Chris’s story: Going the extra mile for Pilgrims in memory of his mum
When Chris Wootley takes on the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge onSaturday 10 October, every step will have a very personal meaning.
Chris is taking on the tough challenge in memory of his mum, Sandra, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices in 2018 after a 10-year battle with cancer.
Chris supports Pilgrims in memory of his mum, Sandra
“Sandra always put others first, even in the toughest of times. She was caring, thoughtful and considerate of others,” says Chris.
When Sandra’s health deteriorated, she was cared for at Pilgrims’ Ashford hospice. Chris remembers the kindness and compassion shown by the whole team.
“The care and consideration for my mum’s welfare and comfort was second to none. No question or request was too much, and the entire team, from the reception desk to the nursing team and doctors, were fantastic.”
As Sandra’s life drew to a close, she expressed a wish to return home to spend her final days surrounded by the people and place she loved. Once again, the Pilgrims team rallied around to make it possible, continuing to support Sandra and her family with daily care at home.
For Chris, it is a level of support he will never forget.
That is why he continues to put himself through some seriously challenging adventures to raise money for Pilgrims.
An experienced obstacle course racer and ultra-marathon participant, Chris took part in this year’s Pilgrims Way Challenge and loved every minute, despite the inevitable hills and miles!
“The vibe is relaxed and supportive, the organisation was excellent and I’ll be back out on the course for 2027.”
Now he is going one step further with the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge.
Training has not been entirely straightforward. Chris is currently living with a knee injury and is awaiting an operation, which he has chosen to postpone until after the challenge.
“My priority is raising funds for Pilgrims. My knee can be fixed later,” he says with characteristic determination.
Alongside his personal fundraising, Chris is also a long-standing supporter through his Ashford-based business, The Monster Merchants. The company specialises in second-hand wargaming miniatures, retro board games, role-play books, action figures, toys and video games.
Every week, items that are unsuitable for sale are set aside for Pilgrims. Chris’s dad, Roger, collects, sorts and delivers the donations to Pilgrims’ Ashford site. Over the years, the family estimates they have donated thousands of items, from toys and board games to collectables, retro clothing and computer games.
“It’s about turning old and unwanted items into funds that can support Pilgrims,” says Chris.
With £260 already raised for the Kent Downs Challenge, Chris is hoping his fundraising will continue to grow.
“I will continue to support Pilgrims Hospices to give back to our local east Kent community by raising vital funds for compassionate end-of-life care. Every contribution helps provide comfort, peace and essential support for patients and their families when they need it most.”
Chris taking part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge
For Chris, the 50km challenge is about much more than the finish line. It is his way of remembering Sandra, and giving something back to the hospice team who cared for her when his family needed them 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.
29th September 2026
Can you make £1 worth £1.25? – Gift Aid Awareness Day 2026
If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid allows Pilgrims Hospices to claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 you donate, at no additional cost to you.
That means a £10 donation can become £12.50, while a £100 donation can become £125, helping us make every donation count.
Gift Aid can also apply when you donate pre-loved items to our charity shops. If you’re eligible and make a Gift Aid declaration, the money raised when your donated items are sold can be worth 25% more to Pilgrims.
Whether you’re supporting Pilgrims through a financial donation or by donating items to our shops, Gift Aid is a simple way to help your support go further.
The extra income helps Pilgrims Hospices provide compassionate care and support, free of charge, for people with a life-limiting illness and those important to them across east Kent.
How to #TickTheBox
It’s a simple process and only needs to be completed once.
Our friendly staff and volunteers can also help you complete the form in our shops.
If you would like to get in touch with a member of the Pilgrims team about Gift Aid, please email [email protected].
If you’re eligible, please remember to Gift Aid your donations and help us make every donation count.
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.
25th September 2026
30 years, 30 prizes and a mystery winner: Pilgrims Hospices Lottery brings Comfort and Joy this Christmas
Somewhere, possibly in east Kent, a Pilgrims Hospices Lottery winner is walking around completely unaware that there’s a prize waiting for them! Where are you, Mr Smith (previously of the Herne Bay area)?
While the mystery of the missing first prize winner from one of our weekly draws continues… there’s plenty more excitement ahead, as the Pilgrims Hospices Lottery celebrates its 30th anniversary with this year’s festive Comfort and Joy Superdraw.
And there’s a lovely bit of Christmas maths to go with it – 30 years, 30 prizes and tickets costing just £1 each.
The 2026 Superdraw has a total prize fund of £4,300, with four main cash prizes and a further 26 festive prizes up for grabs.
Since the Pilgrims Hospices Lottery began in 1996, thousands of people across east Kent have taken part, helping to raise vital funds for hospice care while enjoying the chance to win a prize themselves.
“We have our players’ details safely on file for contacting winners, but on this occasion our winner has moved. We’re keeping the winnings safe and will be ready with a surprise when they get in touch with their new address details.
“It’s such a shame to have a winner who doesn’t yet know they’ve won, so we’re keeping everything crossed that they’ll be in touch really soon!
“It’s also a wonderful year for the Lottery as we celebrate 30 years. We’re incredibly proud of everything our supporters have helped us achieve over the past three decades. Every ticket bought, whether it wins a prize or not, helps us continue providing care to local people when they need it most.”
Could you be our mystery winner?
The Lottery team is hoping the unclaimed winner will come forward soon, and anyone who has recently moved house might want to make sure their Lottery details are up to date.
Annie Pritchard
30 years of supporting Pilgrims
Among the thousands of people who have supported the Pilgrims Hospices Lottery over the past 30 years is Thanet-based supporter, Annie Pritchard, who has been playing since the Lottery began in 1996.
Annie’s support for Pilgrims goes far beyond her regular Lottery entry. Over the years, she has been part of the Pilgrims family and continues to be a familiar and much-loved face at fundraising events and activities. She also volunteers in the Pilgrims’ shops, helping to raise even more vital funds for local hospice care.
Reflecting on three decades of supporting Pilgrims, Annie said:
“I can hardly believe it’s been 30 years! I started playing the Pilgrims Lottery all those years ago and, along the way, I’ve had the privilege of becoming involved in so many other parts of Pilgrims, too.
“I’ve always thought that if you’re going to spend £1, you might as well have a little bit of fun with it, and knowing that every ticket helps Pilgrims makes it even more worthwhile. I’ve never quite managed to win the big prize, but I think I’ve definitely won when it comes to the wonderful people I’ve met along the way!
“Pilgrims has been a very special part of my life for many years, and I’m incredibly proud to still be able to support the hospice through volunteering, fundraising and, of course, my Lottery membership. Here’s to the next 30 years!”
Pilgrims Hospices would like to say a very special thank you to Annie for being such an amazing and loyal supporter over the past three decades.
The Lottery currently has more than21,000 entries every week and raises more than £1.2 million each year to support Pilgrims Hospices.
And there’s an important reason behind all those numbers. Every £1 ticket helps Pilgrims provide compassionate, specialist care to local people living with life-limiting illness, and support for their families, in its three hospices and across the community.
In 2025, the Christmas Superdraw raised more than £75,000 for hospice care.
Taking part is easy
Tickets for the Comfort and Joy Superdraw cost just £1 each.
Via phone; call our friendly Lottery team 01227 379 741
Whether you’re hoping for a festive cash boost, looking for a little extra Christmas excitement, or simply want to support hospice care in your local community, one £1 ticket could make a difference.
Thirty years of Lottery. Thirty chances to win and thousands of reasons to say thank you.
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.
24th September 2026
Yuet Mui’s story: “Little acts of kindness make Pilgrims such a special place”
Yuet Mui Chiu from Ashford was devoted to her family; her daughters Pui Ying and Pui Man, her son, William, and her three grandchildren.
She was also a carer for William, who is partially blind.
Yuet Mui’s family with staff at the Ashford hospice
When Yuet Mui became unwell and was referred to Pilgrims Hospices for end-of-life care, the hospice supported her whole family to make the most of the time they had left together.
Here, they share what made that time so special.
“Mum was referred to the Ashford hospice for symptom management; she enjoyed her time there, and was adored by the staff.
“Mum’s English was limited, so being allowed to stay with her overnight for the duration was really helpful. They gave us blankets and a chair to sleep in, and they made sure we were fed.
“Mum went through a phase where she would have a Mini Milk ice cream every day at home, so when the kitchen staff asked her what she would like for pudding, she wanted chocolate ice cream. It wasn’t on the menu, but they went out of their way to get some for her, and even treated her to chocolate bars. It was little acts of kindness like these that meant so much and made such a difference to Mum and all of us. It’s what makes Pilgrims such a special place.
“The staff constantly looked for ways to create comfort, dignity and moments of happiness, however small they might have seemed. Those thoughtful gestures created precious memories that we will always cherish, and they demonstrated the genuine care and humanity shown by everyone at Pilgrims. Mum was comfortable and pain free. She was so happy being at the hospice; when she was told she was being discharged, she was a bit sad.
“When Mum passed away, the staff talked to her as if she was still here with us. One lady gave Mum a bunch of flowers and a kiss. They didn’t rush us to leave, and they gave us a lot of privacy.”
Yuet Mui’s family and friends at Pilgrims Hospices Cycle ChallengePui Ying and her daughter, Bonnie, at Sunflower Memories 2026
Yuet Mui’s family and friends choose to support Pilgrims through fundraising, to help make sure that others can benefit from the same compassionate care they received.
They’ve taken part in Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, riding 100 miles through the east Kent countryside, and completed the London Big Half 2026 – raising thousands of pounds for local hospice care along the way. They’re also planning a bake off-style event to raise more vital funds for Pilgrims, and they remember Yuet Mui at Pilgrims’ Sunflower Memories event:
“We want to support Pilgrims because they did so much for Mum, and have continued to support our family through their Stepping Stones programme. They’ve gone above and beyond; no matter how much we fundraise or donate, it’s never going to be enough to repay them.
“We want to ensure that Pilgrims can continue providing outstanding care, compassion, and dignity to everyone who needs them. By helping to secure its future, we can protect this essential service and make sure it remains available for current and future generations – offering comfort, expert care, emotional support, and a sense of hope when it’s 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.
26th August 2026
Pilgrims Hospices blooms to victory with Best Float at Hythe Venetian Fête
A glowing sunflower, buzzing bees and a whole lot of community spirit helped Pilgrims Hospices celebrate a memorable evening at this year’s Hythe Venetian Fête, where the charity was crowned Best Float 2026.
What started as a simple sketch on paper has become one of the most talked-about entries in Hythe’s historic floating procession, delighting thousands of spectators lining the Royal Military Canal.
The award-winning float was the brainchild of Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager for Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford, who first dreamed up the idea after attending the fête two years ago.
“After seeing the incredible floats and the wonderful atmosphere, I remember thinking how amazing it would be if Pilgrims Hospices could be part of it one day,” said Lou. “To go from that first little sketch to winning Best Float is just incredible.”
Inspired by Pilgrims Hospices’ beautiful hospice gardens, Lou created a vibrant sunflower-themed float celebrating everything the charity stands for: compassion, hope, and helping families make the most of every moment.
The sunflowers also carried a particularly special meaning for Pilgrims Hospices. As a familiar symbol of remembrance, they reflect the charity’s annual In Memory events, where families and friends come together to remember loved ones and celebrate the lives they shared. The illuminated sunflowers on the float offered a colourful reminder that while someone may no longer be with us, their memory continues to shine brightly.
Alongside the sunflowers, cheerful bees and colourful garden scenes reflected the peaceful spaces so many patients and loved ones know across Pilgrims’ hospices.
The float came to life thanks to the generosity, creativity and hard work of volunteers, staff and supporters from across the Ashford community. Volunteer John joined Lou on the canal early on the day to help build the float, ready for the evening procession.
Even the weather couldn’t dampen spirits.
After torrential rain threatened proceedings, the clouds cleared just in time for the parade, with sunshine returning as beautifully decorated floats glided along the canal to huge applause from packed banks.
“It was such a special evening,” Lou added. “Seeing families, supporters, volunteers and local residents cheering us on reminded us exactly why community events like this matter. Pilgrims Hospices belongs to the people of east Kent, and this felt like a celebration of everyone who supports us.”
Every year, Pilgrims Hospices must raise millions of pounds to provide compassionate end-of-life care and support for thousands of patients and families across east Kent. Community fundraising events, volunteers, and local supporters help ensure that care remains free for everyone who needs it.
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Rachael Fagg, Community Fundraising Officer at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“This wasn’t just about winning an award, it was about raising awareness of the care Pilgrims Hospices provides every day. The response from the crowd was amazing, and we hope our sunflower float reminded people that their support helps local families receive comfort, dignity and expert care when they need it most.”
Pilgrims Hospices would like to thank everyone who helped bring the float to life, the Hythe Venetian Fête committee and volunteers for organising another spectacular community event, and everyone who cheered on the sunflower float along the canal.
Because when east Kent comes together, wonderful things happen.
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.
7th August 2026
Will you support Pilgrims?
Isabel Smith, Senior Trusts Fundraiser, with Ryan Crown and Adrian Button from the Hospital Saturday Fund
Supporting a charity through your business is a sustainable way to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices whilst increasing brand visibility at the same time.
A commercial partnership simply means raising money for a charity through product sales or service delivery, and is an easy way to embed fundraising into your daily activity. Whether you are a big corporate or a small family-run business, this is a partnership that can work for you.
Our Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, Leila Ilkhan, will guide you every step of the way, ensuring the partnership is tailored to suit your business needs and putting in place the necessary agreements. All you have to do is share how your business is making a difference in the community by doing what you do best.
Could Pilgrims Hospices be your 2027 Charity of the Year?
£30,000 for 300 years
Earlier this year, we were delighted to celebrate an extraordinary year of fundraising support from Furley Page Solicitors. The law firm marked a very special anniversary and chose Pilgrims as their 2026 Charity of the Year. From climbing the Three Peaks to hosting in-house events, the team raised a staggering amount of money. Through this support, a number of projects have been made possible, including equipment for Pilgrims’ community nurses, complementary therapy teams, and furniture to make our family lounge in the Canterbury hospice feel extra homely.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, with Aaron Spencer, Partner and Head of Private Client and Chair of the Furley Page Foundation
See more ways that your business can support Pilgrims:
Sarah and Danny from Injection Development Garage Services in Hersden have been committed supporters of the hospice for many years. Each year, the team sit down with our partnerships team to decide on the year’s fundraising activities.
Driving forward hospice care
This year, Sarah and Danny decided to make a donation for every engine service completed during the summer months. This is a great way for clients to feel part of supporting a charity, boost business revenue, and requires little time to run.
The team at SGS Energy based in Thanet has recently come on board as a Pilgrims Partner by pledging to make a donation for every domestic solar installation carried out.
What we’ve funded recently
Our Trusts fundraising team work closely with departments across the charity, creating a wish list of projects and items needed to deliver our services. Many of the pieces of equipment used in our hospices are funded through donations, and we would like to say thank you to the Trusts and Foundations that have supported our work.
Earlier this year, the Hospital Saturday Fund donated £2,000 to fund a bladder scanner. This piece of equipment means our nurses can preserve patient dignity and manage their pain non-invasively.
A donation of £30,000 from the Albert Hunt Trust also helped our team to buy 25 syringe drivers, which are used on our inpatient units, providing continuous medication to help manage symptoms and provide comfort to patients.
The Cantiacorum Foundation funded our Tiles of Joy project, which welcomed patients, carers and people who attend our bereavement groups to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting on what brings them happiness. This project helped participants to relax and be part of a wider meaningful experience.
Find out more about the support we receive from Trusts and Foundations:
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to talk to our fundraising team about how you can get involved with supporting the hospice, email [email protected].
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.
