Thousands raised at Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair
Hundreds attended the Pilgrims Hospices annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 22 November 2025 held at PGL Beyond, Grosvenor Hall, Ashford, where over £14,500 was raised.
Visitors enjoyed delicious refreshments, festive music, and games galore. There was lots to keep children entertained in the craft corner, including decorating a gingerbread shape and painting a plate. Father Christmas and his elves managed to find the time to join us and handed out presents to lots of excited children.
Many local companies and organisations showed their support and donated towards the weekend. With special thanks to PGL Beyond, Kingswood, Grosvenor Hall for the use of their wonderful venue, and our sponsor, Ultima Care.
Community Fundraising Manager, Louise Newman, said:
“A huge thank you from the Pilgrims Fundraising team. We really couldn’t make these amazing events happen without your help. We are grateful to everyone who donated items or joined us on the day; it was a fantastic day and an amazing amount was raised. With the support of over 90 volunteers, we have been able to raise vital funds for Pilgrims!”
Our next Ashford event is our Christmas Tree Recycling campaign, which is a great opportunity to get your real Christmas tree collected by our teams of Pilgrims volunteers. Find out more atpilgrimshospices.org/treerecycling.
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.
25th November 2025
Louise raises thousands for Pilgrims Hospices in London Marathon triumphs
Louise Ellis, a teaching assistant from Rotherfield near Tunbridge Wells, has completed the London Marathon twice, first in 2011 and again in 2025, both times for Pilgrims Hospices; alongside other fundraising, since 2008, Louise has raised £5,108.85 in total for hospice care in east Kent.
Louise ran in memory of her parents, Pat and Christopher Rundle, who both received Pilgrims’ care at the Ashford hospice, to give back and help ensure that other families can benefit from vital hospice services.
Pat had pancreatic cancer and was cared for by Pilgrims in 2008.
Louise’s parents, Christopher and Pat
Sadly, 10 years later in 2018, Christopher was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer; Pilgrims supported him to remain at home for as long as possible during his illness, and he died at the Ashford hospice in 2020.
Louise said: “When Mum was diagnosed, a devastating time was made a little easier knowing she would receive Pilgrims’ care. I imagined the hospice to be a dull, bleak and sad environment, but this was far from what we experienced.
“It was warm, inviting, supportive and caring; every staff member communicated with us clearly about Mum’s care.
“Difficult conversations were had, but they were delivered with compassion and sincerity, and gave Mum and us clarity in the inevitable, sad prognosis.
“After Mum passed away in April 2008, the care our family received meant the world. Mum’s four grandchildren, who were exceptionally close to her, were invited to a family day, where they each made memory boxes and jars. My son, Robbie, still has his jar, and every different coloured layer represents a special memory of Mum; her love for the garden, being outside in the sunshine, and our family.
Louise at the London Marathon
“My dad also attended several Pilgrims support groups, which aided the painful loss of his wife of 38 years.”
When Christopher received his cancer diagnosis in 2018, and after undergoing major surgery, Pilgrims helped him get well enough to care for himself at home. He attended the hospice whenever he needed extra care or medical intervention, and died there peacefully in April 2020, just as the UK went into lockdown.
Louise continued:
“Again, our family were kept fully informed. My twin sister, Cate, was encouraged and allowed to stay with Dad until the end. Pilgrims were always available on the phone to update us on his condition, which is something we’ll be forever grateful for.
“Dad was a staunch advocate of Pilgrims; he knew personally how invaluable their care is – to not just patients, but to families as well. Pilgrims has also helped bring our family together with the annual Sunflower Memories and Trees of Love remembrance events. We have a lovely photo of us with Dad, sitting amongst the sunflowers, which brings back memories of a wonderful place.
Louise and her family at Sunflower Memories
“The care given by Pilgrims to Mum and Dad truly made a real difference to me, so I knew I wanted to give back at some point. I was lucky enough to get a ballot place for the London Marathon in 2011; at the time, my first thought was to raise funds for Pilgrims, to thank them for all they did for Mum.
“Between 2008 when I started fundraising for Pilgrims, and 2011 when I completed my first London Marathon, I raised £2,815.50!
Cate and Louise
“In 2024, I got my running club’s place for the London Marathon, and again decided to raise money for Pilgrims – especially as my sister, Cate, now works as a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner for this amazing charity. She is so passionate about making a difference to people affected by life-limiting illnesses. She is dedicated, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable, and I can only begin to imagine the incredible difference she herself is now making to families like ours. I’m unbelievably proud of her, and sing her praises from the rooftops at every opportunity!”
Louise raised a further £2,208.60 by running London Marathon 2025. She fundraised mainly via social media, supported by family, friends, colleagues, her running club, and parents at the school where she works.
She added:
“I hope the money raised will make a small difference to people and families who need Pilgrims’ care – whether that’s enabling children to attend a family day, or providing essential nursing care to patients. Our family will be forever grateful for the care and support we’ve received from Pilgrims over the years, so it feels fitting to repay them by giving back in this way – especially as Cate is now a significant and much-valued member of the Pilgrims care team.”
And what advice would Louise give to others wanting to fundraise for Pilgrims?
“Be unashamedly passionate and relentless on social media! Start posting months ahead of the race; each post usually results in several donations. Share significant mileage, races, running in awful weather conditions etc. and how raising money for such an important charity spurs you on to keep going, especially if you’re doing it in a loved one’s memory.”
Louise’s top London Marathon tips
Preparation
Join a running club if you have one near you; the camaraderie, support and encouragement can be invaluable.
Take advice about nutrition, gels, electrolytes etc. as they can make a real difference to your training and race experience.
Sign up for a few half marathons, which will help you gauge your pace and give you a feel for racing.
On the day
Above anything, enjoy the experience and the day.
Make sure you have family members and friends dotted along the course, especially for the last 5-6 miles; the thought of seeing them will literally keep your legs going!
Take full advantage of the enthusiasm and encouragement from the crowd.
Believe and have faith in your training, and all the miles you have put in ahead of the big day.
Do not change anything on race day; stick to everything you have done on your long runs, including nutrition/fuelling, clothing etc.
STAY HYDRATED!
Have your name printed/written clearly on the front of your running vest so people can shout it out; it will feel like all your best friends are cheering you on every step of the way.
Stick to your planned pace in order to save some energy for the last few miles. It’s easy to get scooped up with the crowds, especially as it is a flat race, so keep checking your watch and your pace.
Once you’ve finished, make sure you celebrate this incredible achievement with family and friends and raise a glass to loved ones and the hospice; savour the glory of running 26.2 miles/42.165km for such an amazing cause.
Pilgrims Hospices charity places for London Marathon 2026 are full, but if you have a ballot place, we’d love you to join Team Pilgrims and fundraise for us.
Please contact our Fundraising team to find out more:
If you’re inspired by Louise’s fundraising journey, visit pilgrimshospices.org/events to find out how you can support Pilgrims Hospices by taking on an event or challenge for local hospice care.
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.
23rd November 2025
Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospices Race raises £2,362 for local hospice care
Photograph: Alistair Barnett of Broadstairs Sailing Club
Pilgrims Hospice Thanet is delighted to have received an annual donation of £2,362 from the Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race, held at Broadstairs Sailing Club over the August bank holiday weekend.
The cheque was presented to Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, by Michael Todd, Vice Commodore of Broadstairs Sailing Club.
Michael shared the origins of the event:
“The Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race was created in memory of Broadstairs Sailing Club member and former Flag Officer, Steve Dyson, who sadly passed away on 25 August 2008. Steve spent his final days at the Margate hospice, where he received exceptional care. In gratitude, the Club felt it only right to give something back.
“What began as a tribute to Steve has grown into a celebration of all our past members, including those from the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Minnis Bay Sailing Club, Margate Yacht Club and Downs Sailing Club, whose sailors continue to support the race each year.
“For the past 17 years, the Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race has taken place every August bank holiday, featuring three back-to-back races. Entry is by donation, and all proceeds – including bar takings and buffet meal donations – go directly to Pilgrims Hospices.
“We are fortunate to have a major sponsor, Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds’), who generously provide a free 72-pint barrel of Seasider each year. This year, we were also kindly supported by Pips Cider, who donated two polypins of cider.
“To date, the Dyson Dash has raised an amazing £39,375.09 for the Margate hospice. We are incredibly proud of our ongoing connection with Pilgrims Hospices and look forward to supporting them for many years to come.”
Karen expressed her thanks on behalf of the charity:
“We would like to thank everyone who has organised, sponsored and supported this wonderful event over the past 17 years. These incredible donations have helped to fund more than 1,575 hours of specialist care, both in our hospice and in patients’ own homes.
“We simply couldn’t provide our services without your continued generosity. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!”
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. There is also a 24-hour advice line.
21st November 2025
Kate’s Everest trek: Reaching new heights for hospice care
Kate and her sister, Beth, with their dad, Nicholas
In March 2026, 22-year-old Kate Jordan from Herne Bay will take on the adventure of a lifetime – trekking to Everest Base Camp in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
Kate is joining Team Pilgrims to challenge herself, raise vital funds for local hospice care, and celebrate her dad, Nicholas, who was cared for by Pilgrims in 2020.
Kate’s dad, Nicholas
Nicholas bravely battled mesothelioma for 10 months before he passed away. Throughout his illness, Pilgrims provided exceptional care, ensuring he was comfortable and supported, while also offering guidance and compassion to Kate and her family, which has continued ever since. Pilgrims remains incredibly close to Kate’s heart, so when she spotted the charity’s Everest Base Campchallenge, it immediately caught her eye.
“To be completely honest, I found the Everest trek by chance; I was looking on the Pilgrims website to see if they had any fun events coming up and saw it and thought ‘Wow, that looks cool’, and then 30 minutes later I’d paid my deposit! I think it will be the most incredible mental and physical challenge, an opportunity that’s so hard to pass up, and I am just so extremely excited! I feel grateful to take on the challenge with people who have a connection to the hospice and to keep raising money!”
Reflecting on her father’s time with Pilgrims, Kate shared:
“My dad spent his last few days resting comfortably in the Thanet hospice, with the amazing staff making sure that his closest family could be there with him as much as possible right until the end. My dad was the most hilarious man with his dry sense of humour; he gave me and my sister a childhood full of love and happy memories, and even five years after he left, I still feel that I am learning valuable lessons from him.”
Since then, Kate and her sister have hosted three annual charity quiz nights in support of Pilgrims, and Kate has also taken on a tandem skydive. Now, she’s preparing for her biggest adventure yet – reaching the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain.
“I think one of the most wholesome things about Everest is that everyone has some connection to Pilgrims Hospices, and I like to think that the higher the altitude, the closer we will feel to our loved ones. When I think about the day we reach base camp, it gives me goosebumps! I have already met some of the lovely people I will be taking on the trek with, and it’s made this even more real and exciting! I can’t wait for the no doubt breathtaking views, to learn about the culture, and to prove to myself that if I put my mind to it, I can do it!”
Kate with her dad
Training for the trek is already well underway for Kate, and she’s loved meeting others who share her connection to Pilgrims. Building friendships and sharing stories has made preparing for the adventure even more meaningful:
“The people I’ve met so far have been nothing but lovely, and that includes all the fundraising staff! I completed the 25km Pilgrims Way Challenge with five others from Base Camp and we had such a giggle! It was so nice sharing stories about our lives whilst remembering our loved ones who we’ve lost.”
“I would say to anyone considering Base Camp, just do it! This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and if I’ve learnt anything over these past five years, it’s that life is way too short, and you don’t know what’s around the corner – so get that sign up form and take the chance! My family definitely think I’m nuts for doing this, but they’re also the most supportive and loving family, and I know if my dad was here today he would be calling me crazy but he would also be very proud, and that’s the reason I am doing it.”
Sophie Howland, Events Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“Kate is taking on an incredible challenge to support local hospice care. Her courage, positivity and determination is truly inspiring, and every step she takes will make a real difference for local families. We’re so proud of her and can’t wait to cheer her on all the way to Base Camp.”
Feeling inspired?
In March 2026, Kate and other Pilgrims supporters will set out on a 16-day adventure through the Himalayas to the foot of Mount Everest, including an 11-day trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp. Along the way, they’ll pass through ancient Sherpa villages, witness spectacular sunrises over snow-capped peaks, and take in breathtaking views from Kala Patthar – all while raising vital funds to support hospice care across east Kent.
Led by an experienced UK Mountain Leader and supported by local experts, this is a once in a lifetime journey that will test both mind and body, create unforgettable memories, and bring together people connected by a shared purpose.
Places for this incredible challenge are limited, and registration closes on 12 December 2025.
Pilgrims Hospices provides specialist care, free of charge, to thousands of people across east Kent each year. Services are offered from its three hospice sites in Canterbury, Ashford, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes.
5th November 2025
Dover Festival Prom Concert Committee presents Pilgrims Hospices with £2,600
The Dover Festival Prom Concert Committee has proudly presented Pilgrims Hospices with a cheque for £2,600, following the success of this year’s uplifting “Last Night of the Proms”-style concert, held in July at the historic Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) in Dover.
The presentation took place in Connaught Hall at the Maison Dieu, marking another milestone in the concert’s long tradition of supporting local causes.
The funds were raised as part of a special collaboration with the Maison Dieu through the National Lottery-funded Reawakening the Maison Dieu project. The concert brought together talented singers, musicians, and a supportive audience for an evening of rousing music and community spirit – all in aid of helping local people who are living with a life-limiting illness.
Michael Lewis, Joint Musical Director of the Dover Festival Prom, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the committee:
“We’re so thankful to everyone who came along and supported the concert. It’s always inspiring to see the community come together for such a worthy cause. We owe a huge thanks to our incredible musicians, singers, and everyone who helped make the evening such a success.”
Accepting the cheque on behalf of Pilgrims Hospices, Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said:
“We are overwhelmed by this most generous donation and would like to thank the Dover Prom group, and all their incredible followers, for their continued support of our charity. This gift will help us continue providing vital care to patients and families across east Kent. We really couldn’t provide our services without the kindness and generosity of our community – thank you all so very much.”
Founded in 1988 by Michael Foad, the Dover Festival Prom Concert has raised thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes over the years.
Each annual concert celebrates community, music, and generosity.
Next year’s event, themed “Water and the Sea”, will take place on Friday 3 July 2026.
Pilgrims Hospices is east Kent’s largest hospice charity, caring for thousands of people each year through its sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, and within the community in people’s own homes. The charity relies heavily on the generous support of local people and groups like the Dover Festival Prom Committee.
5th October 2025
Hundreds get covered in colour for Pilgrims Hospices care
Wow! What a wonderful, happy and windy atmosphere seeing everyone again at this year’s Pilgrims Hospices Thanet 5k Colour Run, which took centre stage at Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday 5 October 2025.
With over 400 Pilgrims Hospices supporters participating and raising an impressive £235k plus in the nine years the event has taken place for hospice end-of-life care in east Kent, it’s clear that the event made a significant impact.
Karen Kenward, Fundraising Manager, and the entire team deserve commendation for their hard work and dedication in organising such a successful event.
It’s heart-warming to see the community coming together on a most spectacular day in Cliftonville. It was exciting to see so many familiar faces; families and friends coming together to enjoy a colourful fun day while also supporting our local charity.
3 Colour Run 2025 4
2 Colour Run 2025 3
Colour Run 2025 2
Colour Run 2025 5
Bex leading the warm-up
The fact that the weather was rather windy this year only added to the joy and vibrancy of the occasion.
A brilliant way to kick off the Colour Run event was with fitness expert Bex, who did a fun warm-up for all. The dynamic and energetic warm-up session was full of fun dance moves, and prepared everyone for the colourful and exciting spectacle ahead. With cool dance music playing, participants were encouraged to move, stretch, and get their hearts pumping, creating a lively atmosphere prior to a colour blast.
Karen said:
“The money raised today will undoubtedly go a long way in providing crucial support and care for those in need in the community. The Thanet 5k Colour Run is not only a fantastic way to raise money, but also a beautiful example of how communities can unite for a great cause and raise awareness for our charity. A huge well done to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
Karen added:
“I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our sponsors –Stagecoach, Copyshop and Mini Stores in Deal. Also, thank you for the support of Margate Ambulance, Academy Radio, Isle of Thanet, Frank Leppard for his incredible photos, Pete our DJ, and lastly to Fundraising Assistant, Annie Pritchard, Pilgrims staff and volunteers who help support me in making this event so special each year, come wind, rain or shine!I think I can truly say we’ve all had a real colour blast of a day today and we couldn’t run the event without everyone’s wonderful support. Thank you all once again!”
Annie Pritchard, Fundraising Assistant, with husband and volunteer, Reg
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.
