Love, music and making memories: Claire and Simon’s story
For Pilgrims Hospices patient, Claire Scott, and her husband, Simon, life is filled with love, music and a deep appreciation for every moment they share together.
When Claire, 55, a talented pianist, met Simon, 45, a singer and songwriter, at a training event, their connection was immediate, love blossomed almost straight away.
Now living in Lyminge, the couple have built a life centred around creativity, compassion, and making meaningful memories together. They’ve even performed side by side at garden parties, sharing their love of music with others.
Claire was first diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago.
After treatment, she enjoyed precious years of stability, but two years ago received the devastating news that her cancer had returned and spread to her liver, bones and spine. Since then, she has undergone various treatments, determined, as she says, to “buy a little more time.”
Despite the challenges, Claire approaches each day with honesty, strength and remarkable positivity.
“I’ve recently been offered a new course of chemotherapy,” Claire explained.
“There’s hope it could give me more time, possibly even a couple of years. That means everything to us. It’s time to be together, to plan, and to make sure things are in place for Simon.”
With a background as a medical secretary, Claire feels she has been able to understand her diagnosis and treatment more clearly, helping her to make informed decisions about her care. Recently, a combination of steroid medication and pain relief has helped her feel more positive again, though she is open about the reality of living with serious illness.
“There are good days and bad days,” she said. “Some days are much harder than others, but I will always strive to be positive and grateful for the time I have with Simon, my family and loved ones.”
Support from Pilgrims Hospices has been central to both Claire and Simon’s journey.
“Pilgrims is full of warmth and love, it feels like a family,” Claire said.
“The team regularly check in with me to make sure I’m feeling supported and making the most of everything available. From the doctors, nurses, health care assistants, and wellbeing teams, I feel like I have a cushion of support helping me through every emotional step. It’s like they’re saying, ‘It’s OK, we’ve got you.’”
Through Pilgrims’ wellbeing services, Claire has taken part in therapeutic art, and creative sessions such as Tiles of Joy, while also recording special messages for her loved ones through the Blackbird Project, leaving behind treasured memories in her own voice.
For Simon, support has come through counselling and wellbeing walks, helping him to navigate the emotional challenges of Claire’s illness. Music, too, remains a powerful outlet. He has written a deeply personal song, Blessed, which will one day be played at Claire’s funeral, a reflection of their love and shared journey.
“Having the time to make these decisions together is incredibly important,” Simon said.
Claire is equally focused on Simon’s future, encouraging him to continue creating and sharing his music.
“We are both really creative,” she said. “I want Simon to have wonderful projects to focus on moving forward.”
Recently, the couple created one of their most treasured memories, their wedding day. With support from the charity Gift of a Wedding, Claire and Simon were able to celebrate a beautiful ceremony at Broome Park on 27 March 2026.
In just five weeks, an incredible team of supporters brought the day together, with everything from the venue and dress to photography, cake, and hair and make-up generously donated.
“It was the most wonderful day,” Claire said. “We didn’t feel a burning need to get married, we did it purely for love.”
Surrounded by family, along with members of the Pilgrims team, the day was a celebration not just of their relationship, but of life itself.
“We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a loving family,” Claire shared. “They are kind, supportive, and bring light even in the hardest moments.”
Claire and Simon
Together, Claire and Simon have made a conscious choice to face the future with openness and positivity.
“People can sometimes see death as something very dark,” Claire reflected. “But for us, it’s about embracing the time we have, focusing on love, creativity, and the kindness we receive from family, friends and Pilgrims.”
Simon is now passionate about giving back, using his music to support others facing similar journeys. He recently played some music for a fellow Pilgrims patient; one of the pieces really helpedthem reconnect with their family, which was wonderful, a moment that stayed with him deeply.
For Claire and Simon, every day matters.
“Pilgrims holds such a special place in our hearts,” Claire said.
“Knowing they are here for both of us, now and in the future, helps us remain positive. I know Simon will continue to support hospice care long after I’m gone.”
Together, they continue to focus on what truly counts: love, connection, creativity, and making the most of the time they have, holding on to joy, even in life’s most difficult moments.
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 August 2026
Introducing Dr. Tina Ivanov: “I have a genuine interest in how we get death and dying right for people”
Dr. Tina Ivanov is the Director of Clinical Operations at Pilgrims Hospices; she joined the charity in March 2026, following a long career as a paramedic in both Australia and England.
She has also worked in clinical education and service development, helping to keep patients safe, engaging staff, and leading on clinical governance.
Tina shares what drew her to palliative care, and her hopes for the future at Pilgrims.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Tina moved to the UK in 2015:
“People always ask me why I left Oz. Firstly, I love to travel, and the world seems much closer when based in England. But the other reason was work; I thought I could learn so much being part of the healthcare system in England. It’s not perfect, but there’s a lot to be excited about in the way we deliver health and care here.”
What is your professional background?
“It’s a lovely mix of clinical, people and education. I’ve been a registered paramedic, which is one of the Allied Health Professions, for nearly three decades. I also have a professional membership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and I’m a Doctor of Education.
I’ve worked in ambulance services and a hospital, as well as in universities, in lecturing and course development, for most of my career. I’ve been a manager for about 20 years, leading teams and services, and working at senior levels across operations, people and service development.”
Tina at work as a paramedic in Australia
What drew you to palliative care? What is your personal experience of palliative care?
Tina’s mum, Dorothy, with her grandson (Tina’s son), Luke
“As a paramedic, I’ve seen the full spectrum of palliative patients, dying and death. In my early career, I felt I needed to “save” everyone, but as I learnt more and saw the reality, my approach to death and dying changed. I saw that having dignity in death and allowing the dying person to feel supported and in control, and providing information to them and their family, was far more beneficial than medication or intervention – so I have a genuine interest in how we get this right for people.
I experienced this personally through my mum, Dorothy, who lived with Parkinson’s disease for many years before being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although one part of my family remained in denial right to the end, my mum wanted a safe space to talk about her wishes and to die at home. The support provided by the hospice team was exceptional, and my mum died at home with us there. Being able to support that outcome for her was one of the most privileged positions I could be in.
These two experiences made me curious about best practice in palliative and end-of-life care; not just from a medical point of view, but with the whole picture in mind – psychological, environmental, the family, support – everything.”
Why did you choose Pilgrims Hospices? What do you enjoy about your role?
“The more I learnt about Pilgrims, the more I felt this is the right place for me. It has such a strong connection to the community we serve, which is so important to me. When I asked people about the charity, everyone spoke with such pride and connection, and I wanted to be part of that. And now that I’m here, I feel it; it’s not words on a poster on a wall, it’s real, and something I experience every day. Our people, staff, patients and volunteers all really matter.
I love working with individual teams and hearing about those stories where families and patients are supported, the stuff that goes on behind the work. Because we get to know our patients, we can do the very personal things that make such a difference. I love that, as Pilgrims, we champion that and give people the space to do it properly. It gives me a real positive energy in my role, and it’s what makes Pilgrims a very special place to work.”
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
19th June 2026
A tribute to Alex Miles: “Pilgrims go above and beyond”
Alex Miles from Folkestone was a family man; a devoted husband to Ruth and father to Millie, Jake, Mason, Layla and Bailey, he served as a sergeant in Kent Police and played football for Folkestone Invicta FC.
In 2019, Alex, then aged 44, was diagnosed with lung cancer, which had spread to his bones. He began treatment and, with his condition managed, was able to live relatively well and even continue working.
But in 2024, Alex suffered two strokes, after which he was admitted to Pilgrims Hospices for end-of-life care.
Alex died at the Ashford hospice in September 2024, aged 49.
Alex and Ruth with family on their wedding dayAlex with his son, Bailey
Ruth shares how Pilgrims helped their family to make the most of their precious final moments with Alex, and supported them in their grief after his death:
“Alex was transferred from hospital; after the second stroke, he wasn’t really conscious, but Pilgrims made him comfortable – it was noticeable as soon as he got to the hospice.
“As a family, we had such a positive experience of Pilgrims’ care. Alex was only in the hospice for a few days, and although it was never going to be easy, it was as comforting as it could possibly have been. We had a family room, so a few of us could sleep in there with Alex. Friends and family could visit any time to say their goodbyes.
“I was breastfeeding our youngest child, Bailey, who was just five months old at the time. The kind nurses and staff were so supportive – they made us countless cups of tea and toast, took Bailey for walks and played with him to give us a break, answered our questions, held our hands and simply listened. They even shared their own stories with us; we learned that so many of them have personal experiences of hospice care, which is what inspired them to work for Pilgrims. They did all this whilst keeping Alex comfortable; they really do go above and beyond.”
“After Alex died, myself and one of Alex’s older children were offered bereavement counselling; we really appreciated that continuity of care. I also had massages from the complementary therapy team, which were lovely.
“I can’t fault Pilgrims, they’re fantastic.”
In April 2025, Alex’s family launched the inaugural Miles Memorial Cup – a football match in honour of Alex to celebrate his life, which they plan to make an annual event. On 18 April 2026, the match was held in aid of Pilgrims, raising £4,000 for local hospice care.
Ruth said:
“We wanted to give back to those that helped us on Alex’s journey; Pilgrims were able to offer the specialist, compassionate care that Alex needed at the end of his life, when no one else could. If our fundraising helps just one other family to have that same support and peace, it will mean so much to us. We’re lucky to have such brilliant hospice care in the UK, but it is only available thanks to peoples’ generous support and donations – that’s why it’s so important for us to fundraise for Pilgrims.
“Any opportunity to talk about Alex and have other people remember him, I’ll take it, because he deserves that. It’s very comforting for me. Although Alex’s life was cut short, this is how we can keep his memory alive.”
Alex Miles With His Wife Ruth
Alex Miles With Family
Alex And Ruth Miles With Their Children Mason, Layla And Bailey
Alex Miles With His Children L R Jake, Mason, Millie And Layla
Alex Miles With His Children Mason And Layla
Top Alex Miles With His Sister Nicola And His Uncle
Follow @milesmemorialcup on Instagram for news and updates about the annual Miles Memorial Cup.
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.
21st May 2026
Pilgrims Hospices patients get creative with Hamlet writing project
Pilgrims Hospices has been working with The Marlowe Theatre to offer patients the opportunity to get involved with various creative projects, with the aim of improving wellbeing through engaging in something meaningful.
Beginning with a Hamlet-inspired musical theatre project in 2024/25, the collaboration continued with a Hamlet-themed creative writing project in Spring 2026. Over four weeks, patients came together at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury Therapy Centre. Icebreaker activities in the first session helped them feel at ease and get to know each other; they chatted about their favourite biscuits, with one patient expressing outrage at the “betrayal” of smaller-sized biscuits these days!
Patients then began their journey to becoming storytellers, starting with a game; taking turns in a circle, each person said one word in order to build a collective story. The group also had fun experimenting with words and rhyme, creating a song inspired by Hamlet and What’s Up Pussycat by Tom Jones.
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Winston the Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog also visited the workshops with Trina, his helper. The project culminated in a final session where patients showcased their creative writing to friends and family, followed by a delicious lunch, lovingly prepared by the Pilgrims catering team.
The sessions were delivered and facilitated by Margate-based creatives, Tom Adams and Ellie Ward. Tom is a socially-engaged composer, making music and sound for theatre, installations, workshops, and film; his work connects directly with real social issues like community, education, and justice. Ellie is a comedian, cabaret performer and theatre-maker.
They said:
“We aimed to inspire participants to access their creative side, using Hamlet as a springboard to empower them to write creatively. We were led by the group, so the sessions were very much directed by them and what they wanted to achieve.”
Elizabeth Goodwin, Wellbeing Practitioner, with Tom Adams and Ellie Ward
Paul Mount from East Studdal, a village in between Dover and Deal, has been attending Pilgrims Wellbeing groups for several months:
“I’ve particularly enjoyed the Shakespeare projects – I didn’t do this stuff at school! I’ve learned so much just by listening, and it’s had such a positive impact on my everyday life.
“I look forward to coming; it gets me out of the house and I enjoy spending time with people I can talk to. No one judges you here, we’re all the same.”
Paul, who attends Wellbeing groups at Pilgrims Hospices
The Hamlet projects are funded by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC); Shakespeare Nation is a collaboration between The Marlowe Theatre and the RSC to celebrate the works of Shakespeare and explore their relevance to modern-day Kent.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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 May 2026
Tiles of Joy, creativity, connection and moments of happiness at Pilgrims Hospices
Photograph: Palak Sharma, Wellbeing Practitioner with Kavita Sodhi, Wellbeing Practioner Lead
A beautiful community art project, kindly funded by the Cantiacorum Foundation, is bringing colour, creativity and connection to Pilgrims Hospices, as patients, carers, staff and volunteers come together to take part in Tiles of Joy.
Led by ceramic artist Jayne Wright of JAW Ceramics CIC, Tiles of Joy began in 2023 in partnership with Power of Women (POW) Thanet, with an inspiring workshop at the Margate Caves.
Since then, the project has grown into something truly special, with more than 2,000 handcrafted tiles created by people across Thanet and beyond.
The project has united a wide range of community groups, from local schools and heritage organisations to social inclusion initiatives and arts groups, nurturing creativity and connection across the area.
More recently, Pilgrims’ Wellbeing groups have been taking part in the inspiring Tiles of Joy project. Patients, carers, Stepping Stones bereavement groups, staff and volunteers were invited to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting what brings them happiness. During the sessions, participants explored clay by scraping, indenting and shaping their designs, supported throughout by Jayne, who then carefully fired each piece before returning them ready for display.
Now proudly displayed at the hospices in Ashford and Thanet, these unique artworks form beautiful, fixed installations, each tile telling its own story and together creating a lasting celebration of community, creativity and care.
The experience has been both thought-provoking and uplifting. Participants have not only enjoyed the hands-on creative process, but also the special experience of seeing their work become part of a shared piece of art, something that will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who visit.
The project has also inspired Pilgrims’ Wellbeing team to explore how clay and creative therapies could play a bigger role in future sessions, opening up new opportunities to support patients and families through creativity and wellbeing activities.
Ann with the Tiles of Joy mural at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
As the Wellbeing team shared:
“It has been such a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Seeing people relax into the process, express themselves so freely, and then light up when they see their finished tile on display, has been incredibly special.”
Ann Mapley, a Wellbeing patient at Pilgrims Hospices who took part in the sessions, said:
“The brief was to design tiles that meant something to us, and for me that was my grandchildren. One of them loves George’s Dragon and the other loves snails, so I created a dragon and a snail on my tiles. It was such a fun afternoon, there were lots of laughs and giggles as we all tried to get everything just right with help from the lovely ladies running the session.
“Seeing the mural come together has been wonderful; it looks so lovely now. I first found out about the project through a leaflet that had been brought in, and I’m really glad I took part.”
Tiles of Joy is a reminder that even small moments of creativity can have a lasting impact, bringing people together, sparking reflection, and creating something truly meaningful.
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 2
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Ann’s tiles
Follow Tiles of Joy on Instagram to find out more:@tilesofjoy
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
14th May 2026
Pilgrims patients’ artwork features in Beaney exhibition
Pilgrims Hospices is proud to offer a range of wellbeing groups for patients, supporting them to feel empowered and live well in the time they have left.
Rachelle Francis
In February 2026, Margate-based textile artist, Rachelle Francis, led a series of workshops – Mind to Stitch – at the Thanet hospice Therapy Centre, supporting patients’ wellbeing through creativity and connection. Patients collaborated to create cloth books inspired by the hidden work of Rachelle’s late mother and fellow artist, Diana Francis, whose creative practice became a vital outlet while living with anxiety, depression, and life-limiting illness.
The Mind to Stitch workshop programme was part of a wider project called With & Without Diana: Stitching for Mental Health, supported through funding from Arts Council England. The project was developed with project partner Olivia Schelts-Harris and delivered with the skills, care and creativity of an incredible team across Thanet.
Rachelle said: “It was especially poignant to introduce the Mind to Stitch project to Pilgrims patients. Sharing both my own and my late mother’s artworks, alongside Diana’s experiences of anxiety, depression, and life-limiting illness, created a deeply moving connection within the group. Participants felt inspired to express themselves creatively, just as Diana had done, and many embraced the opportunity to create artworks that would form part of their own legacy. This made the Mind to Stitch cloth books deeply personal and significant.
“The Wellbeing team at Pilgrims were incredibly supportive throughout the process. I was stunned by the detail, imagination, and individuality in each participant’s creations; it was wonderful to see not only artistic confidence grow, but also the connections within the group blossom. The two Mind to Stitch cloth books created by Pilgrims participants are truly bursting at the seams with life.”
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Mind To Stitch Book 3
Mind To Stitch Book 2
Mind To Stitch Book 1
The project culminated in an exhibition – My Hands Are My Voice – at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury, which featured artwork by Diana, Rachelle, and hundreds of community participants. Blooming with Diana’s patterns and repurposed materials, these collaborative works celebrate the expressive, connective and therapeutic power of textiles; the tactile pages invite visitors to touch and listen closely to the stories shared in stitch.
Shaped by pattern, repetition and gesture, the exhibition traces a shared visual language across generations, where making becomes a means of expression beyond words – and so the conversation expands outward, revealing how hands can hold memory, connection and voice.
Rachelle continued: “At the exhibition opening, it was an absolute joy to see patients and their families visiting the artworks on display. The group lit up the room with their collective energy, and we all shared in the excitement of knowing their work would be seen by thousands of people over the coming weeks.”
Cloth books at the My Hands Are My Voice exhibition
Peney’s story
Peney at the exhibition
Peney Reynolds lives in Margate and was referred to Pilgrims Hospices in 2025 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lung cancer caused by asbestos. After the initial shock, she has found hope and positivity through attending Pilgrims’ wellbeing groups; meeting Rachelle and being involved with My Hands Are My Voice has been a particular highlight:
“My journey began in a dark, scary tunnel, and I saw no light at the end of it; despite having a loving, caring family, I felt very alone.
“When the oncology nurses at the hospital suggested Pilgrims to me, I thought: “God, they think I’m going to die soon”, but Pilgrims put me right – “No, Peney, you’re not coming here to die – you are coming here to live.” I soon found out that the hospice helps people like me to live with dignity, empowers us to have faith in ourselves, and encourages quality of life.”
“I was attracted to the Living Well group immediately and joined a wonderful group of people in the same position as me; people I could talk to (without upsetting close family with my inner thoughts). I met Katie Brewer and Jane Stanley, two amazing Wellbeing Practitioners who have been my rocks. They’ve inspired and encouraged me to explore myself and I haven’t looked back since; a wonderful experience of love and kindness that turned my darkness into bright sunshine.
Mind to Stitch workshop at the Thanet hospice Therapy Centre
“Taking part in the Mind to Stitch workshops with Rachelle was a real joy; I have a deep regard for her and Diana. I chose to make my page about my little dog, Jodie, who sadly passed on 23 December 2025 – I called it “My Paws Are My Voice”. As a group, we’re so proud of each other, and I was honoured to attend the opening day of the exhibition at The Beaney.
“Thanks to all the Wellbeing staff and volunteers who have made me realise life is an amazing gift, I can now embrace my journey with hope and faith. With their continued support, I’m planning to make four memory boxes for loved ones, for when my time comes. I have some prints of Diana’s work from Rachelle, which I will write personal messages on, and I’m recording fond memories via The Blackbird Project. All will have one message in common – my proudest moment, which is having a bit of me live on in those textile books.
“Thanks to Pilgrims, I’m living well. The hospice is the most beautiful place I’ve had the pleasure to be, and I’m so grateful for each and every person there.”
Rachelle added: “I am very proud to share in the exhibition the incredible power of Diana’s once hidden artworks – not just their personal impact on me as her daughter, but also their ability to inspire the 222 people in the community through the Mind to Stitch workshops.
“The public response to the exhibition has been overwhelming. Visitors have been deeply moved and inspired by the exhibits, and hundreds of personal reflections have been left on the interactive wall. I still don’t think I’ve fully taken it all in.
“It has been especially beautiful to see young children animatedly exploring the cloth books created by Pilgrims participants, while parents and carers explain who stitched each page and the story behind the Pilgrims books. Hearing those conversations is a real reminder of how creativity, care, and shared stories can connect strangers and people across generations.”
A selection of works from the exhibition have been acquired by the Wellcome Collection and are due to enter the collection in 2027.
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
