School choir Deck the Halls for Pilgrims Hospices

Sir Roger Manwood’s School chose Pilgrims Hospice Thanet as their charity of the year last year and asked if they could present their charity donation of £6,020 to the Pilgrims team earlier this year.

Holly Fletcher, a Year 8 pupil also presented a surprise gift of an impressive colourful collection tin, which flashes when a donation is made.


Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said: “Holly gave me her gift and went to walk away, I noticed it had an electric plug so immediately found a power point. Holly explained how the tin would flash when a donation is made.

“It’s quite incredible that a child so young had made this for our charity through a school project, what an amazing gift and one that benefits others too.

We are very grateful for the wonderful support and awareness the school has given Pilgrims Hospices.

Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices

“There was more to add; after speaking with music teacher, David Smith, at the end of year, I mentioned that we were holding a Santa run in Margate on Sunday 15 December and wondered if they would be interested in recording a Christmas carol for the charity.

“After the school summer holidays were over, the school got a group together and sent me a draft of “Deck the Halls”; when I played their rendition I was in bits as was everyone, so professional, with tenors and sopranos just beautiful. We now have the finished copy of the CD that we are asking for a minimum donation of £3 per copy. The CD cover features Holly Fletcher on the back with her collection tin. We are delighted that local radio stations will be playing this for us, and it will be played at the Santas run on  Sunday 15 December. This makes the perfect Christmas present.”

Karen went on to say: “How very grateful we all are for the wonderful support and awareness the school has given us overall. From all our staff, volunteers and patients, we wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

Copies of the CD are available at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet reception for a suggested donation of £3.

Click below to listen to Deck the Halls by Sir Roger Manwood’s School choir.


Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured.  The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.