Supporters enjoyed Pilgrims Hospices It’s a Knockout event at Government Acre, Ramsgate on Sunday 19 May 2019.
The Thanet hospice fundraising team has run this much-loved event for the past seven years; generating vital funds for hospice care and an opportunity for friends, families and local businesses to take on some crazy antics and compete against each team for that most important winner’s medal.
Teams took part in the hilarious bouncy obstacle courses, wet and dry challenges as well as fancy dress, each team taking a chance and playing their joker cards to win top points. The laughter was infectious as the teams competed to win while supporting the much-loved local charity.
You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
Teams from around the area took part including SPH Charity Team (Spencer Private Hospitals) from Margate. They supported the event again because each member of the team has known someone who has been supported by Pilgrims Hospices.
The English Roses team said: “We took part to help raise vital funds to help support the amazing care provided at Pilgrims Hospices; one of our team members, Maxine White, is a Health Care Assistant (HCA) at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, what a brilliant day we’ve had.”
Nicola Williams, team captain of Nic’s Knockouts from Ramsgate, said: “We love this event and so want to win this year; I have also made a joker this year of Donald Trump.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager and organiser of the event, said: “This really is a fun event with many supporters returning each year, some of the jokers are hilarious.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended either by taking part, sponsoring their team members, spectators who came along to cheer the teams, the staff and volunteers for helping run our fun stalls, Margate ambulance, catering teams and our very own Knockout team members, and to those who made or dressed up as mascots to help their teams double points.
“Your wonderful support will enable us to continue to provide palliative care for the next person who needs it, both within the hospice and at home. Last year the event raised an incredible £16,400. Early indications show that this year’s event has raised around £5,000 with further sponsorship still to come in.”
Karen added: “It costs just over £6,800 a day to run each of our three hospice inpatient units, so community support from events like this makes a huge difference to our charity.
The winning team was Nic’s Knockouts (they did it, so competitive) and runners up were Broadstairs Business Club and The Wibbly Wobbly Marauders, with team English Roses coming in the last place and receiving wooden spoons.
“Everyone who supported the event received a medal from Pilgrims Hospices, whatever place they finished, as a huge thank you for taking part. You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.”
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds 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 and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
17th May 2019
Local fundraising group raises thousands for hospice care
The Bramling Fundraising Group based in Canterbury has once again excelled in its fundraising for Pilgrims, raising £11,600 during 2018 for local hospice care and taking its total to over £78,000!
The group was formed in 2003 when locals Kim and Jo Tatman, who were new to the village of Bramling, decided to bring back some community spirit by organising a local village fete. Pilgrims was the local cause they chose to fundraise for.
Kim, Group Coordinator, said: “Bramling village didn’t appear to have any events when we arrived and so between us and our neighbours we set about planning a village fete. It was clear that Pilgrims is a cause that is close to so many people’s hearts so we knew it would be a deserving cause to support.”
We are all determined to continue our support and we hope to reach the magic milestone of £100,000.
Kim Tatman, Bramling Fundraising Group
Over the last 15 years, their fundraising has grown and the variety of fundraising activities organised include race nights, produce shows, quiz nights, Elvis nights and lots more.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager, said: “We are overwhelmed by the support that Kim, Jo and their friends in the Bramling Fundraising Group give to Pilgrims each year. It is great to see a community work together for one cause with so much passion and energy.
“As the group go into their 16th year, we hear that a skydive might be on the cards as well as sponsored runs, walks and garden parties!”
Kim added: “We are all determined to continue our support and we hope to reach the magic milestone of £100,000 in a couple of years.”
If you are inspired by the Bramling Fundraising Group and feel that you would like to start a fundraising group in your local area, please get in touch with Leila Ilkhan for more information: [email protected].
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 to continue caring for local people at the end of their lives.
7th August 2018
Sun shines brightly on Pilgrims’ Summer Garden Party
With many visitors to the Summer Garden Party held in the grounds of Pilgrims Hospice Ashford on Saturday 4 August, the day proved to be a roaring success and is set to raise more than £18,000 in vital funds for the charity.
This year saw more sumptuous afternoon teas than ever being enjoyed by visitors, along with the wonderful teddy bear’s picnic, a new addition to the hospice’s wildflower garden. Whether you were encouraged to fish for a bottle, enjoy a reflexology treatment or try your luck on a tombola, there was something for everyone.
This is such a fantastic event. So many of our staff and volunteers all come together as a team to make the Garden Party a success. It’s wonderful to walk around our gardens and see everyone smiling and having fun. Thank you to everyone who helped make a difference for our charity.
Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager
During the afternoon Pilgrims Hospices Healthcare Assistant, Sarah Smith, braved the clippers and had her head shaved to raise even more funds for hospice patients. Local companies also showed their support, including KDC Power Utilities who donated an iPad, helping to raise nearly £4,000 through the Summer Grand Draw.
Sarah Smith had her head shaved to raise vital funds for Pilgrims
Hospice Services Manager, Wendy Kelk, was one of more than 150 volunteers on the day and said, “This is such a fantastic event. So many of our staff and volunteers all come together as a team to make the Garden Party a success. It’s wonderful to walk around our gardens and see everyone smiling and having fun. Thank you to everyone who helped make a difference for our charity.”
Maria Martin, who attended with her young son, Oscar, said: “The afternoon’s excitement began the moment Oscar realised he could go on the free park and ride bus to get to the hospice – he would have stayed and gone round and round all afternoon! He loved the children’s games too, especially fishing for ducks.”
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
26th July 2018
Pilgrims Vintage Tea and Fair is a scorcher
Westgate Gardens in Canterbury filled with 100s of locals and visitors from across east Kent on Saturday afternoon for the annual Pilgrims Hospices Vintage Tea and Fair. The temperature soared into the high 20s as cream teas and ice creams were purchased in aid of the charity that supports end of life care in local towns and villages. The event is set to match the £5,500 figure raised last year.
While some enjoyed jazz music from The Ruby Sisterz and close up magic from Stuart Weller on the patio with tea and cake, others took part in the traditional games and purchased treasures from stalls that were set out across the gardens.
Stuart said: “I support Pilgrims Hospices charity because of the free care they offer people who suffer illnesses that limit their life, along with the support they give to their families as well. It’s such a great charity.”
Pilgrims Hospices retail team provided a wonderful array of pre-loved clothing, hats, and accessories for visitors to purchase. Tim Stewart, Pilgrims Retail Manager, said: “We brought along a variety of stock from our many shops, including lots of lovely vintage items in keeping with the day. The sales on the day generated around £750, all helping to pay for the vital care of hospice patients and their families.”
This year the event saw many new attractions alongside the regular array of traditional jams and chutneys and homemade cakes, luxury craft stalls and fabulous raffle prizes.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager for Canterbury, said: “The temperatures have been record-breaking and we really thank our amazing volunteers for all the support they gave on the day with setting up the stalls, tables and chairs, servicing refreshments, running stalls and so much more.
“We wouldn’t be able to run this lovely event without their support, and of course the support of our wonderful corporate sponsors’ whose help allow us to allocate every £1 raised on the day to hospice care on our wards, within the community and in patients’ homes.
Staff and volunteers dressed in 30s, 40s and 50s styles and were entertained by a variety of singers, musicians and dancers at this vintage-themed event.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from the end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
18th July 2018
With the summer comes Pilgrims Vintage Tea and Fair
Once again, Tower House at Westgate Gardens, Canterbury will be transformed into a venue for the annual Pilgrims Hospices Vintage Tea and Fair on Saturday 21 July between 12pm – 4pm.
After the roaring success of last year’s event, Pilgrims would like supporters and friends to join them again for a cream tea with homemade cakes, luxury vintage craft stalls and more. The much-loved traditional tea party raises valuable funds, which provide care for people within the community who are terminally ill and need Pilgrims support.
Last year the event raised almost £5,500, helping to provide nursing care, equipment and care within the community and in peoples’ homes. Your support again at this year’s event will help the Pilgrims Hospices charity to continue this good work.
Leila Ilkhan, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, said: “Last year saw 100’s of visitors enjoying our traditional vintage summer fair. This year, our staff and volunteers will dress in 30s 40s and 50s styles and we welcome any visitors to do the same if they wish.
We have many new attractions, including jazz singers and musicians, dancers, funfair games, face painting and a wonderful new children’s story corner to name a few.
Leila Ilkhan, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury
“We have many new attractions, including jazz singers and musicians, dancers, funfair games, face painting and a wonderful new children’s story corner to name a few. Our regular array of traditional jams and chutneys, plant stall and luxury craft stalls, along with some fabulous raffle prizes, will also be there.
“We are really excited to be welcome Stuart Weller, a close-up magician, to our special day. Stuart will entertain, enthrall and baffle our visitors with his tricks.”
Stuart said: “I support the Pilgrims Hospices charity because of the free care they offer to people who suffer illnesses that limit their life, along with the support they give to their families as well. Such a great charity.”
Headline sponsors Regal Estates has kindly supported Pilgrims by sponsoring the event. This means that every £1 from donations, raffle tickets and purchases on the day will go directly to Pilgrims care. Rob Brady, Sales and Lettings Director for Regal Estates, said: “We have supported this fantastic event now for three years running, alongside other Pilgrims events. Our continued support for Pilgrims means a lot to many staff members. We would encourage anyone to pop down, have a cream tea and maybe try winning something on a stall. We also have the main raffle tickets available for sale at our office.”
Our continued support for Pilgrims means a lot to many staff members.
Rob Brady, Sales and Lettings Director, Regal Estates“
Pilgrims retail charity shops team of staff and volunteers will also have a grand selection of beautiful outfits, hats and costume jewellery, plus much more for visitors to purchase on the day.
Leila added, “I’m very fortunate to have such a lovely group of volunteers who help me to prepare the refreshments and stalls for the event. There will be plenty to entertain everyone. I’m really looking forward to the event; thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help make the event so special.”
If you’d like to make a donation for the event or find out more about Vintage Tea and Fair, email [email protected] or call 01227 812 621.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from the end of life care given on its wards to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
31st May 2018
Kent Police make touching tribute to a colleague and donation to Pilgrims
Police officers across the Kent Police force took on Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on 6 May in tribute to and in memory of their colleague Leigh Harris, who passed away at the age of 37 years from cancer. Police colleagues both serving and retired raised more than £7,825 for Pilgrims.
Officer Dean Quinn presented the cheque to Cate Russell, Pilgrims Chief Executive, at the Ashford hospice. Dean said: “We are so pleased to hand over our donation; friends and colleagues have been very generous in supporting our Kent Blue Solidarity Ride. Leigh was a much-loved officer and sadly taken from us too soon.
Leigh was a much-loved officer and sadly taken from us too soon.
Dean
Since the presentation took place the officers have raised a further £900 and estimate they could reach a fundraising figure as high as £10,000 for Pilgrims. You can still make a donation on the team’s JustGiving page to help Dean and his colleagues achieve their goal.
Retired police offer, Mark Chambers, wrote a poem in memory of Leigh; it was a touching tribute and Pilgrims is pleased to share his special words.
Kent Blue Handlebar Ribbons
Some rode rich bikes all gold carbon fibre
Others rode steel frames worth just a fiver
Some full of aches needed pain-killing pills
Others found it easy; sprinting up hills
Some had done training; strong preparation
Others rode doggedly; sheer desperation
Some rode in lycra geared up for a race
Others in leisure-wear set novice pace
Some powered-on drinking soda and lime
Others used cider to soften each climb
A few sometimes wished they’d just caught the bus,
But rode for a brother – for one of us.
They rode to share in some real solidarity
All rode for the hospice, but we all rode for Leigh.
Kent Blue team who took part in Cycle Challenge 2018 in memory of PC Leigh Harris
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices Fundraising Manger, said: “It was a very poignant meeting with the officers. The poem was a wonderful tribute and the fundraising cheque will make an enormous contribution to the number of people we can support on our wards and within the community.”
It was a very poignant meeting with the officers. The poem was a wonderful tribute.
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices Fundraising Manager
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
