27 June 2019

Sylvia’s charity challenge

Pilgrims Hospices supporter Sylvia Pilot has set herself a challenge to sell the most Grand Draw raffle tickets for Pilgrims Hospices Ashford Summer Garden Party.

Every ticket sold will raise vital funds for end-of-life care in her hometown of Ashford. So far she’s sold over £120 of tickets and is still selling.


Sylvia said: “I love to support local charities, I’ve run, walked and undertaken many challenges over the years in order to raise funds for deserving causes.

Pilgrims Hospices is very special to many of us who have some personal experience of their care.

Sylvia

“I decided to do something quite different on this occasion.

“Pilgrims Hospices is very special to so many of us who have some personal experience of their care, whether it’s through our family or friends.

“People are always very generous when they know they are supporting such a good cause and the Grand Draw prizes are brilliant; who can resist taking part?”

Rachael Edmed, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Officer, said: “Sylvia is doing a marvellous job, she’s so much fun and really enthusiastic, I’m sure she’s going to be a wonderful champion for our Summer Garden Party Grand Draw.”

Sylvia, who is retired, has acres of fundraising experience and as an active member of Tesco Retired Community Club, Dymchurch School, a local darts club, British Legion and Tuesdays Club, she’s a busy lady.

“The price of a Grand Draw raffle ticket is just £1 and can be purchased at the Ashford hospice reception or on the day. We’ve been generously donated an iPad (128GB) by Alan Maker Electrical Services and four tickets with travel to Harry Potter London Studio Tour by Crosskeys Travel. There are some amazing prizes to be won including two annual memberships to Ashford Picturehouse along with so many more.” Rachael added.

The annual event raises vital funds for local hospice care and offers Pilgrims Hospices an opportunity to showcase its beautiful gardens, which are maintained wholly by the volunteer gardening team who are passionate about the plants and gardens that are used by patients and their family and friends.

The Ashford Summer Garden Party takes place on Saturday 3 August, 11am-4pm, in the gardens of Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, Hythe Road, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0NE. It’s free to come and along and donations are welcome. A park and ride service will also be available.

There will be a wide range of stalls, games and activities for the whole family. From plants, luxury crafts and handmade cakes to hot food, live music, tombolas and children’s games.


Pilgrims Hospices cares for more than 2,400 local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.