Susan Murray and family fundraise in memory of her siblings who were supported and cared for by Pilgrims Hospices
As the youngest of five siblings, Susan Murray always had someone looking out for her growing up. Whether Angela, her protective eldest sister, or Celia, the gregarious middle child, she was raised in a very close household that shaped the person she became.
Susan told us: “Our world was torn apart when ill health knocked at our door, initially with my brother and then my two darling sisters.”
Susan’s family received support from Pilgrims Hospices, first in the form of outreach services in Margate, which provided her sister Angela with “creative opportunities as well as the chance to meet other people in similar circumstances”. In March 2023, Susan’s sister Celia spent her final weeks in the care of Pilgrims Hospices, she said that “the support and care she received was superb and quite an eye opener for us.”
Susan with her family
To say thank you, Susan’s family dedicated a leaf on our Pilgrims Hospices Memory Tree – not only to honour and celebrate their loved ones, but also to support other families in need of our care, now and in the future.
As well as this, Susan and her family undertook the Pilgrims Way Challenge in 2023 and 2024, raising over an incredible £4,000:
“We decided to do the challenge for two main reasons; firstly, to give something back to the hospice for the amazing work that takes place there, and secondly, as an opportunity for our extended family to come together to remember and reflect on those we have lost, and to be thankful for those we still have around us.”
They have also organised local quiz nights, raffles, and tombolas to raise even more money for Pilgrims Hospices. Their efforts have truly demonstrated that there are countless ways to fundraise, whether through events like the Pilgrims Way Challenge, or in memory tributes such as dedicating a leaf on our Memory Tree. Every effort helps to provide vital care and support for patients and their families in need of our care.
“Thank you, the work the staff do is hard and it is done with respect, giving dignity to the patients and their families.” says Susan. “We are also extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us through these tough times and sponsored us, we have been overwhelmed by their generosity. Our family will be eternally grateful.”
If you’d like to dedicate a leaf on one of our Memory Trees in memory of a loved one, visit pilgrimshospices.org/memorytree.
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.
Richard’s super skydive raises £1,400 for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of loved ones
In July 2024, to celebrate his 60th birthday, Richard Graham from Broadstairs braved a skydive for Pilgrims Hospices.
He raised an incredible £1,400 for hospice care in east Kent in memory of family members who received the charity’s compassionate care.
Nicola on her wedding day with her mum, Jacqueline
Richard and his wife, Nicola Jenkins-Graham, experienced Pilgrims’ services first-hand after Nicola’s mum, Jacqueline Jenkins, was diagnosed with cancer. Jacqueline spent time in the Ashford hospice in 2023. Nicola’s auntie, Ann Shersby, was also cared for by Pilgrims in 2024.
Nicola said: “I’m so grateful to Pilgrims for looking after my dear mum and my auntie.
“When my mum was referred to Pilgrims, I was very scared. I remember the day the wonderful Pilgrims nurse walked through our door; how lucky we were to get someone to come and see us at home, I thought! She was so kind and understanding; although she broached subjects that were a little difficult to discuss, she held our hands throughout the whole journey.
“It was then I realised that Pilgrims were not just there to care for my mum, they were there for us as a family, too. Support and visits continued, and there was always a friendly and helpful person on the end of the phone if we had concerns, or to give us reassurance we were doing the right thing.
“On 21 August 2023, Mum wasn’t doing so well. With support from Pilgrims, we decided to move her into the hospice, where a bed was available. I arrived in such a state; Mum was comfortable and safe, but the worry had got to me. As we entered the hospice, a sense of calm came over me. Mum was taken to her room by the wonderful nurses, and the amazing volunteers ushered me to a chair and brought me a big mug of tea, a supply of biscuits and a box of tissues. Their support and kindness was so appreciated, as I was tired and in shock knowing that I’d left my dear Mum’s house with her for the last time.
“Mum’s room was decorated with care to make it a home away from home. She was wrapped up and comfy and looked so relaxed. There was a balcony and views over the beautiful garden. At the end of the corridor was a serene room for relatives with tea and coffee, comfy sofas, a TV and puzzles – so, when Mum was sleeping, I was able to rest and relax in peace and quiet. The volunteers regularly checked on me to make sure I had something to eat and offered me more tea. On one occasion, the lovely Cat Darkins, Lead Spiritual Chaplain, sat with me and brought me much comfort at a difficult time.
Nicola with her auntie, Ann
“Mum was in the hospice for 10 days; she was a fighter. I cannot thank the wonderful nurses, doctors and volunteers enough for making my mum’s last days peaceful. They treated her with so much dignity and respect, and I am eternally grateful.
“I was also supported by a bereavement counsellor who helped me on my grief journey and showed me the skills I’d need to continue my life in remembrance of my dear mum.
“I would tell anyone who may need Pilgrims services: Don’t be scared to reach out; they will be there to support you through dark times, and you will feel like you have warm angel wings comforting you.
“This is why Richard and I are doing what we can to support the hospice. He celebrated his 60th birthday in 2024 and decided to jump out of the plane for Pilgrims! I was so proud of him for being so brave and raising £1,400 for such a meaningful cause. Since then, we’ve raised even more and will continue to support Pilgrims in any way we can.”
Richard with Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
Richard added:
“Pilgrims Hospices provided exceptional care and comfort during my mother-in-law’s illness, so I signed up for a skydive and set up a JustGiving Page to raise money for them. I was overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of everyone who donated.
“When the day arrived, the weather was glorious. My wife, mum and dad, daughter, her partner, and my two lovely grandsons came to Headcorn to support me. My friend, David, also booked to jump with me as moral support. I wasn’t sure what to expect; leading up to it, I was completely relaxed. I thought maybe the nerves would kick in, but I felt calm, probably more calm than my family. It was amazing looking down out of the plane before we jumped, and the feeling is incredible as you free fall, then calmness when the parachute opens, and you slowly float back down to the ground.
“Overall, it was an exhilarating experience that I will never forget. It was made even more meaningful with my family being there and being able to raise so much money for the wonderful Pilgrims Hospices. I am so grateful for everyone’s support and generosity.”
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If you’d like to support Pilgrims by taking on a challenge for local hospice care, visit pilgrimshospices.org/events to find out how you can get involved.
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.
12th February 2025
Gillian and Elizabeth pedal for Pilgrims in memory of dad Dennis
Sisters Gillian Coleman from Chartham and Elizabeth Brewer from Ightham completed the 30-mile Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge in 2024, raising an incredible £1,520 for east Kent’s largest hospice charity. They fundraised in memory of their dad, Dennis White, who received Pilgrims’ care in 2022, aged 89.
They plan to enter the Cycle Challenge again this year, taking place on Sunday 4 May 2025, hoping to raise even more for vital hospice care.
Now in its 15th year, the event will feature a new 15-mile route, a special anniversary medal and a beautiful new rest stop. An exclusive anniversary cycle jersey will also be available to purchase.
When Dennis was diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, he was referred to Pilgrims Hospices and offered a bed at the Canterbury hospice. His wife, Ann, and wider family were able to visit.
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Ann and Dennis
Gillian and Elizabeth said: “The hospice staff were so compassionate, keeping Dad’s dignity at the heart of his care through his final days. They also kept us informed at each stage, offering us advice, kindness and thoughtfulness throughout, which is something we will always remember.”
Dennis
The Cycle Challenge 2024 was incredibly meaningful for the sisters; not only were they able to raise money and awareness for Pilgrims in memory of their dad, but it marked a significant moment for Gillian, who had recently finished her cancer treatment in March 2024.
Reflecting on the event, they said: “The organisation and the fantastic feeling we had riding for Pilgrims was remarkable. It was great that a variety of distances were offered – there was something for everyone – and the amount we raised was unbelievable; thank you to all who donated!
“This year, we’re looking into asking others to join us for the challenge and taking part as a group, so we can raise even more for Pilgrims. We feel that if others are able to experience the service that was provided to us, more charitable funds will be raised for Pilgrims’ vital care. That’s why we want to fundraise, so that other families can continue to benefit in the future.”
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.
4th February 2025
Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge celebrates its 15th anniversary on 4 May 2025
Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce the anticipated return of its iconic Cycle Challenge, celebrating an astounding 15 years on Sunday 4 May 2025.
Since the event’s creation in 2010, this beloved event has raised an incredible £1.4 million to fund skilled and compassionate care to thousands of patients and their loved ones each year.
This year, the team is aiming to cross the line to another milestone: raising £1.5 million while welcoming 1,500 riders to the event, promising to make 2025 their most memorable year yet!
To celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary, a brand-new 15-mile route has been introduced to encourage even more participants to join in on the fun. For this route only, entry has been opened to those aged 12 years and over, creating an exciting opportunity for families to cycle together, as well as being perfect for beginners or those seeking a shorter ride.
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Event organiser Billy Williams said:
“We’re so excited to be celebrating 15 years of the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received across the years. To make this year extra special, we’ve not only introduced the new 15-mile route, but also an exclusive cycle jersey, a commemorative 15th anniversary medal and a beautiful new rest stop for participants to enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome supporters to this year’s event and make it our best year yet!”
Starting and finishing at the University of Kent in Canterbury, the Cycle Challenge offers a range of distances from 30, 50, 75, 100 and 125 miles for participants aged 14 and over, in addition to the new 15-mile route.
Each distance offers an opportunity to experience Kent’s stunning countryside, whilst allowing supporters to push personal limits, ride alongside a supportive community and pedal for a fantastic cause.
Pilgrims Hospices provides vital care to people with life-limiting illnesses across east Kent, with services costing £17.2 million annually to run. Much of this funding comes from the generous support of the local community, making events like the Cycle Challenge essential in continuing this crucial work.
Registration for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge is now open.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this record-breaking year, all whilst helping Pilgrims Hospices continue to deliver compassionate care to those who need it most.
Sign up today and help make this year’s event the biggest and best yet!
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.
16th January 2025
Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Tree Recycling campaign raises record-breaking £78,465 for end-of-life care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce the success of its recent Christmas Tree Recycling campaign, which took place over the weekend of January 10-12, 2025.
The environmentally-friendly initiative saw more than 4,200 real Christmas trees collected from residents across Canterbury, Ashford, and Thanet, as well as from those who dropped off their trees at Faversham’s Macknade Food Hall.
This year’s campaign was a record-breaker, raising an incredible £78,465 to support the charity’s vital end-of-life care services.
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The annual campaign has become a cherished tradition within the local community, combining environmental responsibility with charitable giving. Residents registered their real Christmas trees for collection in exchange for a donation, and a dedicated team of Pilgrims’ staff and volunteers ensured the trees were collected and recycled responsibly. The chippings from the recycled trees are used for composting and soil improvement, contributing to local agricultural efforts and within the hospices’ own grounds.
Kate Duddell, Head of Fundraising at Pilgrims Hospices, expressed her gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from the east Kent community. Collecting over 4,200 trees and raising £78,465 is a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers. These funds are crucial in helping us provide compassionate end-of-life care to those who need it most.”
The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of local councils, businesses, tree chippers, and an army of volunteers who donated their time, vehicles, and expertise to ensure the thousands of Christmas trees were chipped and recycled.
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“Our thanks also go to our campaign partners; Kent County Council and all the staff at the Ashford Recycling Centre. A very special thanks goes to Ashford Borough Council for their years of dedicated support, along with Canterbury City Council and Thanet District Council. We are also grateful to the many businesses and organisations that supported the event by donating vans, crews, and time to help us with this initiative.”
They include:
Kent County Council
Ashford Borough Council
Canterbury City Council
Thanet District Council
Macknade
Pneuma Church
A Bird Tree Surgery
AW Construction
Bourne to Garden
Bruks Tree Surgery
Countrystyle
CS Heating and Plumbing
Earle’s Landscapes
Endeavourcom
D Parr Tree Surgeons
Dave Lowe
David Glew & Sons Garden Maintenance
Furley Page Solicitors
Givaudan
Goodwins Hot Tubs
Injection Development
Jenner
Kenhire
Langham Kitchens
Lenleys
LS Marketing
Let’s Clean For You
MW Cave Ltd
New Perspective Digital
NRS Healthcare
Old Dairy Taproom
Practical Van Hire
PSR Lighting
Royal Mail
Select Plant Hire
Shadoxhurst Village Hall
Speech4Kids
Streetspace
St Lawrence College, Ramsgate
TJC Renewables
Vegas Kitchens
Waitrose
Walker Construction
WW Martin
Pilgrims Hospices provide care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent each year, supporting patients with incurable illnesses to live well until the end of life. Fundraising initiatives like the Christmas Tree Recycling campaign are essential to sustaining these services, ensuring that care remains free of charge for those who need it.
Make a donation; all donations, big or small, make a huge difference
Volunteer your time; volunteers play a crucial role in helping keep the hospice caring
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.
16th December 2024
Santas on the Run! Pilgrims Hospices event brings festive cheer and raises vital funds
Herne Bay was transformed into a sea of red and white on Sunday 15 December 2024 as over 1,150 Santas jogged, strolled, and sprinted their way along the stunning seaside during Pilgrims Hospices’ Santas on the Run! festive fundraiser.
The event has already raised over £27,000, with donations and sponsorship still arriving. This impressive amount will ensure that Pilgrims Hospices can continue delivering vital end-of-life care across east Kent.
Participants of all ages and abilities embraced the holiday spirit, donning Santa suits to tackle 3k, 5k, or 10k routes starting at the iconic Clock Tower. The scenic course took runners along the promenade, past Herne Bay Pier, and along the coastal path before looping back to the Clock Tower for their well-earned medals.
A Day to remember
The day kicked off with a lively warm-up led by the energetic Active Life crew, setting the tone for a morning filled with laughter and joy. Adding to the festive atmosphere were the rhythmic beats of the San Pelo Mar drummers, who kept spirits high throughout the event. Even the weather played its part, remaining mild for the time of year, much to the delight of participants.
Jean Butcher, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, joined the festivities, congratulating participants and presenting medals to many of the jubilant Santas.
Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr. Jean Butcher
“Watching so many Santas come together to support Pilgrims Hospices is heart-warming,” said Rachel Edmed, Community Fundraising Manager. “The enthusiasm and generosity of our supporters ensure that we can continue providing compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families across east Kent. We’re so grateful to everyone who made this event a huge success!”
Thank you for spreading festive cheer
Pilgrims Hospices extends its heartfelt gratitude to the runners, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators who made Santas on the Run! such a memorable day. Events like this are only possible with your unwavering support, and together, we’re making a real difference for those facing life-limiting illnesses.
Whether you sprinted, strolled, or spectated, thank you for being part of this festive celebration. Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive — see you next year!
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.
