In 2023, Pilgrims Hospices celebrates 10 years of Sunflower Memories, its annual summer remembrance campaign. People across east Kent will come together at the hospices in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet on Saturday 22 July to remember loved ones with special sunflower memory markers.
David remembers his wife, Sue, who worked for Pilgrims before receiving our care.
My wife Sue was the most amazing, caring and loving lady that I had the privilege to have been allowed to marry, love and share life with for the last 46 amazing years. Sue was very loved by all those who knew her. Not just friends but also she had a deep love for all our nieces and nephews who loved her back.
Sue was a legal secretary for some 27 years, working at many local firms before deciding that the care and nursing profession was her destiny. After working for the East Kent Hospitals Trust, she worked in end-of-life care in our community, before joining the Pilgrims Hospices team at Ashford. They were the best years in her life, during which she made many good friends among her patients.
Sue on the front cover of Pilgrims Matters 2013
Antiques was Sue’s passion, we could sit fifty people down for tea and each person would have a different cup and saucer! She was a very talented lady who could turn her hand to many things from dressmaking, to tending her beloved garden, water colour painting and making many wedding cakes. Sue was a prominent member of our community, involved in everything from fundraising activities, helping lead her local WI group, to helping administer COVID jabs during the pandemic.
Despite her illness, Sue always remained positive and upbeat and never complained, even though I knew she was in pain. I was so lucky to be home and right at her side at the end of her fight. She was my strength, my endurance, my friend and my love.
Sunflower Memories gives me time to reflect and remember Sue at a place she loved so very much while supporting the incredible work carried out at Pilgrims Hospices. Pilgrims meant so much to Sue and that is why I continue to support whenever I can.
Sunflower Days will take place on Saturday 22 July 2023, 10am-2pm, at our Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet hospices, where we welcome you to share your memories with us and each other, and celebrate in the sunshine.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
27th March 2023
Bouncing into spring with Pilgrims Lottery
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery raises vital funds for hospice services each year. It offers a fun and simple way to help Pilgrims support local people who are living with an incurable illness.
Shiralee Riddell, Lottery Manager, shares news and updates from the Lottery team and explains how our Lottery members make a difference.
Spring has definitely sprung, and I’m sure we are all looking forward to the longer, lighter days ahead and enjoying the sights and sounds that spring brings.
It has been another busy year for the Pilgrims Hospices Lottery team and we are on target to raise an incredible £1.2m thanks to your amazing and unwavering generosity and support. Thank you!
We’ve sent out winners cheques to over 5,500 lucky people in our local community this last year, and amongst the many winners we’ve seen a £15k rollover winner!
Our 40th celebratory draw raised nearly £57,000 and we’ve sold 969scratch cards. You’ve surprised 131wedding guests with Pilgrims Hospices Lottery wedding favours and gift vouchers, and 147 lucky loved ones received our Christmas gift vouchers. 1,347 of you have taken out additional entries or joined since April 2022. This is amazing, and all the more impressive in these increasingly difficult times; thank you.
It’s a real privilege for us to know that we are a part of your lives, celebrations and festivities. Your support makes such a difference to the lives of many people in the local community; your friends, neighbours, relatives and loved ones could all benefit from the vital services our wonderful care teams are able to provide because of your kindness.
Did you know that…
A year’s Lottery membership could pay for a one-to-one bereavement counselling session
The purchase of a book of 40th celebratory draw tickets helped pay for an in-patient’s meals for a day
Christmas gift vouchers bought for loved ones helped provide over 200 pamper sessions for our patients
How do we raise such a fabulous amount of money – over £1 million every year?! We think one reason could be that whilst many charity lotteries have increased their entry cost, we’ve retained many of our loyal supporters (some joined in 1996, the year Pilgrims Hospices Lottery began) by choosing to keep our weekly entry cost to just £1. You’re then able to choose how much you would like to give. You can have more than one entry into our weekly draw, which is great news for you as you can increase your chances of winning, and even better news for us as we raise even more funds to help provide our compassionate care. A real win win!
If you aren’t already a member of our weekly Lottery draw, you can join using your preferred payment method; join online or call our friendly team on 01227 379 741. You’ll receive confirmation and your membership numbers in the post. As soon as your payment is received, you’re in the draw and will continue to be all the time funds are in your Lottery account.
There are 106 guaranteed weekly prizes plus a rollover, which has to be won at £20k. You’ve got to be in it to win it! From then on, just sit back and wait for your winning cheques to be mailed out you, no need to claim – but if you would like to check, the winning numbers are available on our website every week.
To buy our scratch cards, simply go into your local Pilgrims charity shop or Pilgrims Hospice and they are available to buy at the till. You could win £1,000!
For gift vouchers and wedding favours, simply call us on 01227 379 741 or click here, where you will also find full T&Cs and additional information.
Don’t forget, you can join or take out additional entries online, too.
Best wishes and thank you again for all of your support.
We couldn’t do it without you!
Shiralee
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery Manager
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
23rd March 2023
Green family go the distance for Pilgrims Hospices
When Rosy Green from Bridge near Canterbury was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2021, Pilgrims Hospices helped her family to make the most of their time together.
Initially cared for at the Ashford hospice, she then returned home before passing away aged 68 at the Canterbury hospice on 27 January 2022, with her family by her side.
Rosy Green
Rosy was a dedicated and long-standing volunteer within the local community, supporting several causes, including Pilgrims, over many decades.
On Sunday 1 May 2022, Rosy’s family and friends – Team Rosy – took on thePilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, riding 50 miles and raising more than £8,000 for local hospice care in her memory.
A much-loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend
Rosy was married to her husband, Michael, for 44 years, and together they had three children: Jamie, Hannah and Georgina. She was also a much-loved sister, aunt and grandmother. Amongst family and friends and within her local community, she was known for her warm hospitality, great food and organisational skills.
Hannah said: “Mum played such a large role in our lives and we are thankful for so many things. Her friends adored her, too. These are the parts of her life that she most valued and focused all her time and energy on.
“Her dedication to her family was immense; we were always loved and supported. From wonderful school projects, creative birthday parties, summer holiday beach time, numerous clubs and sports teams, she gave us the best start to life.
“Mum had the skill to recognise and reach out to those who needed it; her lifetime of voluntary work depicts the person she was. She cared dearly about the refugee cause and gathered clothing donations, but she truly believed that charity starts on your own doorstep. If we contribute to our local community where we can, we all thrive and build a strong, caring and established community. She will be sorely missed by all.”
“Mum received incredible care”
Rosy’s diagnosis was sudden, and she was initially given just 24-hours to live – but with the right medication, her condition stabilised and she was referred to the Ashford hospice, before returning home where she was cared for by family with Pilgrims’ support.
Georgina reflected: “Mum received incredible care during her stay at the hospice. The positive energy, enthusiasm, genuine kindness and compassion were huge factors in making her well enough to go home. Mum always (and until the end) had a great sense of humour and quick wit, and staff were happy to have a joke with her. She adored them all and was acutely gratefully for her care – she really understood the process and appreciated the kindness.
“Mum had a sweet tooth, so on occasion she would have two puddings instead of a savoury meal; what a nice thing to enjoy whilst you still have an appetite.”
With a combination of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and support from the wider hospice teams, as well as her own determination to get home, Rosy became fit enough to get around with a walking frame. When she returned home, Pilgrims arranged for a suitable bed and equipment to be installed. She was able to enjoy many visitors and home comforts.
Pilgrims were such good listeners when we explained our concerns about medication, Mum’s discomfort, her wishes… whatever it was, they worked with us to achieve what was best for her. Both staff and volunteers were sincere, thoughtful and caring every step of the way.
Georgina
Pilgrims continued to support Rosy and her family with home visits, and they could contact hospice teams 24/7 to access specialist advice whenever they needed it. When Rosy’s condition deteriorated, the family decided that re-admission would be best, and she was transferred to the Canterbury hospice.
Georgina added: “Pilgrims were such good listeners when we explained our concerns about medication, Mum’s discomfort, her wishes… whatever it was, they worked with us to achieve what was best for her. Both staff and volunteers were sincere, thoughtful and caring every step of the way.”
Team Rosy’s fantastic fundraising
On Sunday 1 May 2022, a group of Rosy’s family and friends completed the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, raising £8,181 for local hospice care.
Georgina said: “We didn’t do any special training apart from keeping on top of our general fitness. It was definitely a challenge on the day, but the countryside was beautiful and it was amazing to ride as part of a team. The t-shirts we had printed were great, too. We really felt that we were giving back and knew Mum would be proud of us, which gave us a such a strong focus whilst fundraising.
“Crossing the finish line and receiving our medals was a huge relief. Our legs were burning cycling up St. Stephen’s Hill – luckily, Dad had some battery left in his e-bike and took a lot of pleasure in finishing first within our team! I was just so happy we completed our ride without injury or mechanical malfunctions.
“Mum had always been a huge supporter of Pilgrims Hospices in her fundraising and volunteering. It’s an extremely important local charity to all of our family and friends; many of us have received their support and we believe everyone should be able to access this amazing care when the time comes.”
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
15th March 2023
Fantastic fundraiser Eleanor raises over £5,000 for Pilgrims Hospices
Eleanor Davies from Ashford hopes to inspire other children to fundraise for charity. Aged just 7-years-old, Eleanor recently raised an incredible £5,401.01 for local hospice care.
Eleanor raised funds over the festive period in 2022 and also took part in Santas on the Harbour! in December 2022 with her mum, Charlotte, who is a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner at Pilgrims Hospices.
Eleanor and Charlotte at Santas on the Harbour! 2022 in Folkestone
Young fundraiser Eleanor said: “I wanted to fundraise for Pilgrims because it’s kind and thoughtful to raise money for people who help others who are poorly. It means they can buy some new equipment for people to use. My mummy works at the Ashford hospice and she tries to help people feel a little bit better. I think everyone who works at Pilgrims is fantastic!”
Eleanor continued: “I was so proud that I wore my medal to school! I have just joined Brownies, and the fundraising goes towards my Charities badge, which is very exciting.”
“I want to say an enormous thank you to all my family and friends who donated and sponsored me and came to Folkestone on the day of the run, to cheer me on! It was really tiring, but so much fun and I would love to do a Pilgrims run again. I would also like to say thank you to Pilgrims for all the amazing work they do and for letting me run for them. I am very proud of my mummy for what she does.”
Charlotte added: “I’m so proud of Eleanor; I see first-hand how the money can help people. At 7-years-old, to have raised £5,401.01 is absolutely fantastic and for Eleanor to want to fundraise again is just amazing. She is already asking about her next challenge! Thank you to her sponsors for their generosity. We hope that her story inspires others to fundraise for charity.”
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
9th March 2023
UNFRAMED, Ashford’s first mural festival is coming to the town centre and a Pilgrims Hospices shop near you!
Pilgrims Hospices are proud to be one of 14 special locations taking part in Ashford’s first mural festival, UNFRAMED!
Ashford will be turned into a vibrant masterpiece as a number of national and local artists take to its streets to transform blank walls into a sea of colour and creativity. All of the murals are in close proximity of each other around the town centre and will be part of the UNFRAMED art trail for local residents and visitors to enjoy.
Curated by street art and mural experts Accent London and The London Mural Company, artists include Mr Doodle, Alex Chinneck, Charley Peters, Will Redgrove, Curtis Hylton, Andy Welland, and many more.
Pilgrims Hospices’ location will be at one of its charity retail stores and its well-loved Castle Street shop will be the canvas. Here, a spectacular and themed artwork will be revealed and has been curated by Will Redgrove in association with the hospice team.
The painting will be one of the last to be curated, just before the art trail formerly opens to the public.
The charity have worked closely with the artist, Will Redgrove, to ensure that the design has hospice meaning and resonates with trail viewers, whilst also showing nature in a vibrant and bold setting.
Pilgrims Hospices representative, Kate Duddell, said: “At its heart, Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to ensuring people living with an incurable illness can access the quality care and comfort they deserve. Our environment is so important and we wanted to work closely with Will to ensure that this masterpiece has meaning and the elements represent what the hospice is all about, yet in an abstract way.”
Nature is the focus of the Pilgrims mural and it’s nothing new that spending time in the great outdoors and within a natural setting does wonders for our physical health and mental wellbeing. With all these benefits, it’s little wonder why nature is the focus of the Pilgrims artwork. It is a meaningful representation of everlasting love, gratitude, respect, memory and care, which the natural symbols within the artwork represent; all of which are important in Pilgrims’ daily work in caring for the east Kent community at the end of life.
Kate added: “People think that hospices are sad places, but really they are places to help our patients live fully and well in the time that they have. Our welcoming facilities and gardens enable families, carers and patients to have a brighter and inspiring setting for their care. Hospices aren’t places to be fearful of – they’re places that remove fears within natural and safe surroundings.”
Visitors to the festival will be able to download a map, scan a QR code at each site, or pick up a physical map from Coachworks, Low Key Tap Room, Picturehouse or Made in Ashford and wander around the town centre immersing themselves in the street art and learning more about each piece.
The mural festival will run from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 16 April 2023, with arts workshops, street dance and film screenings available to all visitors.
Keep up with all the latest updates as they happen and watch the progress of the artwork being created by following @ashfordunframedon Instagram.
Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
5th March 2023
The fine art of looking after Pilgrims supporters
Pilgrims Hospices Supporter Relations team are the listening ears, guiding people through the immensely important journey of making a donation, whether through fundraising, in memory or legacy giving.
This team is surprisingly small, consisting of just three dedicated and knowledgeable individuals, whose skills help to make gifting to Pilgrims Hospices a warm and memorable experience.
Picking up the telephone to make a donation could be one of the most challenging things to do, especially as this can evoke memories of troubled and sad times. Speaking to a skilled and compassionate member of Pilgrims Supporter Relations team can be the beginning of a long and successful relationship as a donor, making a difference to people who need Pilgrims’ care now and into the future.
Hannah Sole, Supporter Relations Manager has a wealth of almost nine years of experience with the team. She joined with her administration skills, and now heads up the team who can handle hundreds of calls and enquiries from supporters each month.
When we volunteer at events, it’s lovely to meet face to face with some of the people we’ve spoken to on the phone, they are always heart-warming moments.
Hannah, Supporter Relations Manager
Hannah explained: “It’s a diverse role, and the team is trained to handle all aspects of the job, therefore any one of us can help with any enquiry.
“We process donations, event registrations, and compile the data for colleagues in order for them to run challenges and fundraisers throughout the year.
“Last year, the team processed almost 54,000 donations from our generous supporters. We deal with most departments across the charity, and on all three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, whether it’s financial or supporter and fundraising led. We mail more than 7,000 letters each year, conveying thanks for donating or registering to get involved.
The team are regularly found volunteering at events on the registration desks, marshalling supporters or presenting finishers medals, amongst many other things.
Hannah added: “When we volunteer at events, it’s lovely to meet face to face with some of the people we’ve spoken to on the phone, they are always heart-warming moments. And, this can really help us to understand more about the people who support us and how we can best help them with our roles within the team.”
Toby Frost is the newest member of the team with 18 months of Pilgrims experience, he said: “I never get a Monday morning feeling with this job.
“It really is no accident that people come to work for Pilgrims Hospices, my mother-in-law was cared for by the Ashford team, and I’d seen first hand how people have the very best care to support their quality of life until the very end.
“My wife Jane saw the job vacancy advertised, I had become disillusioned with working for a large company, I just wanted to have a role that would help to make things better in the world. Jane knew this would be a brilliant role for me, and I applied and was offered the job. It’s great not to have that sinking Sunday feeling anymore.”
Speaking with people about their donations and enquiries is so interesting, if not very emotional sometimes. However, I’m always rewarded with knowing I’m helping our supporters to do something very special and ensuring that Pilgrims can continue with important care in our community.
Toby, Supporter Relations team
When asked if he had a particular favourite part of the job, Toby said: “Speaking with people about their donations and enquiries is so interesting, if not very emotional sometimes. However, I’m always rewarded with knowing I’m helping our supporters to do something very special and ensuring that Pilgrims can continue with important care in our community.
“With training, I’ve learned new skills and adapted existing ones to meet the compassionate environment that I work in. I’m very proud to be part of the team.
“Everything here at Pilgrims is so inclusive, we work closely with our clinical and non-clinical colleagues to provide the very best care for the patients and their families.
“I particularly love lunchtimes at the hospice, I get a chance to meet volunteers and colleagues from across the charity in our staff cafe.
“The catering team provide the most amazing menus, to meet the individual needs of patients and also the best lunchtime meals for staff and visitors; there’s always something lovely to try!”
Pilgrims’ Supporter Relations team
Trisha Smith has been a valued member of the team for over three years.
She told us: “I’ve always been an active fundraiser, ever since I can remember, supporting charities by taking on challenges and raising funds for important causes.
“I also have personal experience with Pilgrims Hospices; my dad died at the Canterbury hospice in 2009. The care we received was very special, I was also looked after by the bereavement team after Dad’s death. Thereafter, I became a regular Pilgrims’ volunteer, helping at, or taking part in fundraising events, and helping with donation bucket collections. I have a background in administration and education and knew that I’d like to be part of the Pilgrims Hospices workforce. I regularly checked the Pilgrims website for vacancies and applied when I saw the Supporter Relations role appear.
“I really enjoy all aspects of my job, helping people with queries regarding donations, listening to their stories, and generally being able to allow them to speak freely about their Pilgrims experiences.”
The team are sometimes one of the first calls that a grieving family member has made after the death of someone close to them; people find comfort in speaking to someone who knows about the hospices and the care and support offered here.
What could appear to be a quite a simple day-to-day role within the charity, is actually a very important cog in the Pilgrims’ wheel. We hope this small insight into our friendly trio will help you to feel comfortable and able to pick up the phone if you need to, and speak with your supporter relations team.
To find out more about the different ways you can donate to Pilgrims Hospices, visit pilgrimshospices.org/donate.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
