Living well in each moment: Lawrence’s journey with Pilgrims Hospices
Lawrence Fox, a Londoner and former construction manager who has lived in Canterbury for 27 years, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024.
After beginning chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, he was referred by his specialist nurse to Pilgrims Hospices for additional support.
Lawrence has experienced the holistic benefits of hospice care through wellbeing groups, physiotherapy and complementary therapy:
“I do guided mindfulness sessions at Pilgrims, which I love; they help me stay present in the moment and not get so anxious about the future – that’s the secret. I’m interested in psychology and being mentally strong. And I love being around people; there are some things you can’t tell your family, but you can share them with strangers, which is so helpful.”
Lawrence also attends Living Well groups, which offer talks by speakers on a range of topics, and has had reflexology treatment: “I’d never tried that, so I thought I’d have a go! I found it very relaxing.”
Most recently, he has joined Time to Create, a therapeutic art group where patients can try various artistic activities and processes, and is currently making a memory book:
“It’s nice coming to the hospice and catching up with some friendly faces.”
Lawrence values his physical fitness and says that being active helps him manage his illness; he does Pilates and, thanks to the support he is receiving from Pilgrims, hopes to begin swimming again in the near future, having previously swam for his native London Borough of Islington – “It’s like therapy for me.”
Lawrence continued:
“Without Pilgrims, I wouldn’t have known what to do or where to go after my diagnosis. They’re always here if you need them, and having that back-up is reassuring. The groups get me out of the house and into a routine, and I’ve met so many people – including partners and carers, who are welcome at the hospice groups, as it gives them a break as well.
“I didn’t realise until now that the hospice relies so much on donations, so I want to give back in any way I can, and sharing my story is one way I can do that.”
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 on 01233 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.
17th February 2026
Zoo comes to hospice for Lorenzo’s 8th birthday
Pilgrims Hospices helped make one little boy’s birthday wish come true when a zoo experience was brought to his mum’s bedside.
Lorenzo with his birthday balloons
Rosanna, who is receiving care at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, had hoped to take her son, Lorenzo, to the zoo for his 8th birthday on Sunday 15 February 2026.
Sadly, due to her poor health, a family day out wasn’t possible. Instead, the hospice team decided to bring the zoo to them.
Lorenzo, his brother Luca (10), and cousin Mischa (2) gathered at the hospice alongside their dad, Rob, grandparents Claire and Gero, aunties and uncles, and close family members from Herne Bay and Whitstable.
The Pilgrims catering team prepared a lovely traditional birthday tea, complete with freshly made sandwiches and colourful jelly and cake, creating a warm and joyful party atmosphere.
Lorenzo excitedly opened presents, including a cuddly dinosaur, Lego, and plenty of sweets, some of his favourite things.
To ensure Rosanna could be at the heart of the celebration, nurses carefully brought her bed into the hospice Therapy Centre, creating space for everyone to be together.
After lunch, a special surprise arrived courtesy of Creepy Claws Animal Encounters in Teynham, who kindly volunteered their time to bring along a selection of fascinating creatures.
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From reptiles to other “creepy crawlies,” the experience delighted the children, and Rosanna bravely joined in, holding the animals and sharing laughter with her family. Being able to take part together created precious memories at a time that matters most.
Rosanna’s husband Rob said:
“We can’t thank everyone enough for the special kindness we have been given here at Pilgrims. You have all been part of making Rosanna’s time here warm, comfortable, and peaceful, not just for her, but for all of us.”
Claire, Rosanna’s mum, added: “Thank you all so much; we now have a really precious memory for the family to share.”
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Hospice Services Manager, Sam Churchyard, reflected:
“It’s wonderful to help this lovely family share such a special moment. The team was determined to make the birthday truly memorable, and everyone pulled together to make it happen. We’re also incredibly grateful to Michael at Creepy Claws Animal Encounters for bringing along these fascinating creatures for the family to enjoy.”
Shirley Clark, from the Marketing and Communications team at Pilgrims, photographed the day:
“It was a privilege to capture these moments for the family. Those natural smiles, the laughter, and the little in-between moments, will become treasured memories for years to come.”
At Pilgrims Hospices, care extends beyond clinical support; it’s about helping families live well together, right to the end, and creating moments of joy when they’re needed most.
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.
10th February 2026
Hannah takes on London Marathon for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of brother
Hannah Brazier from Herne Bay will run the London Marathon on 26 April 2026 in memory of her brother, Kyran, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices.
With more than £2,000 raised in sponsorship, Hannah is helping to ensure that other families can continue to benefit from local hospice care.
Hannah with her brother, Kyran
After receiving a Stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis, Kyran spent his final week in Pilgrims’ care; he died at the Canterbury hospice in September 2024, aged 36.
Hannah said: “Our experience as a family was overwhelmingly positive. During Kyran’s stay at the hospice, staff and volunteers gave him exceptional care filled with comfort, dignity and compassion. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and every need was met with kindness, patience and warmth.
“Kyran took great joy in the delicious meals he was served, the friendly jokes he shared with everyone, and the massages that helped ease his pain.
“Knowing he was so well cared for brought our family a great sense of peace.”
Inspired to give back and to say thank you, Hannah signed up to run London Marathon 2026 for Pilgrims. With the support of family and friends, she has already raised over £2,000, and with a few months still to go until the big day, she hopes to raise even more:
“Running the London Marathon in Kyran’s memory is an honour, and a chance to give something back to the organisation that gave so much to us when we needed it most. Pilgrims offered compassion, dignity, and unwavering support during the most difficult time of our lives. They didn’t just care for my brother, they cared for our entire family. We were welcomed at any hour, day or night. Staff provided toys for Kyran’s children to play with during visits, and they made space for family meals in the shared dining area. To his children, the hospice became affectionately known as the “house-pital” because it felt like a second home.
“Through fundraising, I’d like to help ensure that everyone has access to dignified end-of-life care in a comfortable setting with excellent support. While many of us shy away from talking about dying, my experience showed me how vital it is that people are able to die with dignity, compassion, and comfort. I want to help make this level of care available to all families who may need it.”
Pilgrims Hospices charity places for London Marathon 2026 are full, but if you’ve been inspired by Hannah and would like to fundraise for Pilgrims, visit our events page or contact our Fundraising team to find out more:
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.
29th January 2026
Local family-run hairdressing business raise over £100k for Pilgrims Hospices
Each year, Steven James Hairdressing in Canterbury and Faversham hold a Christmas raffle in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
With a range of prizes on offer to win, it is always eagerly anticipated by their customers, and everyone gets into the festive spirit.
2025 was a bumper year, and the team raised £5,735 for Pilgrims, bringing their fundraising total to date to £102,521.
Steven Flower, who runs the hair salon on Castle Street, Canterbury said:
“Our association with Pilgrims began more than 40 years ago when a family friend was admitted. The love and care he received was outstanding, as was the support shown to his family.”
The prizes on offer include restaurant meals, the use of a brand-new car for the weekend, as well as donation of an iPad by one generous customer, and much more.
Tickets are always on sale in the barbers, run by Jason, the salon, run by Steven on Castle Street, Canterbury and the salon in Faversham, which is run by James.
Steven James Hairdressing has had a long presence in the Canterbury and Faversham business community.
The dynasty began in 1908 with Henry Flower, who opened up a barbers in Palace Street, Canterbury. Historically, Henry’s wife became established as the first female barber in the country, and after having two sons, Ernest and Bertram, the business expanded, with each opening up their own shops in Canterbury.
Five generations of hairdressers have worked at the helm of the salons, including Jim, who followed in his father’s footsteps in 1962, opening up his own shop in 1985, naming it Steven James after his two sons, who now own the Canterbury and Faversham shops respectively.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims, said:
“We are so proud to have the support of Steven James Hairdressing who have been part of the hospice for almost as long as we have opened our doors. Thank you to Steven, James, Jim and Jason and to all of their wonderful customers who each year raise this incredible sum of money for the hospice.”
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.
16th January 2026
Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Tree Recycling campaign raises a record breaking £84,000 for end-of-life care
Pilgrims Hospices’ annual Tree Recycling campaign has once again been a tree-mendous success, giving more than 4,600 Christmas trees a second life and raising over £84,000 to help provide specialist end-of-life care for local people across east Kent.
Over the weekend, volunteers were out in force across Canterbury, Thanet, and Ashford, collecting trees directly from doorsteps. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, local residents, and businesses, this year’s total has surpassed expectations – helping to fund vital care for patients and their families.
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Sue Sharp, Director of Marketing and Income Generation, with the ITV Meridian News team at the Canterbury hospice site
More than 125 incredible volunteers took part, supported by local businesses who kindly donated their time, vans, and equipment free of charge. Pilgrims staff also worked throughout the weekend to make sure collections ran smoothly and efficiently.
At the Canterbury hospice site, chipping services were once again kindly donated by the father-and-son team at D. Parr Tree Surgeons, who have a personal connection to the hospice’s care.
Sue Sharp, Director of Marketing and Income Generation at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“This campaign is all about community spirit – turning festive trees into vital care for families in east Kent. Every tree collected helps fund essential hospice services, and we couldn’t do it without our incredible volunteers, supporters, and local businesses.”
All collected trees were processed in an environmentally friendly way – mapped for the most efficient routes, chipped, and reused for landscaping, composting, and even in the hospice’s own gardens.
Since the campaign began in Ashford 14 years ago, over 25,000 trees have been collected and more than £450,000 raised for Pilgrims Hospices.
It’s a brilliant way for communities to recycle, celebrate, and make a difference – one tree at a time!
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.
18th December 2025
Ho Ho Ho and away they go! Santas take over Herne Bay for Pilgrims Hospices run
More than 1,100 Santas brought festive cheer to Herne Bay seafront on Sunday 14 December 2025, as Pilgrims Hospices’ much-loved Santas on the Run! returned for another jolly fundraising success.
Organised by Rachael Edmed, Senior Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, the event welcomed runners, walkers and joggers of all abilities to take on 3K, 5K and 10K routes, all in support of vital hospice care across east Kent.
With spectacular sunshine for this time of year, the festive fundraiser truly kick-started the Christmas season, as a sea of red suits set off along the promenade at 11am, cheered on by spectators enjoying the joyful atmosphere.
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This year’s event saw 1,108 participants take part, with £28,567.80 raised so far, expecting to rise to in the region of £40,000. Over £240,000 has been raised since the event began – helping Pilgrims Hospices continue to provide compassionate care and support for patients and families living with terminal illness.
The celebrations were brought to life by fantastic local entertainment, with MC Graham Burns and Herne Bay radio station, Cabin FM, playing a huge part in keeping the festive energy high throughout the morning. Runners were also treated to the uplifting sounds of Samba Pelo Mar, while The Grinch made a mischievous appearance, spreading laughter and festive fun.
The Grinch made a special appearance
A lively warm-up session, led by Pip Smith from Active Life, got the Santas moving and ready ahead of the start, ensuring everyone was well prepared for their festive dash along the seafront.
Pilgrims Hospices would like to thank everyone who took part, volunteered, entertained, supported and cheered from the side-lines, helping to make Santas on the Run! such a memorable community event.
As the charity heads into the festive season, Pilgrims Hospices sends heartfelt thanks to all supporters and wishes everyone a very happy Christmas, with gratitude for the incredible support shown throughout 2025.
Rachael Edmed, Senior Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, said:
“Santas on the Run! was truly magical this year. Seeing over 1,100 Santas come together, smiling, laughing and supporting Pilgrims Hospices was incredibly special.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who took part, our amazing volunteers, Herne Bay radio, Samba Pelo Mar, our warm-up leader from Active Life, and of course everyone who donated. Your support helps us continue providing vital hospice care to families across east Kent – thank you, and have a wonderful Christmas.”
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.
