Pilgrims Hospices care team steps up for Pilgrims Way Challenge fundraiser
The compassionate nurses and caregivers of Pilgrims Hospices are lacing up their trainers and gearing up for a remarkable endeavour — the Pilgrims Way Challenge. On Saturday, June 15, 2024, they will embark on a journey across east Kent, joining hundreds of supporters in a fundraising effort that promises not only to be physically demanding yet also incredibly rewarding.
A team comprising 9 nurses and carers is taking on the 25-kilometer route that will traverse the picturesque route from Canterbury to Wye. Their presence among the throngs of supporters is a testament to their deep appreciation for hospice care and their recognition of the vital role fundraising plays in sustaining these crucial services.
Lorna Moss, Pilgrims Health Care Assistant (HCA), said: “We are so pleased to be taking part in the fundraising event to support hospice care. We are looking forward to spending some time together, not just as nurses but as friends in a social environment. It’s sometimes a challenge to find time off as a group, although some of our colleagues will be unable to take part due to being on shift, we will be taking the time to enjoy some fresh air and wonderful countryside together, and it’s a chance to keep up with our fitness and raise some important funds for Pilgrims all at the same time.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge is a monumental fundraising event, and the participation of the Pilgrims Hospices nursing team underscores their unwavering dedication to their patients’ well-being, both inside and outside the hospice walls. By swapping their ward shoes for trainers, these dedicated professionals are not only supporting the patients under their care, but also embracing the opportunity for Saturday afternoon exercise and fun.
We are so pleased to be taking part in the fundraising event to support hospice care.
Lorna – Pilgrims
Throughout the course of the Pilgrims Way Challenge, the Pilgrims Hospices nursing team aims to cover around 275-kilometres collectively, or about 420,000 steps, as they stride through the stunning Kent countryside. Their dedication is matched only by their determination to make every step count, knowing that each stride brings them closer to their fundraising goal and, more importantly, closer to enhancing the quality of life for hospice patients.
London Marathon runner, nurse Simone Royer
Reflecting on their preparations for the challenge, the team shares, “We are a mix of abilities, some regular sporty types, with marathon runners within our midst, others less energetic, but we know by pacing ourselves, we will achieve our goal of raising funds for hospice care for the people of east Kent and having a jolly good time! Every kilometre we walk is a testament to our commitment to our patients and our community.”
As the Pilgrims Hospices nursing team embarks on this inspiring journey, they invite the community to join them in support of their noble cause. Together, they are proving that with every step, they are making a difference in the lives of those in need.
I can’t wait to share some time with my colleagues on the Pilgrims Way Challenge, fundraising with friends and having a great time, what more could I ask!
With three distances to choose from, the Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of varying fitness levels.
Stroll through a charming village of oast houses and period cottages, and soak in an immense sky while surrounded by endless green fields. Rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings and ancient woodland all await you. Walking, or running, the Pilgrims Way between Dover and Wye really has it all.
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 supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
15th May 2024
Spring was in the air for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Bank Holiday Sunday!
More than 1,000 cyclists enjoyed a beautiful sunny Bank Holiday Sunday exploring the stunning Kent countryside at the 14th annual Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge. Riders of all abilities took part, collectively cycling more than 73,360 miles, the equivalent of cycling around the equator three times, to support the skilled and compassionate end-of-life care the charity provides across east Kent.
So far, this year’s event has raised £116,000; with indications that the total could reach as much as £120,000 for Pilgrims, once all donations and Gift Aid are finalised.
Individuals, families, friends, cycling clubs, local businesses, and services throughout Kent, took on the 30, 50, 75, 100, or 125-mile challenge. Bright skies and dry roads were the perfect conditions for Pilgrims’ flagship fundraising event. Ever since the event first took place in 2010, supporters have raised an astonishing £1.3 million to help people who need Pilgrims’ care within our community.
We congratulate all the riders for achieving their goals and for their incredible support for the end-of-life care Pilgrims provides.
Kate – Pilgrims
All routes started and finished at Pilgrims Event Village at the University of Kent, near Canterbury. Returning cyclists could enjoy a celebratory atmosphere, a sports massage, and well-earned refreshments after collecting their commemorative medal.
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims event organiser, said, “It was brilliant to see such a strong show of support for Pilgrims! We congratulate all the riders for achieving their goals and for their incredible support for the end-of-life care Pilgrims provides.
“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 is just outstanding, and they 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.”
“I must also thank Barretts, Biketart, and Kent Sport for their wonderful support for the event, which enables us to maximise the amount of funds we can raise for hospice care.”
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.
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 supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
22nd April 2024
Cycling for a cause: Honouring memories, creating legacies
Join us on Sunday, May 5 2024, for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, where we’ll come together not just as cyclists, but as a community united in the spirit of love, remembrance, and supporters for those in need.
Team Cynthia and Steven consists of Katie Li, the daughter of Cynthia and Steven, along with Raymond, Nick, Tim and Mark, who are taking part in loving memory of Cynthia (1961-2017), Steven (1952-2023) and loved ones.
Katie with her friend, Ellen, and her siblings Amy, Ray and Cindy, cycling 50-miles in 2019
In 2019, Team Cynthia embarked on their first fundraising cycling journey, raising over £2,800 for Pilgrims Hospices. Now, Katie with her family and friends, will once again pedal forth with purpose, raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices’ end-of-life care and continuing to raise awareness around local hospice care and services.
Between them, the team will participate in the 30-mile, and others will participate in the 50-mile; in memory of Cynthia and Steven, two beloved souls who touched the lives of many, and in honour of countless others who have embarked on their final journey.
For Katie and her siblings, this cause is deeply personal. Losing her parents, Cynthia and Steven, to the relentless battle of cancer was a heart-wrenching journey. Yet, amidst the pain, there was solace in the compassionate care provided by Pilgrims Hospices. Their expertise not only ensured comfort for Cynthia and Steven but also brought peace and dignity to their final moments.
Cynthia and Steven at their daughter's wedding in 2016, the last photo taken of them together
Cynthia and Steven on a day out in Kent, 2015
Cynthia and Steven's wedding day in Hong Kong, 1980
With gratitude in their hearts and determination in their pedals, Team Cynthia and Steven, along with cherished friends and family, embark on this cycling challenge once more. They carry not only the memories of loved ones but also the mission to continue the legacy of compassion and support.
Every mile pedalled, every hill conquered, and every donation received is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. Together, we pave the way for compassionate end-of-life care for those who most need it.
Katie’s friend, Matt, and her brother-in-law, Nick, completed the 100-mile Cycle Challenge in 2019
Join us on this journey of hope and remembrance. Whether you choose the 30-mile Circuit, the scenic 50-mile Classic, dare to conquer the 100-mile Century, or the ultimate test of strength and endurance, 125 miles, The Epic! Every pedal stroke brings us closer to our goal of supporting our patients and their families to live well in every moment.
Together, let’s turn grief into action, memories into legacies, and pain into purpose. Thank you to Katie and Team Cynthia and Steven for their unwavering dedication, and to all supporters for their generosity and kindness.
Let’s make Sunday, May 5 2024, a day to remember. A day where every turn of the wheel brings us closer to a future where compassionate care knows no bounds.
For more information on how you can support Team Cynthia and Steven, please visit their JustGiving page.
And remember, every mile matters, every donation counts, and together, we can make a difference.
Pilgrims Hospices is a registered charity providing specialist palliative care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses across East Kent. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Pilgrims Hospices is committed to delivering compassionate care and support to patients and their families, ensuring dignity, comfort, and quality of life.
17th April 2024
Celebrating resilience and generosity: Marcello’s Hair Salon reopens with a heart-warming gesture
After a challenging year marked by adversity and resilience, Marcello Marino, the beloved owner of Marcello’s Hair Salon in Ramsgate, is preparing to welcome back his loyal clientele with open arms.
Marcello’s Salon, nestled on West Cliff Road for over three decades, faced a daunting setback when a collapsed sewer pipe disrupted operations and displaced Marcello and his family from their home.
The saga began in September 2022 when a sewage leak wreaked havoc on Marcello’s business premises, prompting an unexpected closure. The subsequent evacuation of Marcello, his wife, and three children underscored the severity of the situation. Despite enduring such hardships, Marcello remained steadfast in his determination to overcome the ordeal.
Throughout this tumultuous period, the outpouring of support from the local community served as a beacon of hope for Marcello and his family. From generous donations to acts of kindness from friends and neighbouring businesses, the solidarity displayed by the people of Ramsgate left an indelible mark on Marcello’s heart.
Now, as Marcello prepares to reopen his salon on May 1, he is seizing the opportunity to express his gratitude in a meaningful way. On April 29, from 5pm onwards, Marcello will host a special event to honour those who stood by him during his time of need. This event will not only serve as a celebration of resilience but also as a fundraiser for Pilgrims Hospices, a charity close to Marcello’s heart.
What a lovely gesture this really is after so much disruption to Marcello’s business. I would like to send our thanks to everyone who is helping with this donation over the coming weeks.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
In a heart-warming gesture, Marcello has pledged to donate 10% of his salon’s takings during the first two weeks of reopening to support the invaluable work of Pilgrims Hospices. Recognising the pivotal role that this charity plays in the local community, Marcello is eager to contribute to their work in end-of-life care and give back to those in need.
The generosity doesn’t end there. Local establishments, including Seabird bar, the Falstaff, and Margo in Margate, have rallied behind Marcello’s initiative by providing sponsorship and donations for the reopening event. Through their collective efforts, they aim to make a meaningful impact and spread joy to those who need it most.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said: “What a lovely gesture this really is after so much disruption to Marcello’s business. I would like to send our thanks to everyone who is helping with this donation over the coming weeks. I wish Marcello every success with his opening day and thank him once again.”
As Marcello’s salon prepares to welcome back familiar faces and new clients alike, the spirit of resilience and generosity shines brightly. Together, they are not only reopening a business but also reaffirming the unwavering strength of the community in the face of adversity.
For appointments and inquiries, please contact Marcello’s Hair Salon at 01843 592 027. Visit Marcello’s at 15a West Cliff Road, Ramsgate, and join in the celebration of resilience, generosity, and community spirit.
If you would like to support Pilgrims Hospices, please contact our fundraising team email [email protected]. Our local end-of-life charity needs to raise an incredible £11 million each year, in order to provide important care from the three local hospices and within the community. This would not be possible without your generous support. Thank you.
13th December 2023
Santas jog for a cause: Pilgrims Hospices festive fundraiser raises over £26,000
On a chilly Sunday morning, the Herne Bay seafront transformed into a sea of red and white as more than 1,100 Santas gathered for Pilgrims Hospice’s annual festive fundraiser. The jolly event, held on Sunday 10th, December, saw enthusiastic participants donning Santa Claus costumes and jogging along the picturesque coastline to support end-of-life care in east Kent.
We are immensely grateful for the incredible turnout and the generosity of our supporters, who jogged their way into the hearts of our community.”
Rachael – Pilgrims
Organised by Pilgrims Hospices, a leading provider of hospice care in the region, the festive fundraiser brought together the community in a heartwarming display of solidarity. Rachael Edmed, a dedicated Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from participants and donors.
Santas On The Run 2023 7
Santas On The Run 2023 6
Santas On The Run 2023 5
Santas On The Run 2023 4
Santas On The Run 2023 3
Santas On The Run 2023 2
Santas On The Run 1
“The festive spirit was alive and well on the Herne Bay seafront as Santas of all ages, shapes, and sizes gathered to make a meaningful difference,” said Rachael. “We are immensely grateful for the incredible turnout and the generosity of our supporters, who jogged their way into the hearts of our community.”
The event, which exceeded expectations, is anticipated to raise more than £26,000. These funds will play a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing end-of-life care services provided by Pilgrims Hospices in east Kent. The contributions will directly impact the lives of individuals and families facing challenging times, ensuring they receive compassionate care and support.
Pilgrims Hospices has been a pillar of strength in the community, offering specialised care for those with life-limiting illnesses for more than 40 years. The success of the festive fundraiser underscores the community’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality end-of-life care when they need it the most.
As the holiday season continues, Pilgrims Hospices extends its gratitude to all the Santas, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible. The funds raised will go a long way in providing comfort, dignity, and support to those navigating their end-of-life journey in east Kent.
This year alone, Pilgrims Hospices has to raise £11 million through voluntary donations in order to run our full range of services. Sponsorship raised through events like these helps us continue caring for local people at the end of their lives.
8th November 2023
Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair and Craft Market: A Festive extravaganza for the whole family!
Get ready to kick off the festive season with a bang as Pilgrims Hospices proudly presents the 2023 Christmas Fair & Craft Market! We’re thrilled to announce our new venue for this year’s festive fiesta – Kingswood, Grosvenor Hall in Ashford. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 25th, and get ready for a day of pure Christmas magic!
What’s in store for you?
This year, we’ve pulled out all the stops to make your Christmas season extra special. With an array of stalls brimming with seasonal crafts and gifts, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Find that perfect present for your loved ones, or simply immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by enjoying live festive music, delicious homemade refreshments, and more. We’ve got something for everyone!
Kids’ Corner Fun Children, brace yourselves for an incredible craft corner! You can decorate a gingerbread shape, paint a mug or plate, and dive into other creative crafts that will spark your imagination. Don’t miss the chance to join in the fun with exciting games like Snowballs in a Bucket, Pick a Candy Cane, and Snowman Hoopla. Plus, we have a surprise for your little ones – special appearances by Superman and Wonder Woman!
Meet Santa Claus
Santa Claus is coming to town – and he’s making a pit stop at Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Fair! Visit Santa in his brand-new ‘Yurt’ grotto, straight from the North Pole. Don’t forget to bring your wish list; you might just get a sneak peek at some holiday magic.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
By attending our Christmas Fair & Craft Market, you’ll be spreading joy and making a difference in the lives of those in need. Your participation helps Pilgrims Hospices support people across east Kent who are living with an incurable illness, making the holiday season a little brighter for them.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023 Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Venue: Kingswood, Grosvenor Hall, Kennington, Ashford, TN25 4AJ
Entry Fees
Adults: £3.00
Children: Free
Visit Santa: £4 (*Children’s admission applies to anyone under 16 years old.)
Parking
Free parking is available on site. Follow the signs as you enter the gates and take directions from our friendly car parking marshals.
Please Note
As much as we love furry friends, dogs are not allowed at this event.
For more information, contact the Ashford Fundraising Office at 01233 504 111 or email [email protected].
Don’t miss the most spectacular start to your holiday season – join us at Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair & Craft Market on November 25th. Let’s make this festive season one to remember, together!
Each year Pilgrims supports thousands 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 Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
