Shop window is dedicated to Pilgrims nurse Jo

The Alice in Wonderland window display at Pilgrims Hospices’ shop on the High Street, Broadstairs was dedicated to the memory of Pilgrims nurse Jo Leadbeater, by her friend and Pilgrims volunteer Charlie Euden.


Jo was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in July last year. The mother of five and step mum of two was just 54 when she passed way in the care of Pilgrims Hospices early this year.

Charlie has been dressing the windows every Friday at the Broadstairs shop for a number of years. Jenny Byrne, Pilgrims Shop Manager, said: “Charlie has a real eye for detail and creates some very imaginative displays.

“Her display won our shop the Best Dressed Shop Window during the Dickens Week this year, and her fabulous Alice in Wonderland windows are a fitting tribute to her close friend and former Pilgrims nurse Jo.”

Charlie has a real eye for detail and creates some very imaginative displays.

Jenny Byrne, Pilgrims Hospices shop manager

Charlie said: “I have always been a regular shopper in Pilgrims stores. I was asked by a member of staff if I’d like to volunteer about eight years ago. I started by selecting the toys for the window displays and have gone on to being more adventurous with some of the beautiful items that are generously donated to our shop.

“Myself and fellow volunteers are all local and just want to do something to help support end-of-life care in our area. My mum was cared for at the Thanet hospice two years ago, which gave me first-hand experience of the amazing services they provide.

Jo was a good friend, I thought it would be a nice way to honour her memory and remember what she gave to others.

Charlie 

“Jo was a good friend and I thought it would be a nice way to honour her memory and remember what she gave to others.”

In memory of Jo Leadbeater

 

If you’d like to find out more about Pilgrims Hospices shops or how to become a shop volunteer, visit pilgrimshospices.org/shops.


Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.