Local family-run hairdressing business raise over £100k for Pilgrims Hospices
Each year, Steven James Hairdressing in Canterbury and Faversham hold a Christmas raffle in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
With a range of prizes on offer to win, it is always eagerly anticipated by their customers, and everyone gets into the festive spirit.
2025 was a bumper year, and the team raised £5,735 for Pilgrims, bringing their fundraising total to date to £102,521.
Steven Flower, who runs the hair salon on Castle Street, Canterbury said:
“Our association with Pilgrims began more than 40 years ago when a family friend was admitted. The love and care he received was outstanding, as was the support shown to his family.”
The prizes on offer include restaurant meals, the use of a brand-new car for the weekend, as well as donation of an iPad by one generous customer, and much more.
Tickets are always on sale in the barbers, run by Jason, the salon, run by Steven on Castle Street, Canterbury and the salon in Faversham, which is run by James.
Steven James Hairdressing has had a long presence in the Canterbury and Faversham business community.
The dynasty began in 1908 with Henry Flower, who opened up a barbers in Palace Street, Canterbury. Historically, Henry’s wife became established as the first female barber in the country, and after having two sons, Ernest and Bertram, the business expanded, with each opening up their own shops in Canterbury.
Five generations of hairdressers have worked at the helm of the salons, including Jim, who followed in his father’s footsteps in 1962, opening up his own shop in 1985, naming it Steven James after his two sons, who now own the Canterbury and Faversham shops respectively.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims, said:
“We are so proud to have the support of Steven James Hairdressing who have been part of the hospice for almost as long as we have opened our doors. Thank you to Steven, James, Jim and Jason and to all of their wonderful customers who each year raise this incredible sum of money for the hospice.”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
16th January 2026
Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Tree Recycling campaign raises a record breaking £84,000 for end-of-life care
Pilgrims Hospices’ annual Tree Recycling campaign has once again been a tree-mendous success, giving more than 4,600 Christmas trees a second life and raising over £84,000 to help provide specialist end-of-life care for local people across east Kent.
Over the weekend, volunteers were out in force across Canterbury, Thanet, and Ashford, collecting trees directly from doorsteps. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, local residents, and businesses, this year’s total has surpassed expectations – helping to fund vital care for patients and their families.
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Sue Sharp, Director of Marketing and Income Generation, with the ITV Meridian News team at the Canterbury hospice site
More than 125 incredible volunteers took part, supported by local businesses who kindly donated their time, vans, and equipment free of charge. Pilgrims staff also worked throughout the weekend to make sure collections ran smoothly and efficiently.
At the Canterbury hospice site, chipping services were once again kindly donated by the father-and-son team at D. Parr Tree Surgeons, who have a personal connection to the hospice’s care.
Sue Sharp, Director of Marketing and Income Generation at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“This campaign is all about community spirit – turning festive trees into vital care for families in east Kent. Every tree collected helps fund essential hospice services, and we couldn’t do it without our incredible volunteers, supporters, and local businesses.”
All collected trees were processed in an environmentally friendly way – mapped for the most efficient routes, chipped, and reused for landscaping, composting, and even in the hospice’s own gardens.
Since the campaign began in Ashford 14 years ago, over 25,000 trees have been collected and more than £450,000 raised for Pilgrims Hospices.
It’s a brilliant way for communities to recycle, celebrate, and make a difference – one tree at a time!
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
18th December 2025
Ho Ho Ho and away they go! Santas take over Herne Bay for Pilgrims Hospices run
More than 1,100 Santas brought festive cheer to Herne Bay seafront on Sunday 14 December 2025, as Pilgrims Hospices’ much-loved Santas on the Run! returned for another jolly fundraising success.
Organised by Rachael Edmed, Senior Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, the event welcomed runners, walkers and joggers of all abilities to take on 3K, 5K and 10K routes, all in support of vital hospice care across east Kent.
With spectacular sunshine for this time of year, the festive fundraiser truly kick-started the Christmas season, as a sea of red suits set off along the promenade at 11am, cheered on by spectators enjoying the joyful atmosphere.
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This year’s event saw 1,108 participants take part, with £28,567.80 raised so far, expecting to rise to in the region of £40,000. Over £240,000 has been raised since the event began – helping Pilgrims Hospices continue to provide compassionate care and support for patients and families living with terminal illness.
The celebrations were brought to life by fantastic local entertainment, with MC Graham Burns and Herne Bay radio station, Cabin FM, playing a huge part in keeping the festive energy high throughout the morning. Runners were also treated to the uplifting sounds of Samba Pelo Mar, while The Grinch made a mischievous appearance, spreading laughter and festive fun.
The Grinch made a special appearance
A lively warm-up session, led by Pip Smith from Active Life, got the Santas moving and ready ahead of the start, ensuring everyone was well prepared for their festive dash along the seafront.
Pilgrims Hospices would like to thank everyone who took part, volunteered, entertained, supported and cheered from the side-lines, helping to make Santas on the Run! such a memorable community event.
As the charity heads into the festive season, Pilgrims Hospices sends heartfelt thanks to all supporters and wishes everyone a very happy Christmas, with gratitude for the incredible support shown throughout 2025.
Rachael Edmed, Senior Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, said:
“Santas on the Run! was truly magical this year. Seeing over 1,100 Santas come together, smiling, laughing and supporting Pilgrims Hospices was incredibly special.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who took part, our amazing volunteers, Herne Bay radio, Samba Pelo Mar, our warm-up leader from Active Life, and of course everyone who donated. Your support helps us continue providing vital hospice care to families across east Kent – thank you, and have a wonderful Christmas.”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
27th November 2025
Thousands raised at Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair
Hundreds attended the Pilgrims Hospices annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 22 November 2025 held at PGL Beyond, Grosvenor Hall, Ashford, where over £14,500 was raised.
Visitors enjoyed delicious refreshments, festive music, and games galore. There was lots to keep children entertained in the craft corner, including decorating a gingerbread shape and painting a plate. Father Christmas and his elves managed to find the time to join us and handed out presents to lots of excited children.
Many local companies and organisations showed their support and donated towards the weekend. With special thanks to PGL Beyond, Kingswood, Grosvenor Hall for the use of their wonderful venue, and our sponsor, Ultima Care.
Community Fundraising Manager, Louise Newman, said:
“A huge thank you from the Pilgrims Fundraising team. We really couldn’t make these amazing events happen without your help. We are grateful to everyone who donated items or joined us on the day; it was a fantastic day and an amazing amount was raised. With the support of over 90 volunteers, we have been able to raise vital funds for Pilgrims!”
Our next Ashford event is our Christmas Tree Recycling campaign, which is a great opportunity to get your real Christmas tree collected by our teams of Pilgrims volunteers. Find out more atpilgrimshospices.org/treerecycling.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
23rd November 2025
Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospices Race raises £2,362 for local hospice care
Photograph: Alistair Barnett of Broadstairs Sailing Club
Pilgrims Hospice Thanet is delighted to have received an annual donation of £2,362 from the Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race, held at Broadstairs Sailing Club over the August bank holiday weekend.
The cheque was presented to Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, by Michael Todd, Vice Commodore of Broadstairs Sailing Club.
Michael shared the origins of the event:
“The Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race was created in memory of Broadstairs Sailing Club member and former Flag Officer, Steve Dyson, who sadly passed away on 25 August 2008. Steve spent his final days at the Margate hospice, where he received exceptional care. In gratitude, the Club felt it only right to give something back.
“What began as a tribute to Steve has grown into a celebration of all our past members, including those from the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Minnis Bay Sailing Club, Margate Yacht Club and Downs Sailing Club, whose sailors continue to support the race each year.
“For the past 17 years, the Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race has taken place every August bank holiday, featuring three back-to-back races. Entry is by donation, and all proceeds – including bar takings and buffet meal donations – go directly to Pilgrims Hospices.
“We are fortunate to have a major sponsor, Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds’), who generously provide a free 72-pint barrel of Seasider each year. This year, we were also kindly supported by Pips Cider, who donated two polypins of cider.
“To date, the Dyson Dash has raised an amazing £39,375.09 for the Margate hospice. We are incredibly proud of our ongoing connection with Pilgrims Hospices and look forward to supporting them for many years to come.”
Karen expressed her thanks on behalf of the charity:
“We would like to thank everyone who has organised, sponsored and supported this wonderful event over the past 17 years. These incredible donations have helped to fund more than 1,575 hours of specialist care, both in our hospice and in patients’ own homes.
“We simply couldn’t provide our services without your continued generosity. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. There is also a 24-hour advice line.
6th November 2025
Alexa melts our hearts with her incredible achievement that began in 2024
Alexa Bolger from Westgate-on-Sea has been raising funds for Pilgrims Hospices after loved ones and family friends received the charity’s kind and caring support.
Alexa with her fundraising certificate
During the school summer holidays, Alexa’s grandma, Betty (“Gan Gan”), gave her £10 pocket money, which she used to buy clay beads to make colourful bracelets. Alexa set up a little stall outside her home and sold her creations, raising an amazing £218 for Pilgrims in just five days – thanks to the kindness of passersby, neighbours and family who all stopped to support her.
Now, we’re thrilled to share that Alexa has gone even further and smashed her fundraising target of £1,000, reaching an incredible total of £1,001 for Pilgrims Hospices!
Alexa said:
“I want to help people who are poorly and need Pilgrims’ care so they can be a little bit happier in the time they have left. I hope my fundraising helps to buy medicine for them and the care they need.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, added:
“Alexa came to see us in August 2024 with a donation of £218 from her bracelet sales, which she raised by asking family, friends and neighbours for small donations to support our hospice services. Since then, she has taken her idea to school and continued to raise funds, including selling bracelets at last year’s Thanet 5k Colour Run, where she raised an additional £150 on the day.
“On 30 October 2025, I was absolutely delighted to announce that Alexa had reached her goal – and even gone past it!
“Alexa truly is a little superstar. To be just nine years old and so passionate about helping others is wonderful to see. Everyone at Pilgrims – along with her mum, Clare, her family, friends, and even her neighbours who’ve supported her every step of the way – are so proud of her amazing achievement.
“Thank you, Alexa, for my handmade Christmas cracker and charm – they were so thoughtful and will take pride of place on my Christmas tree this year! You always bring a smile to my face and melt my heart every time I see you.”
If you’ve been inspired by Alexa and would like to fundraise for Pilgrims in the Thanet area, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager:
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, providing services from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in people’s own homes.
