Fabulous fundraising in memory of popular local man
Stephanie Wickenden and members of her family presented an incredible £8,319.37 fundraising cheque to Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury recently. The money had been raised in memory of Steph’s husband Mark who was cared for at the hospice in July 2018.
Mark’s sister, Debbie Todd, is a specialist infection control lead nurse at the hospice, she said: “Our family is Canterbury born and bred and Mark was well known and loved by many who knew him from his school days and his career locally as a manager within the construction industry for Barrett’s. He fought bravely against cancer, continuing to work until just a few weeks before he lost his four-year battle aged 53 on 14th July 2018.
“My sister-in-law Steph, cared for Mark at home with support from Pilgrims community team, until he came to the Canterbury hospice in his final days where his care continued: he passed away close to his family and pain-free.”
I would like to thank everyone who kindly donated and helped to raise such an incredible sum. Stephanie
Steph explained the money had been raised by generous donations at Mark’s funeral amounting to more than £1,100, she said: “More than 400 people attended the funeral; Mark had always lived in Canterbury and retained so many friendships from his youth. It truly was a wonderful tribute to his caring and open personality.
“The Canterbury Golf Club where Mark was a keen club member, held a Mark Wickenden memorial golf day in April of this year which raised almost £4,300.
“And, finally an incredible £1,650 donation from staff and friends of Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Kent Ward, I joined them in an awesome climb over the London 02 to raise money for Pilgrims in memory of Mark.
“I would like to thank everyone who kindly donated and helped to raise such an incredible donation in Mark’s memory. It’s a comfort to know that he was so important to people within the local community.” Steph added.
The memorial golf day was extremely special with over 70 golfers taking part. Mark loved his golf and made many friends at the Canterbury club who already support Pilgrims as their charity of the year.
The club’s flag was at half-mast and the family wore Mark’s favourite Liverpool team colour T-shirts printed with his smiling face for the event. Many local businesses and friends made donations and gifts for raffles prizes, which helped to raise such an amazing sum for Pilgrims care.
The hospice hopes to purchase a specialist bariatric chair with the money raised. Debbie said: “We can hire these chairs when required but it would be wonderful to have one on-site for patients’ comfort. Mark really appreciated being able to sit in comfort, it would be a lovely legacy.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 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.
25th June 2019
Hundreds walk the Pilgrims Way for hospice care
Wye, Canterbury and Dover were buzzing with cheerful voices on Saturday 22 June as more than 600 happy walkers gathered on the Pilgrims Way Challenge charity fundraising walk.
Early estimations are that the event will raise more than £90,000 for Pilgrims Hospices!
Walkers enjoyed a 25km 35km or 55km hike through the beautiful rural countryside along one of England’s oldest and least trodden national trails. Young and old alike took to the rolling fields and picturesque villages along the Pilgrims Way to the historic city of Canterbury and onwards to a coastal finish at Dover Castle.
The Pilgrims sponsored walkers collectively walked over 21,500km between them, the equivalent of walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats more than five times!
In true Pilgrims style, walkers were supported throughout the journey with well-stocked rest stops where walkers could take a welcome break in the grounds of some of Kent’s amazing and historic churches. Delicious cakes, sandwiches and strawberry teas were a welcome treat at Chartham Hatch and a hot meal at the Canterbury hospice for walkers who were finishing the 25km route. For those who undertook the 35km and 55km routes, Pilgrims staff and volunteers welcomed the walkers with snacks and treats in Patrixbourne, Womenswold and Waldershare before reaching their final destination and a hot supper at Dover Castle.
Every walker is an inspriation and it’s our pleasure to support them every step of the way.
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Hospices
All participants received a medal in recognition of their fantastic achievement.
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Events Manager, said: “It was incredible to see so many people turning out to walk the Pilgrims Way Challenge in support of our end-of-life care. It was an enjoyable but tough day for all, especially with how warm it was in the sun, and with a bit of determination, the finish was finally reached.
“Every single walker is an inspiration and it’s our pleasure to support them every step of the way on the challenge as they raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. The money they raise enables Pilgrims to continue caring for more than 2,400 people and their families each year, providing comfort, alleviating pain and enabling them to live well in the time they have.
“Our thanks go to everyone who took part in making the Pilgrims Way Challenge such a success – including our fantastic team of volunteers!”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge will return on Saturday 20 June 2020.
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.
21st June 2019
Verity shaves hair for charity
In June, Verity Metcalfe aged 12 from Ashford had her hair shaved off to donate to the Little Princess Trust and at the same time has raised over £1,100 for Pilgrims Hospices.
Sporting her new Miley Cyrus style haircut, Verity explained why: “When I was eight I came across a video about what happens when you shave your hair. I showed Mum and Dad and told them that I wanted to shave my hair too. They told me to wait a few years but when I was 10 I still wanted to do it. So they told me if I was serious, I needed to grow my hair long enough to have enough to donate.
“So I did! I grew my hair for two years and couldn’t wait for the shave; I was so excited and had no fear at all. I feel proud of myself for raising so much money and for giving my hair to help someone feel better about themselves.”
Verity’s mother Laura said: “Verity has always been a thoughtful girl, she always puts others before herself so it was no surprise when she said that she wanted to cut her hair off and donate it to a specialist wig maker who styles wigs for children with various illnesses. Her thought behind this being that her hair will grow back whereas theirs may not. She wanted to make someone less fortunate feel happier.
I feel proud of myself for raising so much money.
Verity
“After growing her hair for over two years and deciding to cut it she wanted to raise some money in the process! She chose Pilgrims Hospices because we have known a couple of people who have been cared for by Pilgrims and also was inspired as she watched me take part in the Firewalk the previous year. Her dad and I are extremely proud of her and what she has achieved and we cannot thank everyone enough for their generosity and support.”
Isabel Smith, Community Fundraising Officer, said: “As a team, we are inspired by Verity, who has chosen to do something so generous thinking only of others. The money she has raised will enable Pilgrims Hospices to offer the care and support needed to the next family that needs us.”
If you would like to help raise funds for Pilgrims Hospices, click here for more information and see how together we can make a difference.
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 new wellbeing and social programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
30th May 2019
It’s a Knockout came to Ramsgate
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.
