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.
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“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.
23rd October 2023
Pilgrims Hospices jolliest jog of the year
The countdown to Christmas has started with registration opening for Herne Bay’s festive family fun run in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
The charity’s jolliest jog of the year is returning to Herne Bay’s scenic seafront on Sunday the 10 December and new to this year will be a 10K route to accompany the 3K and 5K distances.
Since 2017, Santas on the Run! in Herne Bay has raised over £118,000 for Pilgrims Hospices for the charity who gives care and support to people in east Kent who are coping with an incurable illness.
The route will see the Santas start at the Clocktower and run along the seafront before returning for their well-deserved festive medals.
Whilst dressing up there will also be festive music to get you into the holiday spirit and Christmas cheer stations to jingle joggers along their way.
Senior Fundraising Officer Rachael Edmed said: “Santas on the Run! is such a fun event for everyone and all levels of fitness. In previous years we’ve had one-year olds in prams and people in their 80’s. We’re really excited to introduce the new 10K route this year for participants that would like more of a challenge.
Every pound raised will make a difference to the families being cared for this Christmas. Every participant will be helping patients, and their families enjoy the festive season together, and make memories that they can treasure.
Early bird entry (closes 22nd October) is adults: £12, under 18s: £8, family ticket: £35 (includes 2 adults & 2 under 18s).
Advanced entry (closes 3rd December) is adults: £16 Under 18s: £10 Family ticket: £45 (includes2 adults & 2 under 18s).
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.
11th October 2023
Nathan George goes the distance for Pilgrims Hospices
Nathan George (20) from High Halden took on a remarkable challenge, and successfully completed the South Coast 100K Ultra Challenge on Saturday 2nd September. Nathan was inspired to do something incredible for charity after some of his friends and family had been cared for by his local Pilgrims Hospice. He wanted to say thank you by giving back to the much-loved local charity. Through the support of his workplace, family and friends, Nathan raised a fantastic £2,747!
Nathan explained that Pilgrims is very close to his heart, he said: “I chose to support Pilgrims because of the outstanding work they do in my local community. I know people who have been in their care, and I recognise they are getting the best care possible. I know a few workers from the hospice, and they are some of the kindest, most thoughtful and greatly skilled people, and so personally everything aligned.”
Not only has Nathan successfully completed his Ultra Challenge, he has also achieved a huge personal milestone. Nathan explained: “For the past two years I have been on a fitness journey, I’m now more healthy, and have achieved a massive weight loss, going from 18.03 to 12.10 stones. I wanted to end this chapter of my life with an extreme challenge, and an ultra-marathon sounded like a great idea. I would be able to see what I’m truly capable of physically and mentally, whilst also raising money towards an important charity”.
Nathan wants to inspire others to set themselves their own challenge, he explained: “I never believed I was capable of achieving anything like that. Now after giving it a go for a year, I can say from experience, that with a little bit of a plan and a good mindset, you can achieve anything.”
He went on to share his fundraising tips and tricks, and said that he created a JustGiving page online, and posted some sponsorship forms on the walls of his workplace, the Garden Restaurant. He said: “People were intrigued, asked me how the training was going, and how they could get involved in sponsoring me. By sharing and talking about my challenge, the community grew and grew, and continued throughout the year.
I chose to support Pilgrims because of the outstanding work they do in my local community
Nathan
“Then, at 8:00am on Saturday 2nd September, I took my first step of the marathon, with the good luck wishes of everyone ringing in my ears. The challenge was without a doubt the hardest task I’d ever attempted, but knowing how many people I had backing me and the great cause, this carried me through the challenge.
“At 4:30pm on Sunday 3rd September, I limped over the finishing line. I had completed everything I’d set out to do nine months earlier. In the end, I raised £2,747 through the generosity of my family, friends and the lovely customers from my workplace.
“This journey has been my life over the past year, and I am overwhelmed by the community. We’ve raised a staggering amount of money and I am so proud of what WE have done. I would like to end on a special thanks to my Mum, Dad, Brother, Nan, Auntie, the customers and staff of the Garden Restaurant, and my best mates Olly and Josh. They all went above and beyond to aid me in this journey, and none of this would have been possible without them.”
Nathan hopes to inspire others to step up and do something amazing for Pilgrims Hospices, and believes that everyone can do anything they put their mind to.
Feeling inspired by Nathan’s story, and ready to go the distance for Pilgrims Hospices? You can sign up to your own Ultra Challenge, and choose from the Isle of Wight, Jurassic Coast or Thames Path challenge, as well as many more! Ultra-Challenge is famous for laying on the best support and hospitality, enabling you to confidently tackle your challenge with the best chance of success.
If you’d like to find out more about the Ultra Challenges or register to take part, please contact: [email protected] or sign up today: Events and Challenges
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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. 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.
10th October 2023
Funtastic Colour Run fundraiser for Pilgrims Hospices
Was a funtastic success for Pilgrims Hospices as the Thanet 5K Colour Run took centre stage at Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday, October 1st, 2023. With over 400 Pilgrims Hospices supporters participating and raising an impressive £200k plus in the seven years the event has taken place for hospice end-of-life care in east Kent, it’s clear that the event made a significant impact.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices, Community Fundraising Manager, and the entire team deserve commendation for their hard work and dedication in organising such a successful event. It’s heart-warming to see the community coming together on a spectacular day in Cliftonville.
It was exciting to see families and friends coming together to enjoy a super fun day while also supporting a local charity. The fact that the weather was spectacular only added to the joy and vibrancy of the occasion.
A brilliant way to kick off the Colour Run event was with fitness expert Jennie who did a fun warm-up for all. The dynamic and energetic warm-up session was full of fun dance moves, and prepared everyone for the colourful and exciting spectacle ahead. With cool dance music playing, participants were encouraged to move, stretch, and get their hearts pumping, creating a lively atmosphere.
Karen said: “The money raised today will undoubtedly go a long way in providing crucial support and care for those in need in the community. The Thanet 5K Colour Run is not only a fantastic way to raise money but also a beautiful example of how communities can unite for a great cause. A huge ‘High Five’ to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
Karen added: “I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our sponsors – Thanet Earth, Stagecoach, Copyshop and Mini Stores in Deal. Also, thank you for the support of Margate Ambulance, Academy Radio, Isle of Thanet, Frank Leppard for his incredible photos, Charles our DJ, and Kerry on the drone, and lastly to the Pilgrims staff and volunteers who help me to make this event so special. I think I can truly say we’ve all had a real colour blast of a day today and we couldn’t run the event without everyone’s wonderful support, thank you all once again!”
A huge ‘High Five’ to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
Other promos for future events.
Look out for our Christmas Tree Recycling event in the new year 5th – 8th January 2024 and please do follow us on our Pilgrims Hospice Thanet Fundraising for all our events, including the smaller evenings out!
Each year Pilgrims’ gives care to thousands of people across east Kent. 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 approximately £11 million each year from the generous local community.
20th September 2023
Get ready to splash into fun and make a difference at the Thanet 5k Colour Run 2023!
Dust off your running shoes and prepare to be drenched in a riot of colours at the Thanet 5k Colour Run, happening on October 1st, at Palm Bay Green, Cliftonville, Margate. This vibrant event promises an unforgettable day of fun, fitness, and fundraising, all in support of a great cause – Pilgrims Hospices.
It’s back and offering an exhilarating experience for participants of all ages. Whether you’re a serious athlete or just looking for a unique way to have fun, this event has something for everyone, a colourful 5k run or walk suitable for all fitness levels.
Participants can kick off the fun with a musical warm-up before embarking on a 5k route with colour stations, where they will be showered with safe and vibrant coloured powders. It’s a visual spectacle like no other, transforming ordinary runners into living works of art! Don’t worry; these colours are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for all.
Bethesda Medical Centre, Palm Bay, Margate has entered their team of 19 colour fun runners including staff, family, along with three of their doctors taking part on the day too!
Caroll, Bethesda Practice Finance Manager told us: “This is the first time we as a Surgery have taken part in a Colour Run, one of the staff spotted the event promotion, and we’ve signed up to get involved. Although I’m unable to take part on this occasion, I know the team are really looking forward to it! Our Practice Manager, myself and 2 other staff members took part in the Pilgrims Folkestone Downs Challenge recently and raised over £200 in sponsorship. As a Surgery, we are always keen to support our local hospice when we can.”
Caroll added: “On a personal note, my father passed away in May this year, after a short illness, and I cannot thank Pilgrims Hospices enough for the care that he received, as well as the help and support that myself and my mum received. At my dad’s funeral we asked for donations to Pilgrims rather than flowers, and we raised just short of £500; mum received a lovely thank you letter for this from Pilgrims.”
The Thanet Colour Run isn’t just about fun; it’s also about making a meaningful impact on our community. All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting Pilgrims Hospices care, a charity dedicated to providing vital care and support to individuals and their families facing life-limiting illnesses. Your participation directly contributes to improving the lives of those in need.
Share your colourful journey using #thanetcolourrun
Karen – Pilgrims
Event organiser Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “Our goal is to bring our community together for a day of fun while supporting a vital cause. We want participants to not only enjoy themselves, but also feel proud of contributing to Pilgrims Hospices care.”
So, mark your calendars for October 1st, 2023, and get ready to run, laugh, and make a difference at the Thanet 5k Colour Run! Follow us on social media at FBK @pilgrimshospices Insta @pilgrimshospices, for updates and share your colourful journey using #thanetcolourrun.
Your support means everything to the people we care for. Around 75% of our funding comes from the generous community. With your help we can continue to offer quality end-of-life care and our full range of wellbeing activities. 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.
Not only has Nathan successfully completed his Ultra Challenge, he has also achieved a huge personal milestone. Nathan explained: “For the past two years I have been on a fitness journey, I’m now more healthy, and have achieved a massive weight loss, going from 18.03 to 12.10 stones. I wanted to end this chapter of my life with an extreme challenge, and an ultra-marathon sounded like a great idea. I would be able to see what I’m truly capable of physically and mentally, whilst also raising money towards an important charity”.
