Hikers go the extra mile at the Pilgrims Way Challenge!
On Saturday 21 June, more than 700 supporters came together to take on the annual Pilgrims Way Challenge, in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
This beloved event welcomed both regular ramblers and first time participants, all coming together under the glorious sunshine in support of their local hospice.
Pilgrims Hospices are delighted to announce that thanks to the incredible efforts of everyone who took part, early estimations suggest the event has raised its biggest ever total at £170,000 – and climbing!
Walkers could choose from a 25km, 35km or 55km route, each offering its own challenge and a chance to enjoy east Kent’s beautiful countryside.
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The 55km stretched from Dover to Wye via Canterbury, and for those seeking a shorter journey, alternative routes included Dover to Canterbury at 35km, and Canterbury to Wye at 25km. With all three routes either passing through or ending at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, the hospice stayed at the centre of the day, and a clear reminder of the cause behind every step.
A team of Pilgrims’ very own hospice heroes took part in the challenge, as nurses and carers swapped their uniforms for walking boots to take on the 35km route from Dover to Canterbury.
It was a chance to raise vital funds and awareness for the compassionate care they provide every day, and to come together outside of work for a great team experience with a shared purpose.
Pilgrims nursing staff at the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2025
Head of Fundraising, Kate Duddell, said:
“Seven years ago, this started as a local hiking event and now it’s a beloved tradition that brings people together for a cause that touches so many.
“Thank you to everyone who’s joined us over the years and helped us to make it our biggest year so far!”
The true stars of the day were undoubtedly the volunteers, including crossing marshals, registration helpers, refreshment teams and signage crews. Their warm encouragement helped to lift the spirits of everyone taking part in this important Pilgrims Hospices fundraising event. Thanks to their dedication, the day ran seamlessly and was an enjoyable experience for all involved.
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A huge shout-out also goes to the 2025 headline sponsor, Kare Plus (recently re-branded as Ultima Care & Nursing). Pilgrims Hospices are incredibly grateful for your support, thank you for helping make this event possible!
Finally, Pilgrims would like to say thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this year’s challenge a resounding success. From those putting their best foot forwards at this year’s challenge, to those sponsoring and cheering from the sidelines, your enthusiasm and generosity have made a real difference for local hospice care.
Some of Pilgrims’ Everest Base Camp 2026 challengers at the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2025
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.
11th June 2025
Fiona’s Kilimanjaro climb in aid of Pilgrims Hospices
At 62 years old, Fiona Dobson from Canterbury is no stranger to a challenge – and now she’s preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices, where she volunteers as a Ward Support Volunteer.
The trek will take place over eight days from 6–12 June 2026, and Fiona has already raised more than £4,000 to support local hospice care.
Fiona Dobson, Ward Support Volunteer at Pilgrims Hospices
“I’m paying for my own trip because I didn’t want any of the fundraising to go towards costs – I want every penny raised to support the care Pilgrims offers,” Fiona explained.
Fiona’s relationship with Pilgrims spans nearly four decades. She began her nursing career at the hospice in 1986, working alongside well-known figures in the team such as Annie Hogben. Over the years, she went on to become a district nurse, a practice nurse, and continues to do freelance vaccination work.
“I started my career here, and I’d like to finish it here too,” she said. “Volunteering on the ward once a week means a lot to me – it’s special. I love it.”
Fiona has seen first-hand the importance of hospice care, having lost her dad at Pilgrims 20 years ago, a close friend in 2020, and her husband’s brother in December last year.
“The care is so much more than the beds on the ward – it’s the ongoing support for families, friends, and the counselling services too. That support makes all the difference.”
An experienced hillwalker and climber, Fiona has tackled a host of impressive challenges, including the Yorkshire Three Peaks, parts of the Alps and Pyrenees, and 50 Scottish “Fionas” – lesser-known peaks once referred to as Grahams – as well as a number of Munros and Corbetts.
“There are often no paths on the Fionas – it’s really rough terrain, but that’s what I love. This Kilimanjaro challenge will take it to a whole new level.”
Her preparation for Kilimanjaro is well underway. Fiona trains regularly by running the hilly paths of the Kent Downs, walking, doing yoga, going to the gym, and taking part in cycling events – including Pilgrims’ Cycle Challenge.
“I did the 50-mile route just a few weeks ago,” she said. “It was really windy this year with a big headwind – one of the hardest yet, and I’ve done it a few times! I only found out recently that a photo of me from the 2017 event is on the side of one of the Pilgrims vans!”
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Fiona and friends fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices
When she’s not training, Fiona enjoys time on the White Cliffs of Dover with her two dogs. Now retired from full-time nursing and with two grown-up children, she’s embracing the freedom to pursue challenges that make a difference.
Fiona will travel with a friend as part of a group of about 20 trekkers, and she plans to document the adventure with plenty of photos.
“I’m expecting to make some new friends – it’ll be a life-changing experience,” she said. “But most importantly, it’s all for Pilgrims. It’s a brilliant place and I’m proud to support it however I can.”
You can support Fiona’s Kilimanjaro Challenge by visiting her JustGiving page.
Do you have some time to volunteer for Pilgrims Hospices?
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.
5th June 2025
Why I support Pilgrims Hospices: Sarah’s story
“I always imagined hospices were marvellous places, but until I experienced it myself, I didn’t know just how exceptional everything and everyone would be.”
My Dad was a true Londoner – bold, big-hearted and full of life. His voice could fill a room, and so could his warmth. He was so generous with his time and embodied the spirit of community in every way, proudly inheriting the family picture-frame making business ‘Mann & Sons.’ In his later years, he moved to Kent and found real comfort in the slower pace of life and bracing sea air.
After Dad had his stroke, it was heart-breaking to see someone who had always been so strong and independent suddenly become so vulnerable. As his final days were drawing closer, he told me that he wanted to die at home, but this wasn’t possible since he needed too much attention.
In the end, however, I feel very grateful that he ended up in the care of the Thanet hospice. It was the best thing that could’ve happened and from the moment we came through the door, I knew we were in fantastic hands.
The small things will always stay with me: the hand-knitted quilts on each bed, to the radio that appeared in his room after I mentioned his love of listening to it. These thoughtful touches, to me, show the true meaning of care – acts of decency, kindness and generosity given for nothing in return.
Sarah and her dad
There are many touching moments I recall in those difficult days, but the one that sticks in my mind most is sharing Dad’s final sunset with him. He’d asked for this specifically and even though the nurses were busy, at shift’s end, they made the time to attach rollers to his bed and wheel him outside. I sat with him, holding his hand, and we watched the sky turn red. I could see what this meant to him.
Twelve hours later, he lapsed into unconsciousness – I had slept in a chair by his bed until that moment and the nurses brought me a blanket for the night. I carried on sleeping there until the moment he died, and afterwards helped the nurses and volunteers bathe him and dress him in clean pyjamas. Their compassion and respect was astonishing, and after they’d taken him away, they handed me an envelope addressed ‘Sarah’ containing a hand-knitted heart and a poem. I still have them both.
My Dad has been gone close to three years now, but I feel his spirit in everything I do. He passed at 80 and when people say he had a good life – and he really did – it doesn’t lessen the loss. Keeping his memory alive is so important to me, and seeing his name on the Memory Tree really touches me. I wanted to support Pilgrims yearly, and it’s such a wonderful way to do so, on a beautiful installation where his memory is kept alive.
I will never be able to repay Pilgrims Hospices for everything they did – they care for the people sitting around the bed as much as the person lying in it. Leaving a gift to Pilgrims in my Will is my way of saying one final thank you, in memory of my Dad and with deep gratitude for all they did for both of us.
If you’re inspired by Sarah’s story and would like to support Pilgrims Hospices, there are many ways you can:
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 May 2025
Helen hikes for hospice care in memory of auntie
Helen Edwards from Camber, East Sussex is taking on the Pilgrims Way Challenge on Saturday 21 June 2025.
She will hike 25km from Canterbury to Wye in memory of her auntie, Patsy Bolton, who received Pilgrims Hospices’ care in December 2024.
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Patsy worked in care and was always looking after others, so she understood the importance of being in a place of comfort at the end of life. When her own time came, she knew she wanted to be cared for in a hospice, and was offered a bed at the Ashford hospice.
Helen said: “Pilgrims made Patsy feel loved and cared for, so I wanted to give something back. She didn’t want a big fuss at her funeral, and asked for donations to Pilgrims in lieu of flowers. So when I saw the Pilgrims Way Challenge advertised, I signed up straight away. I’m hoping to raise as much money as I can to help make sure Pilgrims’ vital services continue to be available to other families, and to keep Patsy’s memory alive.”
Patsy’s daughter, Sarah Bolton, originally from Lydd, added:
“No one ever wants to receive a call telling you a precious loved one’s time has come, but from the moment those hospice doors opened, Pilgrims offered nothing but a positive and calming experience. The hospice was a place for our family to say goodbye to Mum, in comfort and with beautiful settings.
Sarah and Patsy
“All the staff were so kind and compassionate, not only to patients within their care, but to their family members as well. A special mention to Bernie, the Healthcare Assistant who made Mum’s final hours comfortable. No words or gratitude are enough to express the blessing we were afforded by Mum getting a bed at the hospice; Pilgrims’ work is priceless.
Helen on a training walk
“As a family, we want to support Pilgrims to ensure others can experience their special care, offering people dignity and kindness in their final days. In the darkest times, Pilgrims gave us light; the hospice is a place where love and compassion knows no bounds.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of all fitness levels; you’ll stroll through charming villages of oast houses and period cottages, surrounded by endless green fields. Rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings, and ancient woodlands all await you. The Pilgrims Way between Dover and Wye really does have it all.
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.
19th May 2025
A story of love, support, and courage: Alex’s journey with Pilgrims Hospices
Amie Tuffs, 25, met Alex Streater eight years ago at Canterbury Christ Church University, and they became inseparable.
But their journey together took a heartbreaking turn when Alex, just 33, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in February 2025.
Amie, who works within a mental health care team in Canterbury, knew the importance of compassionate care, having worked with Pilgrims Hospices in the past. However, nothing could prepare her for being on the receiving end of hospice support. Alex had lived with a liver condition for several years, and after a hospital stay where he became jaundiced, he was diagnosed with incurable cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
With no early warning signs and limited treatment options, the disease is often detected too late, making it incredibly difficult to fight. The news was devastating.
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In the early days following his discharge from the hospital, there was a difficult gap before hospice support kicked in. Amie called Pilgrims Hospices at 4am, and by 10am, a nurse and social worker had arrived. Their care provided Alex and his family with the emotional and physical support they desperately needed.
Amie’s interview by ITV Meridian at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in May 2025:
Alex, a peer support practitioner in mental health, had always been resilient. Even after his diagnosis, he was determined to give back. He organised a “Living Wake” to raise awareness and funds for Pilgrims, raising over £1,850. The event had a 90s theme, with Alex dressing up as The Mask – a joyful nod to his playful spirit. His bravery in openly discussing death helped everyone around him come to terms with his condition.
“For Alex, it wasn’t about hiding from death—it was about facing it with love and support,” says Amie. “His courage was inspiring.”
What made the greatest difference was how Pilgrims tailored their care to meet Alex’s needs as a younger patient. They understood that being 33 brought different emotional and practical challenges, and the support they gave reflected that. This age-appropriate care helped Alex feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
Amie, who had previously worked with the Pilgrims team, saw firsthand how vital their work was. “They didn’t just care for Alex as a patient – they cared for him as a young man with a full life, a future he didn’t want to lose, and a voice he wanted to use.”
Alex and Amie with friends and family at Alex’s living wake
Even after Alex’s death, his spirit continues to inspire. His family and friends are committed to continuing the fundraising efforts he began, ensuring that Pilgrims can keep offering life-changing care to others in need.
Alex’s memory lives on, not just in the hearts of those who loved him, but through the ongoing support of Pilgrims Hospices.
If you would like to support Amie with her continued fundraising, you can visit her JustGiving page.
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.
14th May 2025
Lucie hikes for hospice care in memory of husband, Grayham
Lucie Moxham from Littlestone, New Romney first took on the Pilgrims Way Challenge in 2024, raising an incredible £2,723.25 for Pilgrims Hospices. At the time, her husband, Grayham Moxham, was receiving the charity’s care; he was admitted to the Ashford hospice on 12 June 2024, just three days before the event.
On Saturday 21 June 2025, Lucie will take on the challenge again; hiking 55km in Grayham’s memory, she hopes to raise even more for local hospice care.
Grayham and Lucie on their wedding day
Grayham was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in November 2017. After various treatments over several years, he was referred to Pilgrims Hospices, who checked in with him regularly and provided help and guidance through his illness.
Lucie said: “When things got tough, Pilgrims staff would visit Grayham at home, checking on his physical and mental health and wellbeing and making sure his pain levels were managed to ensure a good quality of life. As Grayham knew that his illness was incurable, he expressed his wish to be admitted to Pilgrims “when the time came”, as he always used to say that “in hospitals, staff are trained to keep people alive”, but at Pilgrims, you can go peacefully.
“His wish was granted in early June 2024, when his liver started to fail, and it became very clear that he had reached a point of no return.”
Lucie was signed up for the 55km Pilgrims Way Challenge on 15 June 2024. She was still able to take part, even though, by then, Grayham had been admitted to the Ashford hospice:
“To spend time with him, his daughter, Chloe, and his newborn grandson, Fred, I finished at the 35km mark and made my way to the hospice to see them all later that afternoon. I’m pleased to say that, thanks to a tremendous amount of support from people from all walks of life, I raised £2,723.25.”
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L-R: Grayham with his dog, Tolley, his grandson, Fred, his daughter, Chloe, and Lucie
Lucie has signed up for the Pilgrims Way Challenge again, taking place on Saturday 21 June 2025. She plans to complete the 55km route from Dover to Wye via Canterbury, and has already raised over £600.
She added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has sponsored me; all donations, no matter how big or small, really make a difference. I know the wonderful work Pilgrims do, so anything I can do to help them keep providing their vital services will mean that people can continue benefitting from their expertise in the future.
Lucie taking on the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2024
“The service we received from Pilgrims was outstanding from the minute we arrived. It is very apparent that all the staff and volunteers are highly trained in end-of-life care and support. They make what is not an easy time easier by simply knowing exactly what to do and when, keeping you informed each step of the way, and lifting your spirits during their regular check-ins.
“I honestly don’t know what we would have done or how we would have coped without the help of Pilgrims, but one thing is for sure – without them, Grayham’s wish of going peacefully would not have been fulfilled… So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for all you have done and are doing for many others every day.”
You can keep up to date with Lucie’s fundraising journey by visiting her JustGiving page.
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.
