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.

    13th June 2019

    Start your summer on the right foot

    New and seasoned walkers alike will be lacing up their walking boots to join the Pilgrims Way Challenge on Saturday 22 June. With over 450 walkers already registered, the sponsored hiking event takes in the rural beauty of one of England’s oldest and least trodden national trails. With the success of the event last year, Pilgrims can now offer three distances, 25km, 35km and 55km; perfect for people of all fitness levels.


    In true Pilgrims Hospices style, walkers will be supported throughout the journey with regular, friendly rest stops for food and water, a fully signed route, and medical support.

    Hannah Sole, Pilgrims Hospices Supporter Relations Team Leader, and her family will be taking part again this year. Hannah said: “This is such a wonderful challenge. My friends and family enjoyed it so much last year, we decided to get involved again!  Everyone was so encouraging, we met some lovely people along the way and visited some perfect rest stops where we had plenty of time to relax and grab a snack or two.

    “You need to apply a little effort in some parts of the route, but the rewards are amazing. It’s a great achievement and all of the money raised from registration and sponsorship will provide care for people who need Pilgrims help.”

    The Pilgrims Way Challenge takes place on Saturday 22 June 2019.

    If you would like to join Hannah and supporters who have already registered, please visit pilgrimswaychallenge.org where you’ll find full details.

    Standard entry is £30 until 16 June 2019, or you can sign up on the day for £45.

    This fully supported event includes regular rest stops with drinks and snacks, a fully signed route, event t-shirt and a hot meal at our Canterbury hospice (the halfway point for 55km hikers) and at the Dover Castle finish.

    By taking part, you’ll be helping Pilgrims Hospices to continue with the work that is so import within the east Kent community.


    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 support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress. Click here to find out how we help.

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