Pilgrims Hospices annual Golf Day raises record-breaking £20,000 for hospice care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce that its annual Golf Day, held on Friday 12 September 2025 at Canterbury Golf Club, raised over £20,000 – the highest total in the event’s history.
The tournament, generously sponsored by Furley Page Solicitors, welcomed 100 golfers across 25 teams. Participants enjoyed a competitive day of golf in support of hospice care across east Kent.
Despite challenging weather conditions later in the day, players remained undeterred, ensuring the event was a resounding success.
Furley Page Team Daniel Bridgeland, Keith Fullager, Deborah Trott And Matthew Hutchings
11. Kreston Reeves Max Masters, Phil Sparks, Marc Goddard And Matthew Hutchings
2. Bourne To Garden And Cathedral Electrical Team Colin North, David Butt, Keith Witten And Luke Gower
Tournament results
1st place Team led by Dr Peter Biggs, Pilgrims trustee, joined by his sons Jon and Tim, and friend Mark Powderham
2nd place DBSJ and Denne Joinery team – Joe Pearson, Lawrence Hill, Robbie Loomer and Michael Lane
3rd place Team led by Alex Sammonds of Spurling Cannon, joined by Warren Pilkington, Rod Thomas and Alan Garratt
In addition to the main competition, the Putt for Pilgrims! Networking event welcomed over 60 business professionals for informal networking and a six-hole putting challenge. The competition was won by Mike Newton (Merit Group), with Trevor Stevens (Newman Thomson) securing second place.
Ellie Timms and Rachael Edmed, Pilgrims Hospices fundraising team
Following play, golfers enjoyed a two-course meal and supported additional fundraising activities, including a raffle, auction and games such as Heads or Tails.
Pilgrims Hospices extends sincere thanks to headline sponsor Furley Page Solicitors, to Roger Hyder and his team at Canterbury Golf Club for their ongoing support, and to the many sponsors and prize donors who contributed to the success of the event.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, commented:
“We are delighted that this year’s Golf Day was our best yet. Teams from a wide range of industries joined us on the course, and despite the rain, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, donated and supported the event. The funds raised will enable Pilgrims to continue providing round-the-clock specialist care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their families across east Kent.”
Funds raised from the event will directly support Pilgrims Hospices’ work in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, helping thousands of people each year to live well in every moment.
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.
17th September 2024
A successful Pilgrims Hospices Golf Day raises £17,614 for hospice care
The Pilgrims Hospices Golf Day, held on Friday 13 September 2024 at Canterbury Golf Club, was a resounding success, raising an impressive £17,614 for Pilgrims Hospices care.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from 26 teams, with 103 golfers taking to the picturesque course at Scotland Hills, Littlebourne Road, Canterbury.
The day was filled with friendly competition, including on-course contests such as the Nearest-to-the-Pin and Longest Drive challenges, which added to the excitement and camaraderie among participants. The golfers enjoyed perfect weather, making the day even more enjoyable.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Hospices Corporate Fundraising Manager, expressed her delight with the event’s success, stating, “We were delighted to welcome teams to Canterbury Golf Club for our fourth annual charity Golf Day. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s generosity and support, which has helped us to achieve our best Golf Day yet. Every pound raised ensures we can continue to deliver quality end-of-life care to people living with a terminal illness, and their families, in east Kent.”
Winners and highlights
Winning team: Park Farm Construction
Runners-up teams
1st runners-up: Tick for Business
2nd runners-up: Kreston Reeves
3rd runners-up: SEC Works Group
Nearest-to-the-Pin winners
Ben Cursons (Beau Bathrooms, Herne Bay)
John Shepherd (Canterbury Golf Club member)
Richard Sabin (Sibley Pares Chartered Surveyors)
Steve Goodwin (GVE Commercial Solutions)
Keith Fullager
Longest Drive winner: Tom Glass (Walker Construction)
Best team name:King of the Greenes (VR Sani Co)
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of WPA Healthcare Practice, this year’s headline sponsor, Max Auto Colour, Halfway House sponsor, VR Sani-Co, 19th hole sponsor and all the local businesses who sponsored a hole on the course, along with Canterbury Golf Club’s hospitality and unwavering support. A special thank you goes to all the participants, and businesses who donated prizes, whose contributions helped make the day a memorable one.
After a day of friendly competition, the participants gathered for an afternoon celebration, which included a live auction, raffle draws, and the much-anticipated prize presentations.
Pilgrims Hospices extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants and sponsors who made this event possible. The funds raised will directly support essential care services, helping the charity continue its mission of providing compassionate, end-of-life care to those in need across east Kent.
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
27th September 2023
Pilgrims Hospices Charity Golf event raises over £10,300 for Hospice Care
In a day filled with golf, sunshine, and heartfelt speeches, the Pilgrims Hospices Charity Golf Day at Canterbury Golf Club on September 15, 2023, was a resounding success, raising more than £10,300 for hospice care.
The event, featuring a shotgun start, brought together 18 teams of four enthusiastic golfers, all teeing off with a shared goal in mind: to support Pilgrims Hospices in their mission to provide essential care and support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
Under the warm and glorious weather, participants showcased their golfing prowess while contributing to a cause close to their hearts. The picturesque Canterbury Golf Club served as the perfect backdrop for a day filled with camaraderie and charitable spirit.
The highlight of the event was the heartfelt speeches delivered by distinguished guests. The Lord Mayor of Canterbury graced the occasion with her presence and expressed her gratitude to the event organisers and participants for their unwavering support of hospice care in the community. CEO Helen Bennett also took the stage, offering words of appreciation for everyone involved, emphasising the vital role Pilgrims Hospices plays in providing comfort and care to those in need.
We are delighted that this year’s golf day has raised more than £10,300 – our best one yet!
Leila – Pilgrims
“The success of this charity golf event is a testament to the incredible generosity and community spirit that exists within our community,” said Helen Bennett, CEO of Pilgrims Hospices. “The funds raised today will make a significant difference in our ability to provide quality hospice care to those who rely on our services.”
The day’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of sponsors, including this year’s headline sponsors, Bauvill, volunteers, and the enthusiastic participants. Every swing of the golf club and every donation contributed to the overall success of the event and the advancement of hospice care in east Kent.
Event Organiser Leila Ilkhan Pilgrims Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager said: “We are delighted that this year’s golf day has raised more than £10,300; our best one yet! A huge thank you to all 72 golfers for teeing off for local hospice care and supporting the charity to continue delivering specialist end of life care to people in east Kent.”
Pilgrims Hospices extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who participated, sponsored, volunteered, and attended the charity golf day. Your support ensures that individuals with life-limiting illnesses receive the care, compassion, and dignity they deserve.
Leila added: “We also extend our grateful thanks to Canterbury Golf Club, for such a well-maintained golf course, attentive staff, and hospitable grounds people, who certainly enhanced the overall enjoyment of our golfing experience.”
For more information about Pilgrims Hospices and their ongoing efforts to provide hospice care, please visit www.pilgrimshospices.org.
About Pilgrims Hospices:
Pilgrims Hospices is a registered charity that provides palliative care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. With a mission to ensure that everyone in their community can access compassionate and comprehensive hospice care, Pilgrims Hospices has been dedicated to improving the lives of patients and their families for over 35 years.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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.
