Local family-run hairdressing business raise over £100k for Pilgrims Hospices
Each year, Steven James Hairdressing in Canterbury and Faversham hold a Christmas raffle in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
With a range of prizes on offer to win, it is always eagerly anticipated by their customers, and everyone gets into the festive spirit.
2025 was a bumper year, and the team raised £5,735 for Pilgrims, bringing their fundraising total to date to £102,521.
Steven Flower, who runs the hair salon on Castle Street, Canterbury said:
“Our association with Pilgrims began more than 40 years ago when a family friend was admitted. The love and care he received was outstanding, as was the support shown to his family.”
The prizes on offer include restaurant meals, the use of a brand-new car for the weekend, as well as donation of an iPad by one generous customer, and much more.
Tickets are always on sale in the barbers, run by Jason, the salon, run by Steven on Castle Street, Canterbury and the salon in Faversham, which is run by James.
Steven James Hairdressing has had a long presence in the Canterbury and Faversham business community.
The dynasty began in 1908 with Henry Flower, who opened up a barbers in Palace Street, Canterbury. Historically, Henry’s wife became established as the first female barber in the country, and after having two sons, Ernest and Bertram, the business expanded, with each opening up their own shops in Canterbury.
Five generations of hairdressers have worked at the helm of the salons, including Jim, who followed in his father’s footsteps in 1962, opening up his own shop in 1985, naming it Steven James after his two sons, who now own the Canterbury and Faversham shops respectively.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims, said:
“We are so proud to have the support of Steven James Hairdressing who have been part of the hospice for almost as long as we have opened our doors. Thank you to Steven, James, Jim and Jason and to all of their wonderful customers who each year raise this incredible sum of money for the hospice.”
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.
25th September 2025
Pilgrims Hospice Ashford hospice family lounge benefits from refurbishment
The family lounges at Pilgrims Hospices sites provide a space for patients and their friends and family to spend time away from their bedside, in a calm and relaxing environment.
Kitchen area in the refurbished Ashford hospice lounge
With the support of a number of Trusts, businesses and community groups, we were able to completely update the Ashford lounge space so it can be enjoyed by patients and their loved ones.
Before the renovation, the room was dark and had little natural light, the furniture was tired and the decor needed a refresh.
The lounge is now a comfortable and welcoming space, which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Thank you for the kind support of:
B&Q Foundation
Green Hall Foundation
The Community of the Presentation Trust
BOB Connections, Canterbury
Ashford Invicta Masons
Mould made with hand casting kit
Amazon Wish List
The Pilgrims Amazon Wish List has been carefully put together by staff from all departments across our three hospice sites, containing items that will help us to deliver our services. From arts and crafts used in Time to Create sessions, to hand casting kits used in memory-making activities, your donation will help us to support patients and their families.
Sustainable giving
The business community across east Kent support Pilgrims in many ways, from charity of the year partnerships to organising events to raise funds. In 2025, Pilgrims has been generously supported by the team from Folkestone-based construction company, AW Group, who has donated hundreds of pounds worth of materials, which would otherwise go to waste.
We’ve received timber to help revamp our nurses station, strip lighting and glass panels to be used in our retail shops, and much more. Most recently, our maintenance team at the Canterbury hospice were able to construct a lockable store room from donated timber and a new flooring from vinyl tiles.
Thank you to the team at AW Group, who have chosen to support Pilgrims as their charity of the year for 2025. They recently raised £5,255 by cycling from Folkestone to Paris and taking part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge.
AW Group
If your business would like to support Pilgrims Hospices, please contact Leila from our corporate partnerships team to find out more:
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 September 2025
Pilgrims Hospices annual Golf Day raises record-breaking £20,000 for hospice care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce that its annual Golf Day, held on Friday 12 September 2025 at Canterbury Golf Club, raised over £20,000 – the highest total in the event’s history.
The tournament, generously sponsored by Furley Page Solicitors, welcomed 100 golfers across 25 teams. Participants enjoyed a competitive day of golf in support of hospice care across east Kent.
Despite challenging weather conditions later in the day, players remained undeterred, ensuring the event was a resounding success.
Furley Page Team Daniel Bridgeland, Keith Fullager, Deborah Trott And Matthew Hutchings
11. Kreston Reeves Max Masters, Phil Sparks, Marc Goddard And Matthew Hutchings
2. Bourne To Garden And Cathedral Electrical Team Colin North, David Butt, Keith Witten And Luke Gower
Tournament results
1st place Team led by Dr Peter Biggs, Pilgrims trustee, joined by his sons Jon and Tim, and friend Mark Powderham
2nd place DBSJ and Denne Joinery team – Joe Pearson, Lawrence Hill, Robbie Loomer and Michael Lane
3rd place Team led by Alex Sammonds of Spurling Cannon, joined by Warren Pilkington, Rod Thomas and Alan Garratt
In addition to the main competition, the Putt for Pilgrims! Networking event welcomed over 60 business professionals for informal networking and a six-hole putting challenge. The competition was won by Mike Newton (Merit Group), with Trevor Stevens (Newman Thomson) securing second place.
Ellie Timms and Rachael Edmed, Pilgrims Hospices fundraising team
Following play, golfers enjoyed a two-course meal and supported additional fundraising activities, including a raffle, auction and games such as Heads or Tails.
Pilgrims Hospices extends sincere thanks to headline sponsor Furley Page Solicitors, to Roger Hyder and his team at Canterbury Golf Club for their ongoing support, and to the many sponsors and prize donors who contributed to the success of the event.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, commented:
“We are delighted that this year’s Golf Day was our best yet. Teams from a wide range of industries joined us on the course, and despite the rain, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, donated and supported the event. The funds raised will enable Pilgrims to continue providing round-the-clock specialist care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their families across east Kent.”
Funds raised from the event will directly support Pilgrims Hospices’ work in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, helping thousands of people each year to live well in every moment.
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.
1st September 2025
Partnerships in action: Over two decades of support for Pilgrims Hospices
For 28 years, the staff at Givaudan in Ashford have supported Pilgrims Hospices as their chosen charity, raising over £195,100 in vital funds.
A charity close to many of their hearts, the team has taken on a variety of challenge events and volunteered their time at Pilgrims events; always demonstrating that their dedication to the local community is at the heart of their business.
Their support has included:
Taking on charity challenges, including Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge and Pilgrims Way Challenge
Organising summer BBQs and firework nights.
Volunteering during Pilgrims Tree Recycling campaign
Jonathan Fairclough, Head of Givaudan Ashford Operations, said:
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work Pilgrims Hospices does. The dedication to providing compassionate care to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses speaks volumes about your commitment to enhancing lives. At Givaudan, we truly appreciate the joy and enthusiasm you bring to fundraising efforts; you put the fun in fundraising, and we’re honoured to have been able to support Pilgrims Hospices for so many years! Working alongside your wonderful team has been a privilege, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration. Thank you for all that you do for our community.”
Most recently, the Pilgrims Corporate Fundraising team went along to the annual Givaudan staff party, and were delighted to stand proud with the team to receive a donation for £11,000, raised during their 2024 fundraising activities.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, said: “The support Givaudan has given Pilgrims for over two decades has touched the lives of hundreds of people across east Kent. We are incredibly grateful to have their continued support and for them to be part of our hospice journey.”
Are you feeling inspired? If the Givaudan team has given you some ideas on how your business could also support Pilgrims, we’d love to talk to you.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to more than 3,000 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.
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.
