentration and conversation, hands busy with needles and fabric, stories shared over cups of tea, and moments of quiet pride as projects come together.
“At Pilgrims, we support the whole person, not just their medical needs,” Katie adds. “Creative activities like Time to Create allow people to express themselves, form meaningful connections and leave a legacy for those they love. That legacy might be a teddy bear, a card, or simply the memories made together.”
As Kevin reflects on Wonky and the time he’s spent at Pilgrims, one thing stands out above all else:
“Even imperfect things can be the most treasured,” he says. “I hope when my family see these teddies, they remember the love behind them, and the laughter that helped make them.”
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:
- Visit pilgrimshospices.org/wellbeing
- Email [email protected]
- Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
