Hospice nurse Charlotte runs seaside Brighton Marathon for Pilgrims
Charlotte Davies (35) from Ashford is a community Palliative Specialist Nurse at Pilgrims Hospices, so she witnesses first-hand the positive impact Pilgrims’ care has across east Kent.
As a keyworker, Charlotte has continued to work on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but her support for the charity doesn’t stop there. On 12 September 2021, she will run the Brighton Marathon to raise vital funds for Pilgrims and help ensure its services remain free to all those who need them.
Charlotte in her Pilgrims uniform
Charlotte worked in intensive care before joining Pilgrims in 2014; initially a community nurse, she changed roles to work as the Ward Sister for one year. After maternity leave, she returned to Pilgrims as a community nurse, a role that she enjoys immensely.
Charlotte completed a degree in End of Life Care in 2015 and began an MSc in Palliative and End of Life Care in 2019.
She said: “As a Pilgrims community nurse, I’m privileged to visit people in their own homes. We provide holistic care, including symptom management advice, psycho-social support and referrals to both internal and external services. Being able to continue providing high quality end-of-life care to people in east Kent is imperative. Pilgrims services are free, and fundraising ensures that we can keep offering them.
“So many people are kind enough to take time out from their busy lives to raise money to ensure our patients and relatives continue to receive the care they need.”
Charlotte originally planned to run the Brighton Marathon as her first ever marathon, but then COVID hit and the event was postponed – first to April 2021 and then to October 2021. So instead, her debut marathon was the Kent Spring Marathon in October 2020, which she also ran in aid of Pilgrims.
Being able to continue providing high quality end-of-life care to people in east Kent is imperative. Pilgrims services are free, and fundraising ensures that we can keep offering them.
Charlotte
As part of her fundraising for Brighton, Charlotte is selling colourful memory ribbons; these are being sewn to her Pilgrims vest, which she will wear on marathon day, and each one will have written on it the name of someone who has died. Anyone can purchase a memory ribbon, and they are not only for people who have been cared for by Pilgrims.
Charlotte’s memory ribbons
Charlotte said: “My aim is to run in memory of people, regardless of who they were or where and when they died – for example, four ribbons are for my grandparents who weren’t cared for by Pilgrims. They are a visual reminder of who I’m running for. This makes it all the more personal for me; I will be honoured to run in memory of so many people and when the going gets tough over 26.2 miles, I’ll be reminded why I’m running.
“If someone would like a ribbon, they can donate via my JustGiving page and tell me the name to go on it by leaving a comment when they donate. I’ve suggested a minimum donation of £3 per ribbon, but people have been giving more than that, which is lovely! Any amount is much appreciated.”
Lydia Todd, Challenge Events Fundraiser, said: “Charlotte has been waiting so long to run Brighton Marathon and I can’t wait to finally see her cross the finish line and receive her well-deserved medal. Charlotte’s idea to run in memory of people, by carrying their memory ribbon with her, is truly heart-warming. It’s turning her fundraising, and personal challenge, into a community event and it’s amazing to see people come out to support her efforts in full force. We’re proud to have her as a member of #TeamPilgrims!”
Charlotte added: “People can sometimes be surprised to learn that Pilgrims’ services are free. Through fundraising, we can help ensure that they remain accessible to all those who need palliative care and support in east Kent.”
You can keep up to date with the Charlotte’s fundraising journey and purchase memory ribbons on her JustGiving page.
Inspired to follow in Charlotte’s footsteps and run the Brighton Marathon for Pilgrims? Charity places are available; register here by 5 August 2021.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
31st May 2021
Brakes team take on epic cycle for Pilgrims Hospices
The team work for Brakes, the Ashford-based food service supplier.
They chose to support their local hospice charity as each knows of the vital care it provides through family and friends. Dan’s mother-in-law, Anne-Marie Wells, and Harrison’s dad, Paul O’Brien, were both cared for by Pilgrims. Anne-Marie and Paul would have each celebrated their 60th birthdays on 1 and 2 June 2021 respectively, so the team’s fundraising target of £6,000 has been set to commemorate these milestone events.
I’d never been in a hospice before so I thought it would be a sad and gloomy place, but I was so wrong. The staff were excellent, the two lounges were lovely and spacious and loved ones were made to feel incredibly welcome
Dan
Dan, from Hawkinge near Folkestone, experienced Pilgrims’ care when Anne-Marie spent time in the Ashford hospice in 2018-19. He said:
“The care she received was fantastic. Whenever Ann-Marie needed anything, the staff were more than willing to assist, nothing was too much trouble. Her last Christmas was spent in the hospice; being able to sit round the table in the fantastic new family lounge, trying to treat it as a normal Christmas Day, meant a lot. We were able to shower, stay over and have hot meals. I was even allowed to work remotely at required times whilst being by my wife’s side.
Anne-Marie with her daughter and Dan’s wife, Hannah
“I’d never been in a hospice before so I thought it would be a sad and gloomy place, but I was so wrong. The staff were excellent, the two lounges were lovely and spacious and loved ones were made to feel incredibly welcome.
“Seeing it first-hand has made me aware of the fantastic work Pilgrims do, and I want to continue raising money for them in future.”
Harrison, from River, Dover, also shared his experience:
Harrison’s dad, Paul
“My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung and brain cancer in late January 2021. This was a huge shock to our family, it changed our lives dramatically. Pilgrims gave us such excellent support – they offered emotional and practical advice, taught us techniques related to caring for Dad and arranged equipment to make him as comfortable as possible.
“They look after the whole family’s wellbeing, just having them at the end of the phone was such a big help. Pilgrims nurses are true heroes who make sure that you don’t feel alone. They really do make a huge difference. Before my dad became ill, I wasn’t aware of the top quality care Pilgrims provide. They are a fantastic organisation and I will never forget what they’ve done for us.”
“My dad sadly passed on 11 April 2021. He felt extremely comfortable in the hospice, and I can’t thank Pilgrims enough for the care they provided. They were absolutely brilliant.
“They looked after him, fed him, washed him and made him feel as close to home as was possible – I will never forget that. Pilgrims helped our family when we really needed it; they will always have a special place in my heart.”
Pilgrims nurses are true heroes who make sure that you don’t feel alone. They really do make a huge difference.
Harrison
On Saturday 5 June 2021, the team will ride to all 20 league football grounds within London, cycling an overall distance of 250km. They hope to raise vital funds for Pilgrims and increase awareness about hospice services available across east Kent.
Dan, Daniel and Harrison
Dan said: “We’ve chosen to support Pilgrims so they can continue their great work offering compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families. We’re really looking forward to our cycle challenge, it will be tough but so worth it.”
Harrison added: “I’ve experienced first-hand the care that Pilgrims provide. They need all the help they can get in order to continue delivering this amazing support. I simply hope that the money we raise will enable Pilgrims to offer other families the care ours received.
“Pilgrims help make that last bit of time as special as it can be, so if the money we raise helps to continue that service then that’s the least we can do for such a good cause.”
Deirdre Mewse, Community Fundraising Officer at Pilgrims, said: “It is wonderful that Harrison, Daniel and Dan are taking part in such an epic journey in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. The sights of 20 football grounds, as well as the amazing places they pass on the way, will hopefully sustain them in their 250km journey. We would like to say a huge thank you for their support and wish them strong legs and every success on the day.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
6th September 2019
On the homeward run
Tim Wrigley took on a powerful and emotional challenge to run a 110-mile ultra-marathon in memory of his friend Ben Jackaman who passed away in 2017 after a short battle with a rare and untreatable cancer. The epic run from Lake Windermere in the Lake District, back to his home near Tadcaster in North Yorkshire has so far raised £2,111.99 for Pilgrims Hospices who cared for his good friend Ben. Tim was determined to help raise funds for the hospices’ Blackbird Project, he completed this mega challenge in just over 31 hours and 30 minutes.
Tim said: “The Blackbird Project provides a special recording service for patients to share messages, poems, and thoughts or anything else they would like to say and pass on to their friends and family. The project was co-founded by Ben’s parents and sister Sheena, Nick and Anna and has been eagerly supported since Ben’s memorial fund was donated to Pilgrims Hospices.
“When close friends and family die young, it’s a reminder that we don’t always get to choose what we do, so we can’t always put things off for another day.
“I’m counting myself lucky to have my physical and mental health, taking on this challenge and having such tremendous support and sponsorship from people around me has been a rewarding experience.”
Tim’s challenge idea was formed some years back when sitting in a traffic jam after a weekend climbing and walking in the Lakes when someone shouted out ‘we could walk faster than this’ and so it began.
The furthest Tim had ever run was around 30 miles, therefore this was a huge leap in the distance to undertake.
He set off from Bowness, Lake Windermere and did not stop moving except for the occasional comfort break until he reached home. The logistics were complicated and involved a team of more than 12 people providing support by meeting him at various locations with food, drink, and fresh clothes. It all took a lot of co-ordinating and virtually no sleep for anyone.
Tim added: “I managed to finish even though it took longer than I had anticipated, however, I’m pleased to complete it. My feet are less pleased but the blisters, aches, and pains will pass!
“I couldn’t carry the 12,500 calories of food and 10 litres of water cloths, torches etc. all the way; so a huge thank you goes out to my support team who kept me fed and watered and provided company and good humour throughout, and the people who ran with me for sections of the route and of course everyone who donated. I needed all the support and I would never have completed it without everyone else. It was definitely a team effort. And, a big thank you to everyone at Pilgrims for looking after my friend Ben, this was the least I can do.”
Lydia Todd, Pilgrims Hospices, Community Fundraising Officer said: “A massive congratulations to Tim, what an incredible achievement!
“I’m sure Tim’s story is going to inspire many more people to raise funds for local hospice care and help us to continue being there for over 2,400 individuals each year, so thank you for being so generous in supporting Pilgrims.
“Congratulations and thank you once again, Tim, for taking on such an epic challenge to support The Blackbird Project at Pilgrims Hospices.”
You can still support Tim’s effort by donating to his JustGiving page.
If you would like to know more about The Blackbird Project please visit this page or call Heather Sawney 01227 459 700.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the option or visit support for you.
31st January 2019
Mount Kilimanjaro adventure of a lifetime
Sonia Woolls took on the adventure of a lifetime by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of her grandma Patricia Woolls. On Boxing Day, she left her home in Deal and flew to Tanzania to face one of the toughest challenges of her life – to conquer the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and watch the sunrise on New Year’s Day from its summit – and raise vital funds for the charity who supported her grandma during the end of her cancer battle.
Sonia (30), who is the manager at Dymchurch Amusement Park, said: “Grandma was 76 when she passed away at Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury. I knew about hospice care, but never expected to feel so overwhelmed with the level of support and care offered to both Grandma and my family.
“As I turn 30 in February I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to test myself beyond my comfort zone and raise money for the hospice that took such wonderful care of my Grandma.”
Climbing Kilimanjaro turned out to be the toughest week of my life but also one of the best.
Sonia
Although Sonia had no climbing experience, she had the support of her family and boyfriend Tom. With lots of extra walking, PT sessions and visits to the gym she felt ready for the challenge ahead.
“I had no idea of how much of a challenge it would be. Climbing Kilimanjaro turned out to be the toughest week of my life but also one of the best. I learned so much about myself that I would never have discovered if I hadn’t taken the leap and signed up with Pilgrims to undertake the Kili Challenge.
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“After trekking for many hours a day, climbing to over 5,200m, experiencing the heat and extreme cold, enjoying breathtaking scenery and finding new friends, this was an opportunity I’m so pleased to have taken.”
Sonia raised an incredible £5,610.08 for Pilgrims Hospices by spreading the word with her family and friends; making posters to encourage people to sponsor her, holding quiz nights, coffee and cake mornings and guess the name of the teddy and sweets in a jar competitions.
“Although everyone thought I was a bit crazy, they are all really proud of my achievement. I’m sure Grandma would be very proud of me too.”
“The kindness offered by the entire Pilgrims Hospices team was amazing. Every person we encountered just could not do enough. I know Grandma was made as comfortable as possible and so well looked after. Everyone at the Pilgrims Hospice made one of the toughest times in our life just a little bit easier and we will be forever thankful. I was delighted to help raise some important funds to support their care.”
The kindness offered by the entire Pilgrims Hospices team was amazing.
Sonia
If you would like to take on a challenge or fundraising activity to raise funds for Pilgrims Hospices, there a wide variety of local events and our overseas challenges listed on Events and Challenges. Our overseas events are organised by experienced and knowledgeable, tour operators. Not only that, but you’ll also receive all the tips and support you need to reach your fundraising goal. Find out about our latest trek to conquer Mt Toubkal, Morocco right now.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed, to live well and stay independent.
6th August 2018
Gavin’s sporting challenges raise awareness and funds for Pilgrims
Gavin Dixon from Chartham is raising funds this summer for a local charity that is close to his heart. He’s attempting to raise more than £2,500 for Pilgrims Hospices, the charity that cared for his much-loved grandad, William Dixon, who passed away this year.
Gavin is already well on the way to achieving his goal with more than £1,600 raised so far.
The next challenge on his list is the popular Canterbury Half Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday 27 August. This well recognised and much-loved event is organised by Nice Work to support Pilgrims Hospices and attracts a large number of runners from across Kent and further afield; it’s one of the county’s favourite half marathons.
The Bank Holiday event attracts a huge crowd each year and the beautiful backdrop of the Kent Downs is inspiring for the novice and veteran alike.
Gavin’s grandad, William Dixon
Gavin said: “My grandad passed away suddenly from renal (kidney) failure at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, at the age of 87. He was originally from Luddenham, just outside of Faversham, and settled in Rough Common, where he spent most of his later years.
“I remember him as an incredibly proud and independent man with an infectious smile, living comfortably and happily. His passing came as a massive shock to us; until recently he had shown no signs of any health problems.
To celebrate my grandad’s memory and to support Pilgrims Hospices to care of others, I’ve taken on a series of events and challenges to raise important funds.
Gavin
“To celebrate his memory and to support Pilgrims Hospices to care for others, I’ve taken on a series of events and challenges in order to raise important funds. I’m signed up for the Canterbury Half Marathon and will follow that with a skydive in September. I will also be looking to compete in some other organised events and have already competed in a triathlon. I’m potentially looking to add another event or two in the coming months, along with organising fundraising events with the support of my friends and family.”
Gavin, who is a project manager working for Openreach, added: “I do my best to stay fit and find that exercise is a great way to unwind after busy days under pressure. I’m often at the gym or running and also do other activities including cricket. I find doing the things I love while generating funds for such a special charity is really inspiring; I believe my grandad would be incredibly proud.
“My training is going well and even though the heat has been incredible, I’ve maintained a training programme. The Canterbury Half Marathon will be a challenge, however, I’m looking forward to it and intend to achieve my best possible time regardless of the weather conditions.
I experienced first-hand what an incredible job the nurses and staff do at Pilgrims; making patients and families feel as comfortable as possible.
Gavin
“I experienced first-hand what an incredible job the nurses and staff do at Pilgrims; making patients and families feel as comfortable as possible. I found everyone to be so caring and considerate during a very emotional and exhausting time for my family. I cannot thank them enough for making Grandad’s last few days as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
“I wish to thank everyone who has been supporting me with the challenges. If I can raise over £2,500 by the end of September then I will put myself forward to run the 2019 London Marathon as my final challenge for this incredible cause.”
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Events Fundraiser, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Gavin; he’s taken on some really amazing challenges in order to support even more people in east Kent who need our care. The Canterbury Half Marathon course is challenging and covers the quiet country lanes on the outskirts of the city. The route is quite wonderful and the event is so well supported.”
If you’d like to find out more about the Canterbury Half Marathon or register to take part, contact [email protected]. Right now, you can sign up for the Canterbury Half Marathon as a Pilgrims Hospices runner for free with a commitment to raise at least £100 in sponsorship.
Pilgrims Hospices is an independent charity that provides its services free of charge. To do this they heavily rely on the support and generosity of the local community in east Kent. It currently costs £14m a year to run their full range of services.
20th July 2018
Local brewery team complete marathon challenge to support hospice care
Chief executive Jonathan Neame was among the fundraising group that walked and ran 52.4 miles, the equivalent to two marathons, from Whiteshill in Gloucestershire to Broadway Tower in Worcestershire.
The challenge is particularly demanding as Broadway Tower is the Cotswold’s highest castle, and the route involved more than 2,500m of ascent.
Other members of Team Extreme, which has been running for nine years and sees Shepherd Neame staff tackle tough endurance challenges for charity, included Head of Property Services Martin Godden, Export Controller Olly Scott, Business Development Manager Dougie Dick, National Account Manager Lee Whitehead, Commercial Estate Manager John Barnes and Development Surveyor Nick Farrant.
More than 500 competitors took part, and Olly and John finished the route in less than 11 hours 30 minutes, placing them both in the top 70. Jonathan, Martin, and Lee all finished in under 17 hours, while Dougie finished in just over 19 hours.
They raised almost £4,000, and Martin and Olly presented a cheque for £3,381 to Pilgrims Hospices on Wednesday 4 July. The remainder of the money went to Prostate Cancer UK.
During the past nine years Team Extreme has raised over £50,000 for charity, and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us.
Olly Scott, Shepherd Neame Export Controller
Martin said: “It’s the second year that we have completed the Race to the Tower, and although it is physically tough, it is a fantastic experience. It’s a great team-building activity, from the training beforehand to the actual event, and we have been delighted by the amount of money we raised for two fantastic causes.”
Olly added: “During the past nine years Team Extreme has raised over £50,000 for charity, and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us.
“The challenge was brutally hot and the course was hilly, it took all of our physical and mental strength to complete.
“We are now starting to plan a very special challenge to mark our 10th anniversary next year, so watch this space!”
Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager Leila Ilkhan said: “Pilgrims would like to thank Shepherd Neame’s Team Extreme for their generous donation. The money raised will help us to provide care for patients and their families who need our help the most. Each year we care for around 2,500 people across east Kent, and this fundraising will make a huge difference to the care of so many.”
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or Wellbeing and Social Programme for more information.
