At 62 years old, Fiona Dobson from Canterbury is no stranger to a challenge – and now she’s preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices, where she volunteers as a Ward Support Volunteer.

The trek will take place over eight days from 6–12 June 2026, and Fiona has already raised more than £4,000 to support local hospice care.

“I’m paying for my own trip because I didn’t want any of the fundraising to go towards costs – I want every penny raised to support the care Pilgrims offers,” Fiona explained.

Fiona’s relationship with Pilgrims spans nearly four decades. She began her nursing career at the hospice in 1986, working alongside well-known figures in the team such as Annie Hogben. Over the years, she went on to become a district nurse, a practice nurse, and continues to do freelance vaccination work.

“I started my career here, and I’d like to finish it here too,” she said. “Volunteering on the ward once a week means a lot to me – it’s special. I love it.”

Fiona has seen first-hand the importance of hospice care, having lost her dad at Pilgrims 20 years ago, a close friend in 2020, and her husband’s brother in December last year.

“The care is so much more than the beds on the ward – it’s the ongoing support for families, friends, and the counselling services too. That support makes all the difference.”

An experienced hillwalker and climber, Fiona has tackled a host of impressive challenges, including the Yorkshire Three Peaks, parts of the Alps and Pyrenees, and 50 Scottish “Fionas” – lesser-known peaks once referred to as Grahams – as well as a number of Munros and Corbetts.

“There are often no paths on the Fionas – it’s really rough terrain, but that’s what I love. This Kilimanjaro challenge will take it to a whole new level.”

Her preparation for Kilimanjaro is well underway. Fiona trains regularly by running the hilly paths of the Kent Downs, walking, doing yoga, going to the gym, and taking part in cycling events – including Pilgrims’ Cycle Challenge.

“I did the 50-mile route just a few weeks ago,” she said. “It was really windy this year with a big headwind – one of the hardest yet, and I’ve done it a few times! I only found out recently that a photo of me from the 2017 event is on the side of one of the Pilgrims vans!”

Fiona Dobson 2

Fiona Dobson 3

Fiona and friends fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices

When she’s not training, Fiona enjoys time on the White Cliffs of Dover with her two dogs. Now retired from full-time nursing and with two grown-up children, she’s embracing the freedom to pursue challenges that make a difference.

Fiona will travel with a friend as part of a group of about 20 trekkers, and she plans to document the adventure with plenty of photos.

“I’m expecting to make some new friends – it’ll be a life-changing experience,” she said. “But most importantly, it’s all for Pilgrims. It’s a brilliant place and I’m proud to support it however I can.”

You can support Fiona’s Kilimanjaro Challenge by visiting her JustGiving page.

Do you have some time to volunteer for Pilgrims Hospices?

Visit pilgrimshospices.org/volunteer to find out how you can get involved.

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.