Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Tree Recycling campaign raises record-breaking £78,465 for end-of-life care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce the success of its recent Christmas Tree Recycling campaign, which took place over the weekend of January 10-12, 2025.
The environmentally-friendly initiative saw more than 4,200 real Christmas trees collected from residents across Canterbury, Ashford, and Thanet, as well as from those who dropped off their trees at Faversham’s Macknade Food Hall.
This year’s campaign was a record-breaker, raising an incredible £78,465 to support the charity’s vital end-of-life care services.
Tree Recycling 2025 11
Tree Recycling 2025 10
Tree Recycling 2025 9
Tree Recycling 2025 8
Tree Recycling 2025 7
Tree Recycling 2025 6
Tree Recycling 2025 5
Tree Recycling 2025 4
Tree Recycling 2025 3
Tree Recycling 2025 2
The annual campaign has become a cherished tradition within the local community, combining environmental responsibility with charitable giving. Residents registered their real Christmas trees for collection in exchange for a donation, and a dedicated team of Pilgrims’ staff and volunteers ensured the trees were collected and recycled responsibly. The chippings from the recycled trees are used for composting and soil improvement, contributing to local agricultural efforts and within the hospices’ own grounds.
Kate Duddell, Head of Fundraising at Pilgrims Hospices, expressed her gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from the east Kent community. Collecting over 4,200 trees and raising £78,465 is a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers. These funds are crucial in helping us provide compassionate end-of-life care to those who need it most.”
The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of local councils, businesses, tree chippers, and an army of volunteers who donated their time, vehicles, and expertise to ensure the thousands of Christmas trees were chipped and recycled.
Tree Recycling 2025 20
Tree Recycling 2025 19
Tree Recycling 2025 18
Tree Recycling 2025 17
Tree Recycling 2025 16
Tree Recycling 2025 15
Tree Recycling 2025 14
Tree Recycling 2025 13
Tree Recycling 2025 12
“Our thanks also go to our campaign partners; Kent County Council and all the staff at the Ashford Recycling Centre. A very special thanks goes to Ashford Borough Council for their years of dedicated support, along with Canterbury City Council and Thanet District Council. We are also grateful to the many businesses and organisations that supported the event by donating vans, crews, and time to help us with this initiative.”
They include:
Kent County Council
Ashford Borough Council
Canterbury City Council
Thanet District Council
Macknade
Pneuma Church
A Bird Tree Surgery
AW Construction
Bourne to Garden
Bruks Tree Surgery
Countrystyle
CS Heating and Plumbing
Earle’s Landscapes
Endeavourcom
D Parr Tree Surgeons
Dave Lowe
David Glew & Sons Garden Maintenance
Furley Page Solicitors
Givaudan
Goodwins Hot Tubs
Injection Development
Jenner
Kenhire
Langham Kitchens
Lenleys
LS Marketing
Let’s Clean For You
MW Cave Ltd
New Perspective Digital
NRS Healthcare
Old Dairy Taproom
Practical Van Hire
PSR Lighting
Royal Mail
Select Plant Hire
Shadoxhurst Village Hall
Speech4Kids
Streetspace
St Lawrence College, Ramsgate
TJC Renewables
Vegas Kitchens
Waitrose
Walker Construction
WW Martin
Pilgrims Hospices provide care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent each year, supporting patients with incurable illnesses to live well until the end of life. Fundraising initiatives like the Christmas Tree Recycling campaign are essential to sustaining these services, ensuring that care remains free of charge for those who need it.
Make a donation; all donations, big or small, make a huge difference
Volunteer your time; volunteers play a crucial role in helping keep the hospice caring
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.
15th November 2024
Christmas giving with a difference: Make this festive season truly special with Pilgrims Hospices
This Christmas, Pilgrims Hospices invites you to bring a little extra cheer to your workplace while making a real difference to people in need across east Kent.
With unique and thoughtful ways to give back, including a Secret Santa with a twist, and the opportunity to donate an hour of pay, Pilgrims Hospices offers easy ways to make your festive giving even more meaningful.
Secret Santa with a twist
Instead of the usual office Secret Santa gift, why not choose something with a deeper impact? By selecting an item from Pilgrims Hospices’ Amazon Wish List, you’ll be directly helping patients and their families, bringing joy and comfort to those who need it most. From craft supplies for wellbeing activities to toiletries and gardening tools, every gift serves a meaningful purpose for hospice care.
As a special touch, Pilgrims will provide a unique Secret Santa gift tag for you to give to your giftee. This token shares what you’ve purchased on their behalf, capturing the true spirit of the season and turning a thoughtful gesture into a lasting gift.
Could your last working hour of the year go a little further? By donating just one hour’s pay, you’ll be giving the gift of compassionate, end-of-life care to those in need. This simple gesture, whether made individually or as part of a collective office pledge, helps ensure Pilgrims can continue to deliver essential services and support for patients and families across east Kent.
This quick and easy donation can be made directly through our website. Encourage your workplace to join in with a group pledge and make an even bigger impact!
Let’s make this season one of heartfelt giving and community support. Join us in making Christmas truly special for all.
For more details on how your workplace can get involved, contact Leila Ilkhan, Corporate Fundraising Manager on 07525 235 287 or email [email protected].
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.
29th September 2024
Local businesses making a difference in the community
Pilgrims Hospices is proud to work with a number of businesses in east Kent as they pledge their support to local hospice care.
It’s been a busy year for the Corporate and Trusts Partnerships team, and we’re incredibly grateful to our supporters who have been, and continue to be part of it. From golf days to football tournaments, volunteering and payroll giving, our corporate supporters have been busy raising vital funds, and showing their commitment to Pilgrims.
Benefits of supporting a charity
By working with Pilgrims, your business and workforce will be part of the driving force behind ensuring the charity continues to be here for people who need access to quality end-of-life care, not only now but in the future, too. With lots of commercial competition for businesses in what can often feel like a list of endless choices, pledging your support for Pilgrims can make your business stand out from the crowd.
From boosting your businesses reputation in a fulfilling way, to enhancing team morale and engagement, the benefits of supporting Pilgrims extend far beyond the value of a monetary donation.
How your business could get involved
Choose us as your next Charity of the Year
Commercial Partnership
Payroll giving
Event sponsorship
Organise an event
Staff fundraising
Volunteering
Isabel Smith, Senior Trusts Fundraiser, works with teams across the charity, both clinical and wider support staff, helping with the delivery of a range of projects, from replacing vital equipment to renovating spaces in the hospice buildings.
Over the past few months, the charity has been very grateful for the continued support we receive from charitable trusts and foundations. With this, we have been able to achieve so much:
Our kitchen garden at the Canterbury hospice was funded by Kent Community Foundation through their Environment Fund, and with care of our green-fingered volunteers, we can grow our own fresh produce.
Our Bed Appeal has been kindly supported by a number of Charitable Trusts, including Cantiacorum Foundation.
The R V Coleman Trust, the Frank Brake Charitable Trust and Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, who are all helping our patients to remain comfortable.
Funding for renovations of one of our family lounges at the Ashford hospice has been given a kick-start with support from the B&Q Foundation.
If you’d like to get involved with Pilgrims Hospices and help support thousands of people each year in east Kent, please contact [email protected].
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.
17th September 2024
A successful Pilgrims Hospices Golf Day raises £17,614 for hospice care
The Pilgrims Hospices Golf Day, held on Friday 13 September 2024 at Canterbury Golf Club, was a resounding success, raising an impressive £17,614 for Pilgrims Hospices care.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from 26 teams, with 103 golfers taking to the picturesque course at Scotland Hills, Littlebourne Road, Canterbury.
The day was filled with friendly competition, including on-course contests such as the Nearest-to-the-Pin and Longest Drive challenges, which added to the excitement and camaraderie among participants. The golfers enjoyed perfect weather, making the day even more enjoyable.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Hospices Corporate Fundraising Manager, expressed her delight with the event’s success, stating, “We were delighted to welcome teams to Canterbury Golf Club for our fourth annual charity Golf Day. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s generosity and support, which has helped us to achieve our best Golf Day yet. Every pound raised ensures we can continue to deliver quality end-of-life care to people living with a terminal illness, and their families, in east Kent.”
Winners and highlights
Winning team: Park Farm Construction
Runners-up teams
1st runners-up: Tick for Business
2nd runners-up: Kreston Reeves
3rd runners-up: SEC Works Group
Nearest-to-the-Pin winners
Ben Cursons (Beau Bathrooms, Herne Bay)
John Shepherd (Canterbury Golf Club member)
Richard Sabin (Sibley Pares Chartered Surveyors)
Steve Goodwin (GVE Commercial Solutions)
Keith Fullager
Longest Drive winner: Tom Glass (Walker Construction)
Best team name:King of the Greenes (VR Sani Co)
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of WPA Healthcare Practice, this year’s headline sponsor, Max Auto Colour, Halfway House sponsor, VR Sani-Co, 19th hole sponsor and all the local businesses who sponsored a hole on the course, along with Canterbury Golf Club’s hospitality and unwavering support. A special thank you goes to all the participants, and businesses who donated prizes, whose contributions helped make the day a memorable one.
After a day of friendly competition, the participants gathered for an afternoon celebration, which included a live auction, raffle draws, and the much-anticipated prize presentations.
Pilgrims Hospices extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants and sponsors who made this event possible. The funds raised will directly support essential care services, helping the charity continue its mission of providing compassionate, end-of-life care to those in need across east Kent.
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.
15th May 2024
Spring was in the air for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Bank Holiday Sunday!
More than 1,000 cyclists enjoyed a beautiful sunny Bank Holiday Sunday exploring the stunning Kent countryside at the 14th annual Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge. Riders of all abilities took part, collectively cycling more than 73,360 miles, the equivalent of cycling around the equator three times, to support the skilled and compassionate end-of-life care the charity provides across east Kent.
So far, this year’s event has raised £116,000; with indications that the total could reach as much as £120,000 for Pilgrims, once all donations and Gift Aid are finalised.
Individuals, families, friends, cycling clubs, local businesses, and services throughout Kent, took on the 30, 50, 75, 100, or 125-mile challenge. Bright skies and dry roads were the perfect conditions for Pilgrims’ flagship fundraising event. Ever since the event first took place in 2010, supporters have raised an astonishing £1.3 million to help people who need Pilgrims’ care within our community.
We congratulate all the riders for achieving their goals and for their incredible support for the end-of-life care Pilgrims provides.
Kate – Pilgrims
All routes started and finished at Pilgrims Event Village at the University of Kent, near Canterbury. Returning cyclists could enjoy a celebratory atmosphere, a sports massage, and well-earned refreshments after collecting their commemorative medal.
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims event organiser, said, “It was brilliant to see such a strong show of support for Pilgrims! We congratulate all the riders for achieving their goals and for their incredible support for the end-of-life care Pilgrims provides.
“It’s a privilege to organise the event, and seeing it year after year, I’m always reminded how much of a team effort it is. Our army of volunteers is just outstanding, and they gave up their bank holiday weekend to help make the whole experience safe and enjoyable for our riders. I can’t thank them enough! Nor the waves of cyclists who puff their way around the course in support each year.”
“I must also thank Barretts, Biketart, and Kent Sport for their wonderful support for the event, which enables us to maximise the amount of funds we can raise for hospice care.”
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, 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.
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 supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
3rd November 2023
Donate an Hour of Pay this Christmas in support of local hospice care : You can truly make a difference
As we approach the end of 2023, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our lives, our blessings, and our opportunities to make a positive impact on the world. One meaningful way to end the year on a high note is by donating an hour of pay to Pilgrims Hospices charity. This act of generosity not only supports an important cause, but also embodies the spirit of giving that defines the festive season.
Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity dedicated to providing hospice care, and support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Their mission is to ensure that every patient’s journey is as comfortable and dignified as possible, and they rely on the support of generous donors to continue their vital work.
By donating an hour of pay before your out of office is switched on for the festive break, you will be making the most of your last working hour of the year. It’s a simple yet impactful way to engage your workforce in philanthropy and create a sense of shared purpose within your organisation.
There are several compelling reasons why this “Donate an Hour of Pay ” campaign is a fantastic idea, especially for those who may be unable to participate in other charity events or challenges:
Inclusivity: Not everyone can spare the time or energy for physical challenges or fundraising events. Donating a portion of your pay is a practical and inclusive way for all employees to contribute, regardless of their circumstances.
Collective Impact: When a business encourages its employees to participate, it multiplies the impact. Imagine the collective power of an entire organization donating the last hour of their pay!
Local Engagement: Supporting a local charity like Pilgrims Hospices is an excellent way for businesses to connect with their communities and demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of those in their vicinity.
Building a Culture of Giving: Incorporating philanthropy into your corporate culture can foster a sense of fulfilment, unity, and pride among employees. It not only benefits the charity but also strengthens employee morale.
To get involved, businesses can register their pledge to support Pilgrims this Christmas on our website: Donate an Hour of Pay
They will then receive a digital fundraising toolkit which has everything you need to encourage your workforce to support the campaign too.
As we close the chapter on 2023 and look forward to a new year filled with hope and possibilities, let us also remember the power of giving. Donating an hour of your pay to Pilgrims Hospices charity is a meaningful and inclusive way to make a positive impact and set the tone for a more compassionate and caring 2024.
So, this New Year’s Eve, let us come together, individuals and businesses alike, and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your support for Pilgrims Hospices will not only be a gift to those in their care but a testament to the spirit of unity, compassion, and generosity that defines our community.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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.
