Family fun coastal dog walk for pawsome volunteering family
Regular Pilgrims Hospices volunteer Ginny Taylor along with family and friends have signed up to walk the Paws 4 Pilgrims sponsored dog walk on Sunday 29 March. Ginny is most often found cooking up a storm for a wide variety of the hospice’s events; producing cakes, savouries and many scrumptious culinary delights, all to support fundraising events for her chosen charity. On this occasion she’s swapping her apron and kitchen equipment for dog leads and treats for her four-legged friends.
Ginny took part in the fun 5-kilometre dog walk along the beautiful Deal coastline last year and told us: “We had a wonderful time last year, we’ve signed up to take part again this year. I’m walking with my husband, daughter, granddaughter and family friends; Sam and her daughter, Ebony. It’ll be a real family affair and we really can’t wait.
“I really appreciate all of the hard work the hospice care team provide for our local community and, my family have been personally touched by Pilgrims Hospices support several times. I’m very pleased to be helping to raise awareness and sponsorship to help.”
The Paws 4 Pilgrims walk is a fantastic event that everyone can take part in and enjoy.
Ginny Taylor
Between them the family will have three waggy dog tails and, seven pairs of keen supporter legs; they are all ready to join hundreds of others who will embark on the popular annual event.
“Deal is very pretty, the walk was fantastic last year; the sun shone and our dogs, Buddy, Ralph and Tilly loved taking part in the fun dog show, with Ralph winning a 3rd place rosette in the cutest puppy competition.” she added.
You can register to take part in Paws 4 Pilgrims here.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “By supporting this fun dog walk, you’re helping to support people within our community who need specialist palliative care; both within the hospices and at home. Don’t forget you do not need a dog to join the walk.
“Thank you Ginny for joining in with the fun again this year, we anticipate lots of laughter and a lot love and affection for the dogs who are walking for Pilgrims. We look forward to seeing you there.”
Ginny said: “The Paws 4 Pilgrims walk is a fantastic event that everyone can take part in and enjoy. Whether you are an experienced walker or just enjoy a gentle stroll with your pet pooch, it’s so pretty and the dogs will have much fun with all of their new-found furry friends.”
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 click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
21st February 2018
Ralph puts his best paw forward for Pilgrims
Ralph the gorgeous three-year-old Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise cross and his owner, Megan Bell, will join Pilgrims Hospices brand new sponsored dog walk Paws 4 Pilgrims in Deal on Sunday 25 March. They will walk the 5K coastal route in memory of Megan’s dad, Frankie Bell, who was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet. With the support of her family and friends, Megan has already raised more than £800 for vital care for even more local people.
Megan, who is 25 and works as an hotel receptionist at Pegwell Bay Hotel in Ramsgate, said: “Dad was only 58 years old when he was cared for by Pilgrims; he and Ralph were great pals and often shared walks together before he became ill. We are very proud to take part in his memory.”
Megan told us: “Ralph is full of fun. We are really looking forward to the walk, it’s such a beautiful place and if people don’t know the area very well, it’s really worth a visit. It’s a wonderful place for a doggy walk, and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of doggy pals for Ralph to walk with and enjoying the dog events after the walk.
“Dad was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet in November 2016. During his time there, he was treated with the most amazing love and care. I cannot thank the wonderful staff enough for everything they did for Dad and our family. I want to raise as much money as I can for people who need care in the future. The hospice was a happy place for us, and Dad said it was just like a hotel.
Dad was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet in November 2016. During his time there, he was treated with the most amazing love and care.
Megan
“I really admire the work the nurses and doctors put in day and night to ensure all their patients get the best quality care that they deserve. They really made my dad feel at home during his stay there; they also welcomed our family with open arms. Ralph visited Dad at the hospice every day and even knew which room to find him in. He also enjoyed going to visit the other patients, and made friends with volunteers who often had treats for him.”
You can help Megan to raise even more funds for Pilgrims by sponsoring Ralph on Megan’s Just Givingpage. A small donation of just £1 can help make a huge difference to those who need Pilgrims care the most.
I will be forever grateful to Pilgrims, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Megan
Megan said: “I will be forever grateful to Pilgrims, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
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 new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.