3 July 2020

Stepping it up for local hospice care

Gemma Letchford from Dover set herself a charity challenge to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. Pilgrims has very quickly become a charity close to Gemma’s heart after her Dad Johnny spent his final moments at Pilgrims in Canterbury in 2019. With the support of her family and friends she dedicated her latest challenge to her Dad, Nan and dear friend Colin.

Gemma’s love of walking played an important part in helping her to grieve for her Dad. For her and her family, Pilgrims in Canterbury quickly became their second home.

To help support the vital end of life care that Pilgrims delivers to over 2,500 patients living with a terminal illness and their families each year, Gemma pledged to walk 500km throughout the month of June.

“Everyone there was so kind and compassionate, we will forever be in their debt and helping to raise vital funds for this wonderful charity is a great way for us to give something back.”

Congratulations Gemma from everyone at Pilgrims Hospices!

Over the last year, Gemma has raised nearly £3,000 and through her latest challenge she exceeded her expectations and has raised over £800 which could pay for 32 hours of specialist nursing care in one of our inpatient units.

Gemma’s friends and family joined her for some of her walks including a very special walking buddy, her daughter Airlie who made her mum work even harder pushing her pram along the way!

Congratulations Gemma from everyone at Pilgrims Hospices!

Gemma has set up a Just Giving page to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. There is still time to show your support for her challenge here.

There are so many ways that you can continue to support Pilgrims.  Click here for some virtual fundraising ideas.

If you would like to take on a challenge in support of Pilgrims we would love to hear from you. Please contact our fundraising team.

We need you more than ever; our local community means everything to us.


Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured.  The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.