Re-opening on Friday 25 July, the Pilgrims Hospices shop at 4 Castle Street becomes a collector’s dream, filled with pre-loved treasures for music lovers, media buffs, and homeware fans – don’t miss it!
Calling all vinyl collectors, bookworms, film fanatics, and retro décor lovers — Pilgrims Hospices is transforming its Castle Street shop in Ashford into a vibrant new space bursting with culture, character, and collectable charm.
Following the huge success of media sales, the shop at 4 Castle Street, Ashford TN23 1JQ is being completely reimagined as a specialist hub for pre-loved media and vintage finds, now with the fabulous addition of a dedicated homeware department!
What’s in store?
Crates of classic vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs
Brilliant books for every taste
Cool musical instruments waiting to be played
A unique homeware section full of retro style and practical pieces
As part of this makeover, the shop will no longer stock clothing – allowing the team to focus entirely on creating a truly special space for media lovers and homeware hunters alike.
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Love the planet? Love pre-loved!
Shopping at Pilgrims isn’t just good for your wallet – it’s good for the environment, too. Choosing second-hand over new helps reduce waste, supports recycling, and encourages more sustainable living.
Make the most of your visit to Ashford
Why not make a day of it? All three Pilgrims shops in Ashford are within easy reach of each other, making it simple to browse for bargains, unique finds and furniture in one trip:
“We’ve created something a bit different for Ashford – a space that feels more like a boutique record and bookshop, with vintage home touches and lots of heart. And the best bit? Every single item you buy helps Pilgrims Hospices care for local people facing life-limiting illness,” said Sarah Lamberton, Pilgrims Retail Area Manager.
Whether you’re styling your home, growing your vinyl collection, or just love a good rummage, our Castle Street shop is the perfect place to start. Support your local hospice, shop pre-loved, and grab something unique while you’re at it.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to more than 2,500 people in east Kent each year who are living with a terminal illness. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
9th June 2025
Come and say hello! – Nurses and Healthcare Assistants Open Day
Are you a Nurse or Healthcare Assistant looking to take the next exciting step in your career?
Join us onFriday 20 June 2025, 10am-5pm at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford for our Nurses and Healthcare Assistants Open Day.
Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering a change, this day is for you!
Join us at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford for a relaxed and informative Open Day where you can:
Meet our amazing team – Find out what it’s really like to work at one of Kent’s leading end-of-life care charities
Tour our beautiful facilities – Including patient areas, therapy spaces, gardens and more
Ask anything – Seriously, no question is too small! From what to wear on your first day to how to progress your career, we’re happy to chat
Soak up the feel-good vibes – Discover why our staff say working at Pilgrims is one of the most rewarding decisions they’ve ever made
Here’s what we offer
Access to the NHS pension scheme
Current pay rates benchmarked against NHS bandings
Excellent work/life balance
Generous annual leave
Sick leave from Day 1
Paid CPD hours and career development pathways
Subsidised meals (for just £2!)
Free onsite parking
What our team say
“I have worked at Pilgrims for 25 years and love everything about Pilgrims Ashford. We are supported and encouraged to develop, we have a voice and are listened to if there are concerns or improvements needed, and we work in a beautiful building with lovely grounds. From the Medical Director to our amazing Domestic team, we all share the same vision – to give the patients the best experience.”
“We have in-house training opportunities in palliative care to enhance our knowledge. We have a comfortable staff room for our breaks with amazing subsidised meals, with free tea and coffee.It’s a friendly team, everyone helps and advises each other. We even have a visiting therapy dog!”
Come and say hello
Whether you’re an experienced nurse or a new HCA exploring the world of hospice care, we’d love to show you around, introduce you to our team, and tell you more about how you could make a real difference.
No need to book – just drop in any time between 10am and 5pm. Bring your questions, your curiosity and your smile – we’ll bring the cake!
We can’t wait to meet you.
Come and take a look – you might just be surprised at what you discover.
Join us on Friday 20 June, 10am-5pm at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, Hythe Road, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0NE.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
23rd May 2025
Helen hikes for hospice care in memory of auntie
Helen Edwards from Camber, East Sussex is taking on the Pilgrims Way Challenge on Saturday 21 June 2025.
She will hike 25km from Canterbury to Wye in memory of her auntie, Patsy Bolton, who received Pilgrims Hospices’ care in December 2024.
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Patsy worked in care and was always looking after others, so she understood the importance of being in a place of comfort at the end of life. When her own time came, she knew she wanted to be cared for in a hospice, and was offered a bed at the Ashford hospice.
Helen said: “Pilgrims made Patsy feel loved and cared for, so I wanted to give something back. She didn’t want a big fuss at her funeral, and asked for donations to Pilgrims in lieu of flowers. So when I saw the Pilgrims Way Challenge advertised, I signed up straight away. I’m hoping to raise as much money as I can to help make sure Pilgrims’ vital services continue to be available to other families, and to keep Patsy’s memory alive.”
Patsy’s daughter, Sarah Bolton, originally from Lydd, added:
“No one ever wants to receive a call telling you a precious loved one’s time has come, but from the moment those hospice doors opened, Pilgrims offered nothing but a positive and calming experience. The hospice was a place for our family to say goodbye to Mum, in comfort and with beautiful settings.
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“All the staff were so kind and compassionate, not only to patients within their care, but to their family members as well. A special mention to Bernie, the Healthcare Assistant who made Mum’s final hours comfortable. No words or gratitude are enough to express the blessing we were afforded by Mum getting a bed at the hospice; Pilgrims’ work is priceless.
Helen on a training walk
“As a family, we want to support Pilgrims to ensure others can experience their special care, offering people dignity and kindness in their final days. In the darkest times, Pilgrims gave us light; the hospice is a place where love and compassion knows no bounds.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of all fitness levels; you’ll stroll through charming villages of oast houses and period cottages, surrounded by endless green fields. Rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings, and ancient woodlands all await you. The Pilgrims Way between Dover and Wye really does have it all.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
14th May 2025
Lucie hikes for hospice care in memory of husband, Grayham
Lucie Moxham from Littlestone, New Romney first took on the Pilgrims Way Challenge in 2024, raising an incredible £2,723.25 for Pilgrims Hospices. At the time, her husband, Grayham Moxham, was receiving the charity’s care; he was admitted to the Ashford hospice on 12 June 2024, just three days before the event.
On Saturday 21 June 2025, Lucie will take on the challenge again; hiking 55km in Grayham’s memory, she hopes to raise even more for local hospice care.
Grayham and Lucie on their wedding day
Grayham was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in November 2017. After various treatments over several years, he was referred to Pilgrims Hospices, who checked in with him regularly and provided help and guidance through his illness.
Lucie said: “When things got tough, Pilgrims staff would visit Grayham at home, checking on his physical and mental health and wellbeing and making sure his pain levels were managed to ensure a good quality of life. As Grayham knew that his illness was incurable, he expressed his wish to be admitted to Pilgrims “when the time came”, as he always used to say that “in hospitals, staff are trained to keep people alive”, but at Pilgrims, you can go peacefully.
“His wish was granted in early June 2024, when his liver started to fail, and it became very clear that he had reached a point of no return.”
Lucie was signed up for the 55km Pilgrims Way Challenge on 15 June 2024. She was still able to take part, even though, by then, Grayham had been admitted to the Ashford hospice:
“To spend time with him, his daughter, Chloe, and his newborn grandson, Fred, I finished at the 35km mark and made my way to the hospice to see them all later that afternoon. I’m pleased to say that, thanks to a tremendous amount of support from people from all walks of life, I raised £2,723.25.”
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L-R: Grayham with his dog, Tolley, his grandson, Fred, his daughter, Chloe, and Lucie
Lucie has signed up for the Pilgrims Way Challenge again, taking place on Saturday 21 June 2025. She plans to complete the 55km route from Dover to Wye via Canterbury, and has already raised over £600.
She added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has sponsored me; all donations, no matter how big or small, really make a difference. I know the wonderful work Pilgrims do, so anything I can do to help them keep providing their vital services will mean that people can continue benefitting from their expertise in the future.
Lucie taking on the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2024
“The service we received from Pilgrims was outstanding from the minute we arrived. It is very apparent that all the staff and volunteers are highly trained in end-of-life care and support. They make what is not an easy time easier by simply knowing exactly what to do and when, keeping you informed each step of the way, and lifting your spirits during their regular check-ins.
“I honestly don’t know what we would have done or how we would have coped without the help of Pilgrims, but one thing is for sure – without them, Grayham’s wish of going peacefully would not have been fulfilled… So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for all you have done and are doing for many others every day.”
You can keep up to date with Lucie’s fundraising journey by visiting her JustGiving page.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
8th May 2025
Pilgrims Hospices celebrate 80 years since VE Day
On Thursday 8 May 2025, Pilgrims Hospices joined the nation in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day – the momentous occasion that marked the end of war in Europe during World War II.
Across our three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, staff, patients and their families came together to remember, reflect and celebrate. Each hospice was beautifully decorated with red, white and blue bunting, creating a festive atmosphere that honoured the spirit of national unity and remembrance.
The day was filled with warmth and reflection. Celebration cakes were shared and enjoyed by all, prepared with care by our dedicated catering teams. The event brought people together in both joy and quiet contemplation, recognising the incredible sacrifices made by generations past and the peace and freedom that followed years of hardship and conflict.
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Some patients and visitors shared personal memories or stories handed down through their families, while others took comfort in simply being part of a collective moment of gratitude. These connections, rooted in compassion and history, are at the heart of what Pilgrims Hospices stands for.
We are proud to create opportunities where community spirit and shared values shine through, even in the most challenging times. VE Day serves as a poignant reminder of resilience, peace, and the strength of the human spirit – values we uphold every day in our work.
A heartfelt thank you to all our staff and volunteers who made the day so special.
Lest we forget.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
9th April 2025
Sue’s story: Celebrating 15 years of Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge marks its 15th anniversary on Sunday 4 May 2025; in doing so, Pilgrims celebrate one of its most dedicated supporters, Sue Barrett-Austen from Ashford.
Sue has taken part in every event since the challenge began, in memory of loved ones and in appreciation of Pilgrims.
Sue completed the very first Cycle Challenge just 18 months after her best friend, Eve, received Pilgrims care.
Sue shared that “Eve was the most incredible lady. A real force of nature. She received such wonderful care in the time that she was in the hospice. But it wasn’t just her who received that care, nor just her family, but me as well, her friend.”
Sue set herself the challenge of riding an impressive 75 miles in Eve’s memory, to raise vital funds and awareness for the hospice.
She reminisced on a poignant moment of the day, saying “registration for that first Cycle Challenge was under the balcony of what had been her room. It really did feel like she was looking down on me!”
Sue’s late husband, Richard
Reflecting on how much the event has evolved since its inception, Sue told us that “it’s grown to something almost unrecognisable from those very first years. What remains unchanged is the faultless support, rest stops, planning and organisation. To see the growth in distances and numbers of participants is a magnificent testament to such a wonderful event.”
Sue shared what motivated her to keep coming back each year: “Having lost Eve, I wanted to do what I could to support the hospice and raise money.”
Her motivation grew further when her husband, Richard, was diagnosed with lung cancer and spent the last week of his life being cared for at Pilgrims.
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Sue said: “Richard had supported my efforts in participating in the Cycle Challenge and, even when he was so poorly, insisted that I take part.
“We both were shown a phenomenal level of care, dignity and empathy. This is what motivates me to come back every year no matter what. It’s a little, tiny bit of payback. It is also very important to me as the event is always very close to, if not actually on, Richard’s birthday.”
Sue has special memories of Cycle Challenge over the years, and has met so many incredible people along the way. Whether at rest stops or during training rides, she has “met a whole group of wonderful people who have become good friends”, each with their own special reasons for taking on Cycle Challenge.
Incredibly, it was through this community that she met her now-husband, Jay.
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Sue and Jay taking part in Pilgrims Cycle Challenge
Sue’s story shows how Pilgrims not only cares for patients, but also loved ones into the future, by creating a supportive community that continues even after bereavement.
Sue is a super fundraiser, and has even become a Pilgrims volunteer, giving her time back to her local hospice. She has raised an astonishing £13,319 in memory of Eve and Richard, which has directly helped support others who need Pilgrims’ care.
Sue has her own fundraising tips and tricks to share: “Keep people up to date on your progress, training, your goals and why you are doing it. Share your achievements, photos, and any anecdotes!”
For anyone thinking about signing up to Cycle Challenge, Sue has one piece of advice – do it!
Whether you’re taking part in memory of a loved one, or are keen to support your local hospice, Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge really has it all, as Sue says:
“The atmosphere of excitement, nerves and camaraderie at the start. Seeing those motivational signs on the hills! All the volunteers and Pilgrims staff at the fantastically catered rest stops. The welcoming bell, the smiles, the hugs, the feeling of achievement at the end… I enjoy everything about the day!
“I am so very proud to have participated in Cycle Challenge every year. It means such a lot to me, more so than any other event. I intend to keep going in one way or another for as long as I am here. I am taking on the 100-mile route this year. I feel very humbled that I’m able to participate, and grateful for the support I have received from family, friends and my very dear Pilgrims community.”
If you’d like to support Pilgrims by taking on Cycle Challenge, visitpilgrimscyclechallenge.orgto get involved.
With six ride distances to choose from, there’s something for all fitness levels!
To celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary, a brand-new 15-mile route has been introduced to encourage even more participants to join in the fun. For this route only, entry has been opened to those aged 12 years and over, creating an exciting opportunity for families to cycle together, as well as being perfect for beginners or those seeking a shorter ride.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
