The Provincial Grand Lodges of Mark Master Masons of Kent have supported Pilgrims Hospices with an incredible £16,000 donation from their Mark Benevolent Fund (split between Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury £5,000, Pilgrims Hospice Thanet £5,000 and Pilgrims Hospice Ashford £6,000). Sixteen Mark lodges in the Province nominated Pilgrims Hospices to receive £1,000 from their lodge.
The donation, which is part of the Major Capital Grant of £1.3m to over 250 hospices in England, Wales, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, recognises the contribution made by HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to the service of the Crown and the life of the nation.
The first presentation of the day for £5,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Thanet and was attended by Ralph Apperley, Neil Drakley, Peter Jenkins and Reg Pritchard representing, Holmesdale 129, Granville 390, Sandwich Haven 796, St Peter in Thanet 1053 and Ramsgate 1073 Mark lodges.
The second presentation for £5,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury and was attended by Peter Dowling, Bob Mitchell, Cliff Norris, Tony Lay and Peter Lapage who represented, Dover and Cinque Ports 152, St Marin’s 262, Herne Bay 771, Whitstable 983 and Cantwara-Byrig 1168 Mark lodges.
The third presentation for £6,000 was made to the Pilgrims Hospice in Ashford and was attended by James Stretton, Peter West, Peter Dowling and Colin Griffiths who represented Amherst 266, Invicta 378, Folkestone 380, Crane 1157 and Romney Marsh 1417 Mark lodges.
Sue Sharp, Director of Income Generation of Pilgrims Hospices welcomed the donation by saying:
“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome members from the The Provincial Grand Lodges of Mark Master Masons of Kent who all came together to support their local Pilgrims Hospices by visiting each hospices garden. The past year has been very challenging for Pilgrims, like for many of us, so it is with deep gratitude that we have received such a generous donation which will help ensure we are able to continue providing our compassionate care and support to our patients and their families in our hospices or in the community, even in difficult times.”
W.Bro. Martyn Summers, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Kent summed up the day with the following quote:
“We are absolutely delighted that sixteen Mark lodges chose to support the Pilgrims Hospices located in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford. We are all aware of the toll that the pandemic has taken on charities across the country and hope that this small gift will go some way to help enhance patient care and provide improved facilities for those in need and their families.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
17th August 2021
All the fun of the fair
The weather didn’t dampen the fun at the annual Pilgrims Summer Fair held on Saturday 7 August.
Visitors braved the rain at The Farriers Arms in Mersham, which was a new venue for 2021.
Hundreds of people still attended to show their support for the local charity who care for people and their families facing an incurable illness. Over £11,500 has been raised so far with the figure still rising.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowles and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge came to show their support for Pilgrims and the much-loved traditional fair. Deirdre Mewse, Pilgrims Fundraising Officer for the Ashford hospice said: “The Mayor and Mayoress were delightful and, despite the showers, between the sunshine they took time to speak with many of our volunteers who do such much to help with our events, along with visitors who came to join in with all the fun of the fair.”
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowle and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge with Deirdre Mewse, Fundraising Officer (Pilgrims Hospice Ashford)
Over 75 volunteers helped run a selection of stalls, activities and games on the day. There were old favourites including Bottle Fishing, The Beer Slide and new games to try including Tin Can Alley and The Paper Plane Game.
Visitors were offered a selection of delicious refreshments including afternoon teas, hog roast and Pimm’s. Faversham Ices were also there volunteering and serving a host of different ice creams.
We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year.
Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager
Magician Geoff Partner and Katie Parker-Green from Once Upon A Dream Parties also gave up their time to help entertain visitors.
Many local companies showed their support. Hallett & Co Solicitors in Ashford donated a TV for the Grand Draw, along with The Tiger Inn in Stowting who donated a £100 voucher for the Grand Draw.
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Ashford Fundraising Manager Louise Newman said: “We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year. It was great to be back holding a family event in the community we care for, whilst raising much needed funds for the hospices. Despite the challenging weather we still had a great day and we’re so grateful for all the support we received.
“Whether you volunteered on the day, donated prizes or spent your money at the fair, your contribution is extremely valued and appreciated.
“Special thanks to landlords Lindsey Best and John Hockley from The Farriers Arms who donated use of their field and supported the event from start to finish.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
28th January 2021
Local fundraisers hit a big milestone for Pilgrims Hospices!
Bramling Fundraising Group have been raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices since 2003 and over the years have organised fun and popular events for the whole community to enjoy. At the beginning of 2020 the calendar was filled with their regular events and activities, many of which take place in The Haywain.
The group had to quickly change focus with the news of COVID-19 and continued on by going virtual for quiz nights, creating an online community for people in lockdown. Their popular pantomime unfortunately had to cut 4 leading stars adapting to new restrictions with Snow White and the Three Dwarves and Elvis still made a glitzy, socially distanced appearance in The Haywain pub garden during the hot summer.
The group turned a challenging year into a complete triumph, reaching a special fundraising milestone. Led by Chairman Kim Tatman, the group of fantastic fundraisers have raised over £100,000 in aid of Pilgrims with a grand total of £101,129.46 since they first began.
Bramling’s support and the community spirit shown every year enables Pilgrims Hospices to continue delivering our vital work.
Leila Pilgrims
Delighted with such a successful year of fundraising, Kim said: “Generous donations boosted the coffers, we were able to beat 2019’s total raising £11,171.75, all of which has been donated to Pilgrims.
“We are hugely grateful to all who assisted and contributed, helping us to continue and adapt our fundraising.”
Canterbury Community Fundraising Manager, Leila Ilkhan said: “We are thrilled to bits that the Bramling Fundraising Group have reached such a milestone despite a challenging year of fundraising. Their support and the community spirit shown every year enables Pilgrims to continue delivering our vital work, supporting patients and their families here in east Kent.
“Thank you to everyone who have helped make this achievement possible.”
Fundraising Groups raise vital funds by committing to regular fundraising in their local communities on behalf of Pilgrims Hospices. Turning interests into events and activities and raising vital funds each year means Pilgrims is still here; still caring for patients living with an incurable illness and their families. If the Bramling Fundraising Group has inspired you then please contact [email protected] to find out more about supporting Pilgrims Hospices.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
15th December 2020
Virtual reality appeal raises thousands for Pilgrims Hospices
Thanks to the efforts of our community of supporters, Pilgrims Hospices raised £14,874.72 for our Virtual Reality appeal.
Virtual reality (VR) is a technology accessed through a headset and headphones, which immerses someone within a 3D and 360-degree video to give them a sense of being physically present in that environment.
For example, through VR, someone could experience diving in the Great Barrier Reef or relaxing on a tropical beach.
Improving quality of life
The latest trials of virtual reality within a healthcare setting have shown an improvement in the quality of life for terminally ill patients by helping ease their anxiety, breathlessness, fatigue, and even reducing pain.
Through our Immerse Your Senses Appeal, we raised enough money to introduce a VR system at each of our hospices in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
The system was used across all of our healthcare and wellbeing settings, including our Therapy Centres, in-patient units, and even in people’s homes, which benefitted a wide range of our patients.
Ann’s story
Ann Morris attended our Therapy Centre at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, where she benefitted from the VR technology we offered for hospice patients.
Ann with Kristy Wells, Occupational Therapist Assistant
Why is this VR system so special?
What made this VR system particularly special is that it included its own camera so we could record and personalise the experiences we offered to our patients, whether that was a local place they were particularly fond of, or a special occasion they were unable to attend.
In this way, someone who was used to walking their dog along a beach but hadn’t been able to more recently, could once again experience this through virtual reality at Pilgrims.
Due to the simplicity of the system, we were even able to train our patients’ families to record and deliver these magical moments for their loved ones.
This sort of bespoke experience enabled our patients to escape the boundaries of their illness and enjoy treasured moments once again.
Thanks to the generous support of our local community, we were able to provide this incredible technology on each of our sites for two years.
Thank you!
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
13th August 2020
Paul’s 100 mile pedal for a purpose!
On Thursday 6th August cycling enthusiast and dedicated long term Pilgrims Hospices supporter Paul Kelly, cycled 100 miles for Pilgrims Hospices. Paul, who likes a little adventure, and is a 73 year old retired Marine Engineer, decided that after the unfortunate cancellation of Pilgrims Cycle Challenge that he would utilise his lockdown training over the last few months and get back in the saddle on his own carefully thought out 100 mile route.
Paul planned his own ‘feed stations’, including one at his home at Whitfield near Dover. Not only did Paul cycle 100 miles, but he also did it on one of the hottest days of the year! Purely a coincidence, Paul also chose to complete the challenge on #CycleToWork day, which this year was changed to Cycle to Who? What? Where? Day because of the pandemic.
We would like to thank all those who have supported Paul in raising an impressive £1,700
Kate Duddell, Fundraising Manager
Paul explained: “My wife and I did our first Pilgrims Cycle Challenge on the 50 mile route to Margate, when this route was changed I tried the 75 mile challenge. Of course, I then had to attempt the 100 challenge the next year and the year after, regrettably the 125 epic would be too much for me as I wouldn’t get back in time for my medal!”
“This year having stated training in March for the postponed May event, I kept in shape for the new event due to take place on 23rd August. I seriously doubted early on that cancellation of the event was a real possibility so I planned my own 100 mile challenge roughly based on the Pilgrims route which I completed on 6th August”.
“One of my reasons for supporting Pilgrims Hospices is for the fantastic treatment my father-in-law was given in the Canterbury hospice where he passed away with motor neurone. Our family were so relieved to see how his last days were made as comfortable as possible, we cannot thank you enough.”
Fuelled largely by flapjack to counter the 6,000 calorie burn, the 73-year-old left Canterbury East train station at 7.45am. Stowting Hill and the climb out of Shepherdswell near Dover were the biggest spikes on his Fitbit and the heatwave added to his challenge. Paul finished the circular course at 4.15pm, at his finish line he was greeted with surprise smiles, cheers and a balloon arch held up by the little members of his family.
Paul has raised an incredible £1,700 for local hospice care and has more to gather in.
Fundraising Manager, Kate Duddell said: “We would like to thank all those who have supported Paul in raising an impressive £1,700 for end of life care in east Kent. The amount raised for hospice care is so valuable and will allow us to provide the best possible support to families who need us. Every £25 would pay for an hour of nursing care. The funds raised by Paul and his loved ones are vital to the work Pilgrims Hospices does across east Kent and is continuing to do so during the pandemic.”
Paul was aiming for this to be his last Pilgrims Cycle Challenge, however he loves a challenge, and a little adventure and may be tempted to join the new 30 mile route in 2021. For this year, and now he has completed his own pedalling challenge for Pilgrims, he is looking forward to becoming a grandad for the first time and walking his daughter down the aisle this September.
You can still support Paul and his 100 mile achievement by donating to his JustGiving page.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
3rd July 2020
Stepping it up for local hospice care
Gemma Letchford from Dover set herself a charity challenge to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. Pilgrims has very quickly become a charity close to Gemma’s heart after her Dad Johnny spent his final moments at Pilgrims in Canterbury in 2019. With the support of her family and friends she dedicated her latest challenge to her Dad, Nan and dear friend Colin.
Gemma’s love of walking played an important part in helping her to grieve for her Dad. For her and her family, Pilgrims in Canterbury quickly became their second home.
To help support the vital end of life care that Pilgrims delivers to over 2,500 patients living with a terminal illness and their families each year, Gemma pledged to walk 500km throughout the month of June.
“Everyone there was so kind and compassionate, we will forever be in their debt and helping to raise vital funds for this wonderful charity is a great way for us to give something back.”
Congratulations Gemma from everyone at Pilgrims Hospices!
Over the last year, Gemma has raised nearly £3,000 and through her latest challenge she exceeded her expectations and has raised over £800 which could pay for 32 hours of specialist nursing care in one of our inpatient units.
Gemma’s friends and family joined her for some of her walks including a very special walking buddy, her daughter Airlie who made her mum work even harder pushing her pram along the way!
Congratulations Gemma from everyone at Pilgrims Hospices!
Gemma has set up a Just Giving page to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. There is still time to show your support for her challenge here.
There are so many ways that you can continue to support Pilgrims. Click here for some virtual fundraising ideas.
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of Pilgrims we would love to hear from you. Please contact our fundraising team.
We need you more than ever; our local community means everything to us.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
