Spectacular sunshine and community spirit shine at Pilgrims Way Challenge 2026
Smiles, determination and spectacular summer weather made for a truly unforgettable day as more than 650 participants took part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2026 on Saturday 20 June, raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices across east Kent.
In an incredible show of community spirit and generosity, the event has already raised an amazing £135,000 so far, with funds continuing to grow as sponsorship and donations keep coming in. Every mile walked or run and every pound raised will help Pilgrims Hospices continue providing skilled, compassionate end-of-life care to local people and those closest to them.
Supporters travelled from across Kent and further afield to enjoy this much-loved annual fundraising event, choosing from three distances – 25km, 35km or the full 55km challenge – along one of England’s most historic and beautiful national trails.
With rolling countryside, picturesque villages and plenty of moments to celebrate along the route, participants embraced the challenge while helping ensure Pilgrims Hospices can continue providing skilled, compassionate end-of-life care to local people and those closest to them.
Conditions were glorious throughout the day, with sunshine providing the perfect backdrop for the event.
Every effort was made to support participant wellbeing in the warm weather, with plentiful refreshment stops, snacks, drinks, medical support and dedicated event teams helping everyone stay safe and enjoy the experience.
One team making an incredible impact was PHA – Let Loose!, a group of staff from Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, who completed the 25km Canterbury to Wye route together and have raised an outstanding £3,260 so far.
The team said:
“Despite the incredibly hot day, we had the best time! Enjoying each other’s company, we laughed a lot, tackled some challenging inclines and kept each other going, knowing every step was helping make a real difference for our patients and their families. Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored us.”
The Ashford team chose to take on the challenge because they see first-hand every day the difference Pilgrims makes to patients and their loved ones.
Pilgrims Hospices relies heavily on fundraising to help meet annual running costs of £17.5 million.
Head of Fundraising, Kate Duddell, said:
“What a fantastic day! Seeing so many people come together, challenge themselves and support hospice care across east Kent was incredibly special. The atmosphere was full of encouragement, laughter and determination from start to finish.
“We’re also delighted to announce that since the event began in 2018, it has now surpassed a total of £1 million raised for hospice care in east Kent.
Thank you to every participant who signed up, fundraised and took on the challenge. A very special thank you goes to our amazing band of volunteers, from registration teams and route marshals to those running rest stops, cheering supporters on and helping behind the scenes. We simply could not hold these special fundraising events without their dedication, energy and generosity. They truly make the day possible.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge continues to be one of Pilgrims Hospices’ most popular fundraising events, helping ensure expert hospice care remains available to local families when they need it most.
A full set of photos from the day is available via Google Drive.
