Pilgrims Hospices blooms to victory with Best Float at Hythe Venetian Fête
A glowing sunflower, buzzing bees and a whole lot of community spirit helped Pilgrims Hospices celebrate a memorable evening at this year’s Hythe Venetian Fête, where the charity was crowned Best Float 2026.
What started as a simple sketch on paper has become one of the most talked-about entries in Hythe’s historic floating procession, delighting thousands of spectators lining the Royal Military Canal.
The award-winning float was the brainchild of Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager for Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford, who first dreamed up the idea after attending the fête two years ago.
“After seeing the incredible floats and the wonderful atmosphere, I remember thinking how amazing it would be if Pilgrims Hospices could be part of it one day,” said Lou. “To go from that first little sketch to winning Best Float is just incredible.”
Inspired by Pilgrims Hospices’ beautiful hospice gardens, Lou created a vibrant sunflower-themed float celebrating everything the charity stands for: compassion, hope, and helping families make the most of every moment.
The sunflowers also carried a particularly special meaning for Pilgrims Hospices. As a familiar symbol of remembrance, they reflect the charity’s annual In Memory events, where families and friends come together to remember loved ones and celebrate the lives they shared. The illuminated sunflowers on the float offered a colourful reminder that while someone may no longer be with us, their memory continues to shine brightly.
Alongside the sunflowers, cheerful bees and colourful garden scenes reflected the peaceful spaces so many patients and loved ones know across Pilgrims’ hospices.
The float came to life thanks to the generosity, creativity and hard work of volunteers, staff and supporters from across the Ashford community. Volunteer John joined Lou on the canal early on the day to help build the float, ready for the evening procession.
Even the weather couldn’t dampen spirits.
After torrential rain threatened proceedings, the clouds cleared just in time for the parade, with sunshine returning as beautifully decorated floats glided along the canal to huge applause from packed banks.
“It was such a special evening,” Lou added. “Seeing families, supporters, volunteers and local residents cheering us on reminded us exactly why community events like this matter. Pilgrims Hospices belongs to the people of east Kent, and this felt like a celebration of everyone who supports us.”
Every year, Pilgrims Hospices must raise millions of pounds to provide compassionate end-of-life care and support for thousands of patients and families across east Kent. Community fundraising events, volunteers, and local supporters help ensure that care remains free for everyone who needs it.
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Rachael Fagg, Community Fundraising Officer at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“This wasn’t just about winning an award, it was about raising awareness of the care Pilgrims Hospices provides every day. The response from the crowd was amazing, and we hope our sunflower float reminded people that their support helps local families receive comfort, dignity and expert care when they need it most.”
Pilgrims Hospices would like to thank everyone who helped bring the float to life, the Hythe Venetian Fête committee and volunteers for organising another spectacular community event, and everyone who cheered on the sunflower float along the canal.
Because when east Kent comes together, wonderful things happen.
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.
7th August 2026
Will you support Pilgrims?
Isabel Smith, Senior Trusts Fundraiser, with Ryan Crown and Adrian Button from the Hospital Saturday Fund
Supporting a charity through your business is a sustainable way to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices whilst increasing brand visibility at the same time.
A commercial partnership simply means raising money for a charity through product sales or service delivery, and is an easy way to embed fundraising into your daily activity. Whether you are a big corporate or a small family-run business, this is a partnership that can work for you.
Our Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, Leila Ilkhan, will guide you every step of the way, ensuring the partnership is tailored to suit your business needs and putting in place the necessary agreements. All you have to do is share how your business is making a difference in the community by doing what you do best.
Could Pilgrims Hospices be your 2027 Charity of the Year?
£30,000 for 300 years
Earlier this year, we were delighted to celebrate an extraordinary year of fundraising support from Furley Page Solicitors. The law firm marked a very special anniversary and chose Pilgrims as their 2026 Charity of the Year. From climbing the Three Peaks to hosting in-house events, the team raised a staggering amount of money. Through this support, a number of projects have been made possible, including equipment for Pilgrims’ community nurses, complementary therapy teams, and furniture to make our family lounge in the Canterbury hospice feel extra homely.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, with Aaron Spencer, Partner and Head of Private Client and Chair of the Furley Page Foundation
See more ways that your business can support Pilgrims:
Sarah and Danny from Injection Development Garage Services in Hersden have been committed supporters of the hospice for many years. Each year, the team sit down with our partnerships team to decide on the year’s fundraising activities.
Driving forward hospice care
This year, Sarah and Danny decided to make a donation for every engine service completed during the summer months. This is a great way for clients to feel part of supporting a charity, boost business revenue, and requires little time to run.
The team at SGS Energy based in Thanet has recently come on board as a Pilgrims Partner by pledging to make a donation for every domestic solar installation carried out.
What we’ve funded recently
Our Trusts fundraising team work closely with departments across the charity, creating a wish list of projects and items needed to deliver our services. Many of the pieces of equipment used in our hospices are funded through donations, and we would like to say thank you to the Trusts and Foundations that have supported our work.
Earlier this year, the Hospital Saturday Fund donated £2,000 to fund a bladder scanner. This piece of equipment means our nurses can preserve patient dignity and manage their pain non-invasively.
A donation of £30,000 from the Albert Hunt Trust also helped our team to buy 25 syringe drivers, which are used on our inpatient units, providing continuous medication to help manage symptoms and provide comfort to patients.
The Cantiacorum Foundation funded our Tiles of Joy project, which welcomed patients, carers and people who attend our bereavement groups to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting on what brings them happiness. This project helped participants to relax and be part of a wider meaningful experience.
Find out more about the support we receive from Trusts and Foundations:
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to talk to our fundraising team about how you can get involved with supporting the hospice, email [email protected].
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.
22nd July 2026
Sunflower Memories brings our communities together to remember loved ones
Hundreds of supporters came together across our three hospices for Sunflower Memories 2026.
On Saturday 18 July 2026, our hospice gardens at Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford were filled with sunshine, smiles and special memories as supporters came together for Sunflower Memories.
This beautiful annual event gives families and friends the opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those who mean so much, while creating a special place where memories can be shared and cherished.
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This year, 624 sunflower dedications decorated our hospice grounds, each one representing a loved one, a treasured memory, and a personal story. The displays created a beautiful sea of colour across our gardens, offering a place for quiet reflection, connection and remembrance.
More than 750 people joined us during the afternoon for a lovely opportunity to spend time together, enjoy live music, share memories and relax over a cup of tea. For many visitors, it was a chance to pause and reflect; for others, it was a comforting reminder that they are part of a wider community of people who understand the importance of remembering someone special.
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Thanks to every sunflower dedication and the incredible generosity of our supporters, Sunflower Memories has raised over £30,000 for Pilgrims Hospices. This wonderful support will help us continue providing compassionate care for local people living with a life-limiting illness, while also supporting their families and loved ones when they need us most.
Whether you joined us in our hospice gardens, dedicated a sunflower from home, or supported the event in another way, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you.
Every sunflower helped to create something truly special, and every donation helps ensure Pilgrims can continue to be there for people across east Kent who need our care and support.
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.
22nd June 2026
Spectacular sunshine and community spirit shine at Pilgrims Way Challenge 2026
Smiles, determination and spectacular summer weather made for a truly unforgettable day as more than 650 participants took part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2026 on Saturday 20 June, raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices across east Kent.
In an incredible show of community spirit and generosity, the event has already raised an amazing £135,000 so far, with funds continuing to grow as sponsorship and donations keep coming in. Every mile walked or run and every pound raised will help Pilgrims Hospices continue providing skilled, compassionate end-of-life care to local people and those closest to them.
Oliver Scott from Chilham ran the 55km route
Supporters travelled from across Kent and further afield to enjoy this much-loved annual fundraising event, choosing from three distances – 25km, 35km or the full 55km challenge – along one of England’s most historic and beautiful national trails.
With rolling countryside, picturesque villages and plenty of moments to celebrate along the route, participants embraced the challenge while helping ensure Pilgrims Hospices can continue providing skilled, compassionate end-of-life care to local people and those closest to them.
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Conditions were glorious throughout the day, with sunshine providing the perfect backdrop for the event.
Every effort was made to support participant wellbeing in the warm weather, with plentiful refreshment stops, snacks, drinks, medical support and dedicated event teams helping everyone stay safe and enjoy the experience.
Paul Harris and James Parsons from BM Ambulance Service
One team making an incredible impact was PHA – Let Loose!, a group of staff from Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, who completed the 25km Canterbury to Wye route together and have raised an outstanding £3,260 so far.
The team said:
“Despite the incredibly hot day, we had the best time! Enjoying each other’s company, we laughed a lot, tackled some challenging inclines and kept each other going, knowing every step was helping make a real difference for our patients and their families. Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored us.”
The Ashford team chose to take on the challenge because they see first-hand every day the difference Pilgrims makes to patients and their loved ones.
Pilgrims Hospices relies heavily on fundraising to help meet annual running costs of £17.5 million.
The PHA Let Loose team
Head of Fundraising, Kate Duddell, said:
“What a fantastic day! Seeing so many people come together, challenge themselves and support hospice care across east Kent was incredibly special. The atmosphere was full of encouragement, laughter and determination from start to finish.
“We’re also delighted to announce that since the event began in 2018, it has now surpassed a total of £1 million raised for hospice care in east Kent.
Thank you to every participant who signed up, fundraised and took on the challenge. A very special thank you goes to our amazing band of volunteers, from registration teams and route marshals to those running rest stops, cheering supporters on and helping behind the scenes. We simply could not hold these special fundraising events without their dedication, energy and generosity. They truly make the day possible.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge continues to be one of Pilgrims Hospices’ most popular fundraising events, helping ensure expert hospice care remains available to local families when they need it most.
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.
8th May 2026
Hundreds of cyclists ride for care in 16th Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
Cyclists of all abilities took to the roads of east Kent on Sunday 3 May 2026 for the 16th annual Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, a much-loved event that continues to bring the community together in support of local hospice care.
Riders could choose from five scenic routes: The Circuit (30 miles), The Classic (50 miles), The Challenge (75 miles), The Century (100 miles), and the ultimate test, The Epic (125 miles). Each route showcased the stunning Kent countryside, offering something for everyone, from first-time riders to seasoned cyclists.
The day began under grey skies, but spirits remained high as participants set off.
As the morning progressed, the weather brightened, making for a perfect day in the saddle. Along the routes, dedicated rest stops provided welcome refreshments, encouragement, and a chance for riders to recharge before continuing their journey.
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Behind the scenes, a huge team of volunteers worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the event and on the day itself. From carefully signing the routes and preparing rest stops, to organising snacks and cheering riders along the way, their efforts were vital to the event’s success.
Pilgrims Hospices simply could not run this important fundraising event without the generous support of local organisations, communities, as well as the incredible commitment of volunteers who give their time so freely. Special thanks are also given to the event sponsors, University of Kent Sport, Barretts and Biketart.
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Thanks to the fantastic support of 770 riders, this year’s event has already raised an outstanding £90,000 and counting as individual sponsorship continues to be sent to the charity, all raised to support Pilgrims Hospices in providing compassionate end-of-life care across east Kent.
Head of Fundraising, Kate Duddell said:
“We’re so grateful to everyone who took part, volunteered, or supported the Cycle Challenge this year. It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together, each with their own reason for riding. Every mile cycled helps us continue our vital work caring for patients and their families.”
Richard Bonsier from Ashford, who completed the 75-mile Challenge route, said:
“It’s the best ride of the year, everyone is so friendly and looks out for each other along the way.”
Richard Bonsier
Bradleigh Pettman from Margate, who cycled the 30-mile route with family members and colleagues as part of the Premier Signs team, took part in memory of his dad, Ian Pettman, owner of Premier Signs, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices. He said: “We’re proud to cycle in Dad’s memory and to support the incredible care Pilgrims provides to families like ours.”
Premier Signs team
The Cycle Challenge has become a firm fixture in the local calendar, not only for its fundraising impact but for the sense of community and shared purpose it creates.
Pilgrims Hospices extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the event such a success and looks forward to welcoming riders back again next 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. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
16th April 2026
From gigs to generosity: Neon Rush raises more than £11,700 for Pilgrims Hospices
Neon Rush, a popular Thanet-based cover band, has raised an incredible £11,742.45 for Pilgrims Hospices through a year of community fundraising under their Thanet Rocks campaign.
The idea began when the band were challenged to give something back to the community that has supported them for so many years. Rather than choosing a charity themselves, they asked their followers to decide, and the response was clear, with Pilgrims Hospices chosen as the beneficiary.
What started as a single charity gig quickly grew into a full programme of fundraising events across Thanet. Throughout 2025, the band hosted quiz nights, organised raffles with generous support from local businesses, and sold merchandise with all profits donated.
A standout moment included the “Golden Ticket” raffle, where one lucky winner received a live performance from the band.
The campaign reached its peak in September 2025 with the Thanet Rocks Charity Music Festival at the Broadstairs Pavilion. Hundreds of people attended the sold-out event, which featured local bands, solo artists and a 100-strong Rock Choir, all donating their time to support the cause.
Additional fundraising highlights included a 3 Peaks Challenge, a sponsored head shave, and craft sales, all contributing to the final total.
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Andy Bolger from Neon Rush said:
“We wanted to give something back, and by involving our community we’ve been able to achieve something really special. It shows the power of music to bring people together and make a difference.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, added:
“This incredible total reflects the passion and dedication of everyone involved. Every pound raised helps us provide vital care for patients and their families across east Kent.”
Neon Rush with Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
With their first year complete, Neon Rush has already confirmed plans to continue fundraising in 2026, including another Thanet Rocks music festival in September.
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.
