The weather didn’t dampen the fun at the annual Pilgrims Summer Fair held on Saturday 7 August.
Visitors braved the rain at The Farriers Arms in Mersham, which was a new venue for 2021.
Hundreds of people still attended to show their support for the local charity who care for people and their families facing an incurable illness. Over £11,500 has been raised so far with the figure still rising.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowles and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge came to show their support for Pilgrims and the much-loved traditional fair. Deirdre Mewse, Pilgrims Fundraising Officer for the Ashford hospice said: “The Mayor and Mayoress were delightful and, despite the showers, between the sunshine they took time to speak with many of our volunteers who do such much to help with our events, along with visitors who came to join in with all the fun of the fair.”
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowle and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge with Deirdre Mewse, Fundraising Officer (Pilgrims Hospice Ashford)
Over 75 volunteers helped run a selection of stalls, activities and games on the day. There were old favourites including Bottle Fishing, The Beer Slide and new games to try including Tin Can Alley and The Paper Plane Game.
Visitors were offered a selection of delicious refreshments including afternoon teas, hog roast and Pimm’s. Faversham Ices were also there volunteering and serving a host of different ice creams.
We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year.
Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager
Magician Geoff Partner and Katie Parker-Green from Once Upon A Dream Parties also gave up their time to help entertain visitors.
Many local companies showed their support. Hallett & Co Solicitors in Ashford donated a TV for the Grand Draw, along with The Tiger Inn in Stowting who donated a £100 voucher for the Grand Draw.
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Ashford Fundraising Manager Louise Newman said: “We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year. It was great to be back holding a family event in the community we care for, whilst raising much needed funds for the hospices. Despite the challenging weather we still had a great day and we’re so grateful for all the support we received.
“Whether you volunteered on the day, donated prizes or spent your money at the fair, your contribution is extremely valued and appreciated.
“Special thanks to landlords Lindsey Best and John Hockley from The Farriers Arms who donated use of their field and supported the event from start to finish.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
15th June 2021
Mike’s Folkestone 10K fundraising for Pilgrims
Michael Moore from Elham Valley, Folkestone joined over 900 eager runners on this year’s popular 10-kilometre race from Folkestone seafront toward Hythe and back.
The regular runner decided this year, to run and raise funds for Pilgrims Hospices along the way.
Mike set aside time from his busy role as a keyworker, in a London university, to train for his charity dash and support the local charity.
My wife Jackie was formerly a nurse at Pilgrims Hospices therefore I have an understanding and insight into the amazing and inspirational work of the dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Mike
Mike Moore
Mike said: “I know how important Pilgrims is to the local community, the charity has been supporting end-of-life care in our area for more than 38 years.”
Many participants of the popular annual 10K race regularly raise valuable funds for local charities. Mike added: “I’ve always taken time to look after myself and stay fit; I’ve entered organised running events before but this was the first time I’ve run for charity. It really was a beautiful sunny day and we all set off along the Folkestone Coastal Path, and I was delighted to have been placed 400th with a finish of 1 hour and 37 seconds on the day. I’d set myself a £200 target for fundraising which I was delighted to have achieved. Thank you to those who’ve made a contribution to my JustGiving page, we now have £215 for Pilgrims.
“It was great to be cheered along by my wife Jackie and our 18 month old son.”
You can add to Mike’s JustGiving fundraising pagehere.
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.
16th April 2021
Chris has real sax appeal
Saxophonist Chris Peters can regularly be seen and heard entertaining people in Market Square Faversham, the popular local character plays his jazzy tunes to raise funds for local charity, Pilgrims Hospices. He has raised thousands in vital funds for the charity since he started in July 2018.
Chris who is happily retired now, after 50 years working in engineering as a tool room precision machinist says: “I love busking, it’s great fun. Faversham is the perfect place for me to play, I love it. I have made many new friends along the way and to bring a bit of cheer, and raise money for such a good cause makes me very happy. The volunteers in Pilgrims Hospices Faversham charity shop suggested I give it a go, so a big thank you to them, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to do it without their encouragement.
“My personal reason for wanting to support Pilgrims, is that my very good neighbour Charlie, passed away in the Canterbury hospice. He was my next door neighbour for 53 years. He was helped very much by your staff there, and I saw the care that he received. It is very obvious that the people of Faversham appreciate the hospice too, and are very supportive.”
The volunteers in Pilgrims Hospices Faversham charity shop suggested I give it a go, so a big thank you to them, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to do it without their encouragement.
Chris
Chris has always played guitar; took up clarinet some 30 years ago and then the saxophone 20 years ago. “I think I’ll stick with this now!!” He added.
He loves to play anything ‘old fashioned’ especially from 1930s to the 1950s and doesn’t have any particular favourites, as there were so many great songwriters of those times. However, he does enjoy the great tones of his favourite sax player Scott Hamilton.
“I have done a few little gigs locally, including The Yarn Dispensary, New Year’s Eve for Castella French wine bar, and a local food market for the council. I think my highlight would be when I played for a wedding at Eastwell Manor, it was really scary, but something I will never forget.” Chris added.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “A big thank you to Chris for his wonderful support for Pilgrims Hospices, which is helping our nurses, doctors and wider teams to be there for those living with a terminal illness. The support from Chris and those donating as they enjoy his music is so important to our charity and the families we care for across east Kent.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
28th January 2021
Local fundraisers hit a big milestone for Pilgrims Hospices!
Bramling Fundraising Group have been raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices since 2003 and over the years have organised fun and popular events for the whole community to enjoy. At the beginning of 2020 the calendar was filled with their regular events and activities, many of which take place in The Haywain.
The group had to quickly change focus with the news of COVID-19 and continued on by going virtual for quiz nights, creating an online community for people in lockdown. Their popular pantomime unfortunately had to cut 4 leading stars adapting to new restrictions with Snow White and the Three Dwarves and Elvis still made a glitzy, socially distanced appearance in The Haywain pub garden during the hot summer.
The group turned a challenging year into a complete triumph, reaching a special fundraising milestone. Led by Chairman Kim Tatman, the group of fantastic fundraisers have raised over £100,000 in aid of Pilgrims with a grand total of £101,129.46 since they first began.
Bramling’s support and the community spirit shown every year enables Pilgrims Hospices to continue delivering our vital work.
Leila Pilgrims
Delighted with such a successful year of fundraising, Kim said: “Generous donations boosted the coffers, we were able to beat 2019’s total raising £11,171.75, all of which has been donated to Pilgrims.
“We are hugely grateful to all who assisted and contributed, helping us to continue and adapt our fundraising.”
Canterbury Community Fundraising Manager, Leila Ilkhan said: “We are thrilled to bits that the Bramling Fundraising Group have reached such a milestone despite a challenging year of fundraising. Their support and the community spirit shown every year enables Pilgrims to continue delivering our vital work, supporting patients and their families here in east Kent.
“Thank you to everyone who have helped make this achievement possible.”
Fundraising Groups raise vital funds by committing to regular fundraising in their local communities on behalf of Pilgrims Hospices. Turning interests into events and activities and raising vital funds each year means Pilgrims is still here; still caring for patients living with an incurable illness and their families. If the Bramling Fundraising Group has inspired you then please contact fundraising@pilgrimshospices.org to find out more about supporting Pilgrims Hospices.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
30th October 2020
Vicky’s creative art raises much needed cash for Pilgrims
Vicky Thomas from Dover decided to turn her creative hands to help her local community and draw awareness to everyone in these difficult times we find ourselves in. Her talent has raised a wonderful £350 for Pilgrims Hospices
Vicky said: “This all started because people were putting rainbow drawings in their windows to support the NHS; my daughter wanted us to do it too, however our house is set back from the road so I decided to use a patio slab instead and put it out the front.
“I had a few patio slabs left over from some building work, so decided to get creative and drew a teddy bear with the slogan “apart but never alone” and put it at the end of our road which is a popular dog walking route, along with a Banksy style NHS nurse by the village pharmacy.
“People seemed to really like them and things just took off! I received a number of requests and suggestions from locals in the village and from people coming into the village to visit the slab trail. The village really got behind the whole idea and wanted to make sure that a good deal of the slabs remained in the village even after lock down. The River Parish Council asked if they could keep some in exchange for a charitable donation which I thought was a great idea.
35 handpicked slabs are now under lock and key waiting to be mounted in the recreation ground where they will hopefully remain.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said; “Vicky and the local community are providing ongoing donations which enable us to continue our important work. We are still here and still caring for patients on our wards and in their homes, and will be there for the next person that needs us.
“Their support is so important during these challenging times. We cannot thank you all enough for every penny donated to support our care. Thank you Vicky for being so creative and thinking of us at such difficult times for all.”
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of our charity, please contact: fundraising@pilgrimshospices.org, or call 01277 812609, we would love to hear from you.
We need you more than ever, Thank you.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patient’s to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford 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.
12th August 2020
Head shave raises £2,000 for Pilgrims Hospices
Sally Gibbs has supported Pilgrims Hospices with a spontaneous head shave to help raise vital funds to support end of life care. To make this challenge even more memorable Sally’s head was shaved by her mother- in-law, Sylvia Gibbs who is currently receiving care in Margate.
Sally said; “I would just like to thank everyone that supported me and donated towards this amazing charity.
“Pilgrims Hospices go above and beyond to help and care for loved ones. I just wanted to show my appreciation for everything they do.
“By shaving my head, together we raised £2,000, which was a great effort. Thank you and everyone and stay safe.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said; “Having incredible people like Sally and Sylvia supporting our charity helps us to continue to provide daily palliative care throughout east Kent to the next person that needs us.
“£25 would pay for one hour of specialist nursing care in one of our inpatient units. Sally, Sylvia, family and friends have helped provide 80 hours to the next person that needs us.
“Thank you to each and everyone of you that made a donation to make this possible, and most of all thank you Sally for taking on this courageous challenge.”
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford 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.
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of our charity, please contact:
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patient’s to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
