Supporters enjoyed Pilgrims Hospices It’s a Knockout event at Government Acre, Ramsgate on Sunday 19 May 2019.
The Thanet hospice fundraising team has run this much-loved event for the past seven years; generating vital funds for hospice care and an opportunity for friends, families and local businesses to take on some crazy antics and compete against each team for that most important winner’s medal.
Teams took part in the hilarious bouncy obstacle courses, wet and dry challenges as well as fancy dress, each team taking a chance and playing their joker cards to win top points. The laughter was infectious as the teams competed to win while supporting the much-loved local charity.
You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
Teams from around the area took part including SPH Charity Team (Spencer Private Hospitals) from Margate. They supported the event again because each member of the team has known someone who has been supported by Pilgrims Hospices.
The English Roses team said: “We took part to help raise vital funds to help support the amazing care provided at Pilgrims Hospices; one of our team members, Maxine White, is a Health Care Assistant (HCA) at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, what a brilliant day we’ve had.”
Nicola Williams, team captain of Nic’s Knockouts from Ramsgate, said: “We love this event and so want to win this year; I have also made a joker this year of Donald Trump.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager and organiser of the event, said: “This really is a fun event with many supporters returning each year, some of the jokers are hilarious.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended either by taking part, sponsoring their team members, spectators who came along to cheer the teams, the staff and volunteers for helping run our fun stalls, Margate ambulance, catering teams and our very own Knockout team members, and to those who made or dressed up as mascots to help their teams double points.
“Your wonderful support will enable us to continue to provide palliative care for the next person who needs it, both within the hospice and at home. Last year the event raised an incredible £16,400. Early indications show that this year’s event has raised around £5,000 with further sponsorship still to come in.”
Karen added: “It costs just over £6,800 a day to run each of our three hospice inpatient units, so community support from events like this makes a huge difference to our charity.
The winning team was Nic’s Knockouts (they did it, so competitive) and runners up were Broadstairs Business Club and The Wibbly Wobbly Marauders, with team English Roses coming in the last place and receiving wooden spoons.
“Everyone who supported the event received a medal from Pilgrims Hospices, whatever place they finished, as a huge thank you for taking part. You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.”
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
9th May 2019
Thousands raised as Cycle Challenge celebrates 10th year
Cyclists took to the Kentish countryside on a breezy Spring Bank Holiday Sunday for Pilgrims Hospices annual Cycle Challenge.
This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of this much-loved event. Almost 1,200 riders took part collectively cycling more than 94,000 miles to support end-of-life care in east Kent. Early indications show the event will raise over £100,000 for Pilgrims Hospices.
Individuals, families, friends, cycle clubs, local businesses, and services throughout Kent took up the 45, 75, 100 or the latest addition to the distances, the 125-mile ride, on the day. It was a stark contrast to last year’s early May Bank Holiday when the temperature soared into the high 20’s, recording the hottest since the holiday was introduced in 1978. A more temperate 13 degrees made for a more comfortable ride this year.
Michelle Brown from Birchington cycled in memory of her dad who was cared for at home by Pilgrims’ Hospice at Home team
All routes started and finished at the Pilgrims event village at the University of Kent, near Canterbury. Returning cyclists could enjoy a sports massage and well-earned refreshment after collecting their 10th anniversary commemorative medal.
It was brilliant to see such a strong show of support for Pilgrims!
Robert Grew, Events Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospices
Lewis Smith celebrated his 21st birthday with the 45-mile route for Pilgrims
Robert Grew, Pilgrims event organiser, said: “It was brilliant to see such a strong show of support for Pilgrims! We congratulate all the riders in achieving their goals and for their incredible support for the end of life care Pilgrims provides.
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“It’s a privilege to organise the event and, seeing it year after year I’m always reminded how much of a team effort it is. Our army of volunteers are just outstanding and gave up their bank holiday weekend to help make the whole experience safe and enjoyable for our riders. I can’t thank them enough! Nor the waves of cyclists who puff their way around the course in support each year.”
There are many exciting events and challenges taking place throughout the year to raise important funds for Pilgrims Hospices, click here to see our event listings. If you would like to speak with your local fundraising team visit fundraise for us.
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.
22nd February 2019
How much is that doggie in the window?
The shop windows of Pilgrims Hospices shop on the High Street in Deal are dressed to support the Paws 4 Pilgrims sponsored dog walk that’s taking place on Sunday 24 March.
Jenny Byrne, Pilgrims Retail Manager East, and shop volunteers Doreen Whalley and Ann Needleship have gathered all things doggie to create a fun window display to encourage dog owners to sign up and walk the 5km charity fundraising walk along the beautiful coastal route to raise money for Pilgrims care.
Jenny said: “There’s a brilliant selection of donated items in the window displays, we really hope to make visitors to our shop smile.
“We have wonderful shoppers who use our store regularly along with many day trippers who are picking up a bargain while visiting the seaside town of Deal.
“It’s a lovely opportunity to share the news of this fun fundraising event, especially as it’s happening in our own town. We hope to encourage lots more people to sign-up and join in with the event and raise important funds for people who need our help the most.”
The Deal shop is open from Monday thru Saturday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm: “We are full to the brim with some beautiful pre-loved clothing, trinkets, books, curiosities and lots more, please come and visit us. So why not ‘paws’ for a moment, and come in and browse.” added Jenny.
Did you know that Pilgrims Hospices has over 30 shops in east Kent? Your donations and purchases make a huge contribution to Pilgrims Hospices charity; allowing the care team to support over 2,400 each year on hospices wards in the hospices in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well and within the community and in peoples own homes.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit Wellbeing and Social Programme.
8th October 2018
Colour Run for Claire in memory of grandma Sybil
Claire Mursell (24), an Early Help Support Worker from Ramsgate, will take on the Thanet 5k Colour Run on Sunday 21 October in memory of her grandma, Sybil Foord, who was cared for by Pilgrims in December 2014.
Running is a new hobby for Claire and her partner, Sam Grist. Claire was looking to get involved in an event that would give her motivation to keep it up, and that’s when she heard about the Thanet 5k Colour Run: “When I saw the event advertised on Facebook, I knew I had to take part and raise money for the charity that looked after my grandma.”
Claire’s grandma, Sybil Foord
The family were supported by Pilgrims when Sybil was receiving end-of-life care, so Claire feels that the Thanet 5k Colour Run is a fitting way to give back and help others: “My grandma was so well looked after by Pilgrims. She was made comfortable and our family were welcome to visit; it was a lovely, welcoming place. All the Pilgrims staff were helpful and gave our family the support we needed.
“Pilgrims means the world to me. With their kindness and care, they made my grandma’s last days the best they could be. This support was extended to our family after she passed.”
A huge thank you to my mum Trudy Mursell, she is my rock and supports me with everything I do.
Claire
Claire’s family and Sam are cheering her on and helping her raise vital funds in aid of Pilgrims. She said: “By getting sponsored to complete the Thanet 5k Colour Run, I hope to ensure that more local families can benefit from the support and care my grandma and my family received.”
Want to get colourful for Pilgrims? Visit pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun to sign up now to dash through bright paint clouds and get covered in colour in aid of local hospice care. Entry is £20 for adults and £15 for under 11s.
All participants will receive a running number, white t-shirt, funky glasses and colour sachet on the day. Extra paint sachets will be available to purchase at the event, and you’ll receive a thank you medal from Pilgrims when you cross the finish line.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit click here for information on the Wellbeing and Social Programme.
4th September 2018
Angling charity cheque really is ‘the catch of the day’ for Pilgrims
The Charity Shield fishing match in support of chosen charity Pilgrims Hospices took place in July at Stonar Lake, Sandwich raising an amazing £4,219.42 for vital hospice care.
The pairs match, which was made possible by the hard work of organisers Brian Allen, Jon Weir and John Sturge, proved a great success again this year. Through generous sponsorship, the event and the fishermen have raised an amazing £7,366 over two years for Pilgrims’ care.
We are very pleased to have presented the cheque to Pilgrims Hospices; the charity is a much-loved and important part of our community.
John Sturge, Competition Organiser
John Sturge presented the cheque to Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager, at the Thanet hospice last week.
John said: “We had an excellent turnout of 24 angling pairs for the match that took place in July. The winners with the largest fish were Skip Knight and his partner Noddy, with a fine 26lb Mirror Carp. Henry Weir was the top junior with three Carp, the heaviest weighing in at 10lb 8oz.”
The superb weather lasted throughout the weekend with all those involved having a great time at the barbeque on Saturday and prize draw on Sunday. All prizes for the draw were donated by local business and supporters.
“We are very pleased to have presented the cheque to Pilgrims Hospices; the charity is a much-loved and important part of our community”, John added.
Karen said: “This really is a wonderful event that brings much enthusiasm from many anglers. We really cannot thank everyone enough for their time and effort in making this possible. This donation will help provide care for patients, their families and friends who need us the most. Every penny will help support our work here at Pilgrims. Thank you.”
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click Wellbeing and Social Programme to read more.
3rd September 2018
Miles 4 Maurice half marathons challenge for Rodger
Rodger Baker took on the August Bank Holiday Canterbury Half Marathon in the first of six 13.1-mile challenges he plans to undertake to raise £1,000 for Pilgrims Hospices’ care. Over 600 runners took part in this much-loved annual event.
Rodger’s father-in-law, Maurice Collingwood, who was 73 and lived in Sturry, sadly passed away in January of this year after a battle with pancreatic cancer. During his final weeks Pilgrims Hospices supported his care, which enabled him to remain at home in surroundings that made him more comfortable and in the company of those who loved him.
Rodger said: “The Pilgrims team were amazing. They took care of Maurice’s needs and were present when he passed away. My wife, Rachel, and myself have drawn great comfort in the knowledge that everything possible was in place for him to live well until the end.”
Rodger at the Canterbury Half Marathon
Project Manager Rodger, who is 45 and lives in Paddock Wood, started to run a few years ago with a 5km challenge at his local gym. Since then he’s completed several half marathons and four full marathons.
Rodger added: “I wanted to do more than just thank Pilgrims Hospices for the care and support the charity offered Maurice and my family.
“I’m a keen runner and decided to challenge myself. I will be running six half marathons to raise funds to enable them to continue their work. The Canterbury run went really well and I’ve already raised more than £500 toward my target.”
The Pilgrims team were amazing. They took care of Maurice’s needs and were present when he passed away. My wife, Rachel, and myself have drawn great comfort in the knowledge that everything possible was in place for him to live well until the end.
Rodger
Rodger follows a training programme to keep him on track with his half marathon schedule. He will take part in the Reading and London Landmarks half marathons in March and the Windsor, Cardiff and Maidstone half marathons on consecutive Sundays in September and October.
“My family are really pleased and fully supportive. It’s a great way to help out the people who helped us at a very difficult time.
“The Canterbury Half was a tough run, the hilliest I’ve ever done but I made it round in one piece”, Rodger added.
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Hospices Events Fundraiser, said: “We had almost 20 runners taking part in the Canterbury Half Marathon and raising vital funds for those suffering terminal illness. It’s a tough and challenging event but worth the commitment with such wonderful scenery and views across Kent. The weather was really quite congenial for running and many personal bests and targets were smashed on the day. It was great to meet Rodger in person and wish him well. He is so generous of his time, efforts and spirit; we thank him and wish him well as he undertakes a further five events.
We anticipate our runners will raise as much as £6,500 for Pilgrims Hospices’ care.”
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
