Spaces for faith, reflection and quiet at Pilgrims Hospices
During Inter Faith Week, Pilgrims Hospices is highlighting the Sanctuary Spaces across our three hospices.
These give patients, families and visitors somewhere to pray, reflect, remember someone they love, or simply find a moment of peace.
People come to Pilgrims with different beliefs, traditions and experiences. Faith and spirituality can be a source of comfort, particularly during the last year of life, while others may simply value a quiet place to gather their thoughts.
PH Sanctuary Space 2
PH Sanctuary Space 1
PH Sanctuary Space 3
Sanctuary Spaces at Pilgrims Hospices
At Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, we have made some considerable improvements to our sanctuary space during the last year.
Martin Kemp, Hospice Services Manager for Ashford, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our transformed Sanctuary, created through a shared vision and the generous support of the Frank Brake Charitable Trust.
Richard Brake and Michael Trigg from Frank Brake Charitable Trust with Rev’d Cat Darkins, Jon Sillett and Martin Kemp from Pilgrims Hospices
“New furnishings, lighting and decor inspired by nature and the changing seasons create a warm, calming space. A piano transformed by local artist, sculptor and illustrator Annie Begley adds character and the perfect finishing touch.
“Patients and visitors can also access a new reflection garden; a previously unused and inaccessible area now has wheelchair access, seating, lighting and a tranquil water feature, creating a peaceful space that supports wellbeing.”
Local artist Annie Begley
The Rev’d Cat Darkins, Lead Spiritual Care Chaplain, said:
“Our Sanctuary is a special part of hospice care. People can take time to pray, reflect, remember someone they love, or simply sit quietly. We want everyone to feel welcome and have the space and support they need.”
At Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, the Sanctuary can be adapted to individual needs.
Spiritual Care Chaplain, Jen Watson, recently arranged for a patient to attend his wife’s funeral by live-streaming it directly into our Sanctuary Space. Jen personalised the experience with flowers from the hospice garden, and she stayed with the patient throughout the service.
Jen said:
“Having a flexible space is a gift. I have also led personalised candle services, giving families time to reflect on someone they love before they went into the care of local funeral directors.
Live-streaming in the Thanet Sanctuary Space
“In addition, we leave tea lights in the Sanctuary for people to light at any time.
“It is poignant to see new tea lights lit and messages placed on the Ribbon Tree each morning.”
Tea lights in the Thanet Sanctuary Space
Looking ahead, Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury plans to modernise and create improved facilities, which recognise the memories, connections and sense of belonging that have grown there over many years. The new Sanctuary will meet the needs of patients and families while retaining meaningful features from the current hospice.
Sam Churchyard, Hospice Services Manager, Operations and Estates Lead, said:
“We are creating a hospice for the future. The new Sanctuary will offer comfort, dignity, privacy and calm. We will retain a connection to the hospice that came before it by including features, such as our current stained glass, to help carry some of that history forward.”
Pilgrims’ Spiritual Care team supports patients, families and friends throughout the year, in our hospices and the community, including visits to people at home.
Inter Faith Week takes place 8-15 November 2026; Pilgrims is recognising the importance of giving people time and space to find comfort in whatever way is meaningful to them, through faith, reflection, conversation, memories, or a moment of quiet.
Visitpilgrimshospices.org/cultureto discover how people across the world respond to and mark death and dying within different cultures.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
20th October 2026
Charlotte’s story: “Pilgrims treated my grandma like royalty”
Charlotte Ridley, an editor and artist from Smarden, ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon for Pilgrims Hospices in October 2026 in memory of her grandma, Jean Ridley.
She raised more than £1,200 for the hospice charity to say thank you for the care Jean received in her final weeks.
Charlotte with her grandma, Jean
Jean lived in Smarden her whole life, and was well-loved within her local community. In 2023, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer; after two years of chemotherapy treatment, she was referred to Pilgrims Hospices, and died at the Ashford hospice in January 2025, aged 87.
Charlotte said: “My grandma and I were very close; we lived together for most of my life. She always supported me and was the strongest woman in my entire family.
“She said yes to every possible treatment offered and went through chemo like an absolute boss, hardly ever complaining, simply playing the cards she was dealt. From the minute she was diagnosed, she unequivocally said she wanted to go into the Ashford hospice when the time came; she’d volunteered in Pilgrims’ Tenterden shop for more than 10 years when she was younger, so was familiar with the charity.
“Her wishes were upheld; in January 2025, upon needing a bed, the Ashford team did everything they could to get her in quickly and with no fuss. They treated her like royalty whilst supporting our family through the toughest weeks. She received the best care, and she fought for those final weeks with everything she had, under the incredible care of the Ashford hospice staff. They were always on hand to help and nothing was too much trouble. They even visited my grandma at home and called daily to offer support before she was officially in their care.
Charlotte and her grandma at an art exhibition in April 2024
“After she passed, it was her wish that donations be made in her name to Pilgrims; from the church service and donations via the funeral directors, over £1,000 was raised in her memory! I wanted to carry this forward through my own fundraising.”
Charlotte completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 11 October 2026, raising £1,288.99 for Pilgrims. Many donations came from her local community, who knew and loved Jean. Charlotte also runs a print club – Pelican Post (@charlotteridleyart) – which is a monthly subscription service where members receive original artwork designed and created by her, through the post. Charlotte advertised that all profits from the months before the half marathon would go towards her fundraising goal, something that contributed massively to her total:
Charlotte at the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026
“I woke up on the day of the Royal Parks Half Marathon super excited for the event and the day ahead. I crossed the start line at about 09:00am kitted out in Pilgrims blue, with blue hairclips and blue jewelry to match!
“The atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic races was absolutely amazing; it was such a privilege to run through the streets lined with supporters and see famous landmarks as I made my way round. It started to get really tough around 18km, but as I remembered why I was running, I pushed through to get a time I was really proud of. I crossed the finish line knowing I had given it my best shot and feeling really proud to represent the people I was running for.
“The rest of the day was dedicated to eating a copious amount of pastries and reuniting with my supporters, who were definitely the loudest ones cheering at the 15km checkpoint! I’m so grateful to Pilgrims for enabling me to represent them, and I hope that all the amazing people who have donated to me know that they’ve made such a difference.”
Charlotte continued:
“I thought it would be fitting to draw attention to a charity very close to home, not only emotionally due to the personal connection, but literally! I personally wanted to be able to know that my fundraising efforts and donations contributed to the great work Pilgrims do in east Kent.
“Our community were incredible in supporting my fundraising, and they also shared their favourite memories of my grandma, which was lovely. In addition, my mum, Alison, is an artist and arts events organiser, and has been instrumental in helping me build and run my print club, to ensure the largest percentage of profits could go towards my goal.
“I hope that through my fundraising, more people learn about the great work Pilgrims does, and that the money raised helps to give others the same care my family received at the most critical time; I hope more families are lucky enough to be cared for by Pilgrims when they need it most.”
Feeling inspired to take on your next running challenge for Pilgrims?
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
15th October 2026
Tiles of Joy, creativity, connection and moments of happiness at Pilgrims Hospices
Photograph: Palak Sharma, Wellbeing Practitioner with Kavita Sodhi, Wellbeing Practioner Lead
A beautiful community art project, kindly funded by the Cantiacorum Foundation, is bringing colour, creativity and connection to Pilgrims Hospices, as patients, carers, staff and volunteers come together to take part in Tiles of Joy.
Led by ceramic artist Jayne Wright of JAW Ceramics CIC, Tiles of Joy began in 2023 in partnership with Power of Women (POW) Thanet, with an inspiring workshop at the Margate Caves.
Since then, the project has grown into something truly special, with more than 2,000 handcrafted tiles created by people across Thanet and beyond.
The project has united a wide range of community groups, from local schools and heritage organisations to social inclusion initiatives and arts groups, nurturing creativity and connection across the area.
More recently, Pilgrims’ Wellbeing groups have been taking part in the inspiring Tiles of Joy project. Patients, carers, Stepping Stones bereavement groups, staff and volunteers were invited to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting what brings them happiness. During the sessions, participants explored clay by scraping, indenting and shaping their designs, supported throughout by Jayne, who then carefully fired each piece before returning them ready for display.
Now proudly displayed at the hospices in Ashford and Thanet, these unique artworks form beautiful, fixed installations, each tile telling its own story and together creating a lasting celebration of community, creativity and care.
The experience has been both thought-provoking and uplifting. Participants have not only enjoyed the hands-on creative process, but also the special experience of seeing their work become part of a shared piece of art, something that will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who visit.
The project has also inspired Pilgrims’ Wellbeing team to explore how clay and creative therapies could play a bigger role in future sessions, opening up new opportunities to support patients and families through creativity and wellbeing activities.
Ann with the Tiles of Joy mural at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
As the Wellbeing team shared:
“It has been such a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Seeing people relax into the process, express themselves so freely, and then light up when they see their finished tile on display, has been incredibly special.”
Ann Mapley, a Wellbeing patient at Pilgrims Hospices who took part in the sessions, said:
“The brief was to design tiles that meant something to us, and for me that was my grandchildren. One of them loves George’s Dragon and the other loves snails, so I created a dragon and a snail on my tiles. It was such a fun afternoon, there were lots of laughs and giggles as we all tried to get everything just right with help from the lovely ladies running the session.
“Seeing the mural come together has been wonderful; it looks so lovely now. I first found out about the project through a leaflet that had been brought in, and I’m really glad I took part.”
Tiles of Joy is a reminder that even small moments of creativity can have a lasting impact, bringing people together, sparking reflection, and creating something truly meaningful.
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 2
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 1
Ann’s tiles
Follow Tiles of Joy on Instagram to find out more:@tilesofjoy
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
14th October 2026
A tribute to Alex Miles: “Pilgrims go above and beyond”
Alex Miles from Folkestone was a family man; a devoted husband to Ruth and father to Millie, Jake, Mason, Layla and Bailey, he served as a sergeant in Kent Police and played football for Folkestone Invicta FC.
In 2019, Alex, then aged 44, was diagnosed with lung cancer, which had spread to his bones. He began treatment and, with his condition managed, was able to live relatively well and even continue working.
But in 2024, Alex suffered two strokes, after which he was admitted to Pilgrims Hospices for end-of-life care.
Alex died at the Ashford hospice in September 2024, aged 49.
Alex and Ruth with family on their wedding dayAlex with his son, Bailey
Ruth shares how Pilgrims helped their family to make the most of their precious final moments with Alex, and supported them in their grief after his death:
“Alex was transferred from hospital; after the second stroke, he wasn’t really conscious, but Pilgrims made him comfortable – it was noticeable as soon as he got to the hospice.
“As a family, we had such a positive experience of Pilgrims’ care. Alex was only in the hospice for a few days, and although it was never going to be easy, it was as comforting as it could possibly have been. We had a family room, so a few of us could sleep in there with Alex. Friends and family could visit any time to say their goodbyes.
“I was breastfeeding our youngest child, Bailey, who was just five months old at the time. The kind nurses and staff were so supportive – they made us countless cups of tea and toast, took Bailey for walks and played with him to give us a break, answered our questions, held our hands and simply listened. They even shared their own stories with us; we learned that so many of them have personal experiences of hospice care, which is what inspired them to work for Pilgrims. They did all this whilst keeping Alex comfortable; they really do go above and beyond.”
“After Alex died, myself and one of Alex’s older children were offered bereavement counselling; we really appreciated that continuity of care. I also had massages from the complementary therapy team, which were lovely.
“I can’t fault Pilgrims, they’re fantastic.”
In April 2025, Alex’s family launched the inaugural Miles Memorial Cup – a football match in honour of Alex to celebrate his life, which they plan to make an annual event. On 18 April 2026, the match was held in aid of Pilgrims, raising £4,000 for local hospice care.
Ruth said:
“We wanted to give back to those that helped us on Alex’s journey; Pilgrims were able to offer the specialist, compassionate care that Alex needed at the end of his life, when no one else could. If our fundraising helps just one other family to have that same support and peace, it will mean so much to us. We’re lucky to have such brilliant hospice care in the UK, but it is only available thanks to peoples’ generous support and donations – that’s why it’s so important for us to fundraise for Pilgrims.
“Any opportunity to talk about Alex and have other people remember him, I’ll take it, because he deserves that. It’s very comforting for me. Although Alex’s life was cut short, this is how we can keep his memory alive.”
Alex Miles With His Wife Ruth
Alex Miles With Family
Alex And Ruth Miles With Their Children Mason, Layla And Bailey
Alex Miles With His Children L R Jake, Mason, Millie And Layla
Alex Miles With His Children Mason And Layla
Top Alex Miles With His Sister Nicola And His Uncle
Follow @milesmemorialcup on Instagram for news and updates about the annual Miles Memorial Cup.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
12th October 2026
Will you support Pilgrims?
Isabel Smith, Senior Trusts Fundraiser, with Ryan Crown and Adrian Button from the Hospital Saturday Fund
Supporting a charity through your business is a sustainable way to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices whilst increasing brand visibility at the same time.
A commercial partnership simply means raising money for a charity through product sales or service delivery, and is an easy way to embed fundraising into your daily activity. Whether you are a big corporate or a small family-run business, this is a partnership that can work for you.
Our Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, Leila Ilkhan, will guide you every step of the way, ensuring the partnership is tailored to suit your business needs and putting in place the necessary agreements. All you have to do is share how your business is making a difference in the community by doing what you do best.
Could Pilgrims Hospices be your 2027 Charity of the Year?
£30,000 for 300 years
Earlier this year, we were delighted to celebrate an extraordinary year of fundraising support from Furley Page Solicitors. The law firm marked a very special anniversary and chose Pilgrims as their 2026 Charity of the Year. From climbing the Three Peaks to hosting in-house events, the team raised a staggering amount of money. Through this support, a number of projects have been made possible, including equipment for Pilgrims’ community nurses, complementary therapy teams, and furniture to make our family lounge in the Canterbury hospice feel extra homely.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, with Aaron Spencer, Partner and Head of Private Client and Chair of the Furley Page Foundation
See more ways that your business can support Pilgrims:
Sarah and Danny from Injection Development Garage Services in Hersden have been committed supporters of the hospice for many years. Each year, the team sit down with our partnerships team to decide on the year’s fundraising activities.
Driving forward hospice care
This year, Sarah and Danny decided to make a donation for every engine service completed during the summer months. This is a great way for clients to feel part of supporting a charity, boost business revenue, and requires little time to run.
The team at SGS Energy based in Thanet has recently come on board as a Pilgrims Partner by pledging to make a donation for every domestic solar installation carried out.
What we’ve funded recently
Our Trusts fundraising team work closely with departments across the charity, creating a wish list of projects and items needed to deliver our services. Many of the pieces of equipment used in our hospices are funded through donations, and we would like to say thank you to the Trusts and Foundations that have supported our work.
Earlier this year, the Hospital Saturday Fund donated £2,000 to fund a bladder scanner. This piece of equipment means our nurses can preserve patient dignity and manage their pain non-invasively.
A donation of £30,000 from the Albert Hunt Trust also helped our team to buy 25 syringe drivers, which are used on our inpatient units, providing continuous medication to help manage symptoms and provide comfort to patients.
The Cantiacorum Foundation funded our Tiles of Joy project, which welcomed patients, carers and people who attend our bereavement groups to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting on what brings them happiness. This project helped participants to relax and be part of a wider meaningful experience.
Find out more about the support we receive from Trusts and Foundations:
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to talk to our fundraising team about how you can get involved with supporting the hospice, email [email protected].
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
3rd October 2026
Chris’s story: Going the extra mile for Pilgrims in memory of his mum
When Chris Wootley takes on the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge on Saturday 10 October, every step will have a very personal meaning.
Chris is taking on the tough challenge in memory of his mum, Sandra, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices in 2018 after a 10-year battle with cancer.
Chris supports Pilgrims in memory of his mum, Sandra
“Sandra always put others first, even in the toughest of times. She was caring, thoughtful and considerate of others,” says Chris.
When Sandra’s health deteriorated, she was cared for at Pilgrims’ Ashford hospice. Chris remembers the kindness and compassion shown by the whole team.
“The care and consideration for my mum’s welfare and comfort was second to none. No question or request was too much, and the entire team, from the reception desk to the nursing team and doctors, were fantastic.”
As Sandra’s life drew to a close, she expressed a wish to return home to spend her final days surrounded by the people and place she loved. Once again, the Pilgrims team rallied around to make it possible, continuing to support Sandra and her family with daily care at home.
For Chris, it is a level of support he will never forget.
That is why he continues to put himself through some seriously challenging adventures to raise money for Pilgrims.
An experienced obstacle course racer and ultra-marathon participant, Chris took part in this year’s Pilgrims Way Challenge and loved every minute, despite the inevitable hills and miles!
“The vibe is relaxed and supportive, the organisation was excellent and I’ll be back out on the course for 2027.”
Now he is going one step further with the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge.
Training has not been entirely straightforward. Chris is currently living with a knee injury and is awaiting an operation, which he has chosen to postpone until after the challenge.
“My priority is raising funds for Pilgrims. My knee can be fixed later,” he says with characteristic determination.
Alongside his personal fundraising, Chris is also a long-standing supporter through his Ashford-based business, The Monster Merchants. The company specialises in second-hand wargaming miniatures, retro board games, role-play books, action figures, toys and video games.
Every week, items that are unsuitable for sale are set aside for Pilgrims. Chris’s dad, Roger, collects, sorts and delivers the donations to Pilgrims’ Ashford site. Over the years, the family estimates they have donated thousands of items, from toys and board games to collectables, retro clothing and computer games.
“It’s about turning old and unwanted items into funds that can support Pilgrims,” says Chris.
With £260 already raised for the Kent Downs Challenge, Chris is hoping his fundraising will continue to grow.
“I will continue to support Pilgrims Hospices to give back to our local east Kent community by raising vital funds for compassionate end-of-life care. Every contribution helps provide comfort, peace and essential support for patients and their families when they need it most.”
Chris taking part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge
For Chris, the 50km challenge is about much more than the finish line. It is his way of remembering Sandra, and giving something back to the hospice team who cared for her when his family needed them most.
Want to raise funds for Pilgrims with your own challenge?
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
