Theresa Rowlstone: A remarkable career caring for the people of east Kent
For more than three decades, Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Theresa Rowlstone dedicated her nursing career to caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across east Kent.
Theresa, who has recently moved from Whitstable to Herne Bay, qualified as a nurse from the Canterbury and Thanet School of Nursing in January 1987. Having initially considered a career in children’s physiotherapy or teaching, it was her mum, who was also a nurse, who encouraged her to choose nursing, a decision that shaped an extraordinary career.
Theresa in her early nursing career
Theresa joined Pilgrims Hospices as a staff nurse at Canterbury in March 1988, before taking time away to undertake a specialist cancer course at the Royal Marsden. She later worked as a senior staff nurse at Margate hospital before returning to Pilgrims in 1992 as ward sister at the newly opened Thanet hospice.
Over the years, Theresa has worked across all three Pilgrims sites, progressing from staff nurse and ward sister to senior nurse manager, a role she held at Thanet for 17 years. She also developed a strong interest in education, achieving a Master’s degree in 2009 before joining the education team in a clinical practice development role.
“I really enjoyed being part of the education and training team,” Theresa says. “It was exciting to be involved in developing people and helping them progress in their careers.”
Although she loved teaching, Theresa missed the direct connection with patients and their families. She returned to clinical care and went on to become an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, a role she has held for many years.
A career of change, learning and compassion
Throughout her career, Theresa has witnessed enormous changes in nursing, palliative care and the services provided by Pilgrims. Yet one thing has remained constant: her belief that patients must always be at the heart of everything we do.
“For me, it’s about keeping the patient at the centre of everything we do at Pilgrims,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be alongside families and helping them plan for what’s ahead for them.”
Theresa has also seen huge changes in the opportunities available to nurses and healthcare assistants:
“We now have four ACP and four trainee ACPs, allowing us to provide training and supervision for our successors in this development.”
“You can really have a great career here. There are opportunities to learn new skills to enhance your career. I find it all very exciting.”
For Theresa, one of the greatest lessons of a career in palliative care has been learning what really matters:
“This job teaches you what’s important; making the most of life, finding the things you love and pursuing them. It’s always taught me to live for the day.”
Ready for the next chapter
After more than 35 years with Pilgrims, Theresa says she now feels ready for retirement:
“I feel I’m ready and at peace with retiring. I’ve had a brilliant career.”
Having experienced arthritis and undergone a knee replacement, Theresa decided it was time to “bite the bullet” and embrace the next chapter.
She and her husband have recently moved to Herne Bay and are looking forward to more time together, holidays, trips to the cinema and swimming pool, and discovering the cafes along the coast:
“I think time will fill up pretty quickly,” Theresa laughs. “I might actually be busier in retirement than when I was working – but nicely busy!”
She is also looking forward to spending more time with her granddaughter and time supporting her parents.
Time for creativity and theatre
Retirement will give Theresa more time to enjoy her creative interests, particularly her love of amateur dramatics.
“I’m still involved with amateur dramatics. I’ve got plays that I’m arranging costumes for – up until Christmas ” she says.
She is looking forward to getting back to “treading the boards” and having a little more time to learn her lines.
She also hopes retirement will give her more time for crafts, including a local craft group she attends once a month:
“I want to have some time to focus on the things I love, like crafts.”
Theresa is also considering volunteering in the future, perhaps in a charity shop, although she is happy to take her time deciding what comes next:
“I’m definitely taking a few months out to decide what’s next and possibly still keep some involvement with Pilgrims Hospices.”
Theresa’s advice for the next generation
Theresa believes nursing and hospice care offer more opportunities than ever for those starting their careers.
“Seize the opportunities,” she says. “What’s exciting about Pilgrims is that nurses come together across the charity; there’s a career pathway for nurses and HCAs.”
A lasting legacy
For Theresa, being a nurse has become a fundamental part of who she is.
“Being a nurse and a palliative care nurse is part of my identity; I think initially retirement will feel a bit like a holiday.”
After such a long and rewarding career, Theresa leaves behind a wealth of experience, knowledge and memories, as well as the many people whose lives she has touched along the way.
A few words from Theresa’s colleagues
“Theresa has been such a key part of Pilgrims for so many years that it is hard to imagine the place without her; she has quite simply become part of the furniture!
“She is a truly compassionate and empathetic nurse who has always gone above and beyond, putting patients at the very heart of everything she does. I cannot begin to imagine the number of patients and families she has supported and cared for over the years, as well as the countless members of staff whose lives she has touched along the way.
“Theresa is always so positive and is quite simply a ray of sunshine. She has a wonderful ability to make people feel supported and valued, and I don’t think I have ever heard her say a cross word about anyone!
“She has also been a great source of support for staff, whether through her wellbeing sessions, the occasional Easter quiz or her Christmas decorations, which helped bring a little extra sparkle to Pilgrims each year.
“Theresa will be greatly missed by all of us. Her kindness, compassion, positivity and unwavering dedication have made a lasting difference to so many people.
“We wish her all the very best for her retirement and hope the years ahead are filled with happiness, laughter, relaxation and plenty of wonderful adventures. She absolutely deserves it!
“Enjoy your retirement, Theresa – you will be very much missed!”
Kate White, Senior Nurse Manager
“We are grateful for Theresa that she not only brought her dedicated care and compassion to her work at the hospice, but also her creativity and love for teaching.
“She has helped to shape the career pathways that are now available at Pilgrims Hospices, especially for our nursing colleagues. However, it is not only nurses, but also doctors and other colleagues of the wider clinical teams who have benefited from her clinical experience and wisdom, and Theresa will be missed by her colleagues just as much as by the patients and their families.
“On behalf of the executive team, I thank her wholeheartedly and wish her well in her retirement and many adventures to come.”
Dr Pia Amsler, Medical Director and Consultant
“Theresa is always upbeat and looking for the positive. She is incredibly supportive of staff, and has a constant stream of activities to keep people happy.
“Alongside that, she brings such a wealth of experience from all the years she has worked in this area. There is very little Theresa hasn’t come across before, and she is always able to offer sage advice.
“She has been an extremely committed member of the team, giving her all to the organisation. She now deserves an enjoyable and restful retirement, although I don’t suppose she’ll be resting very much!”
Andrew Thorns, Lead Consultant in Palliative Care
As Theresa begins her retirement, everyone at Pilgrims will be wishing her a very happy next chapter, with plenty of time for the people and things she loves, new adventures, crafts, theatre and, hopefully, plenty of opportunities to take a well-earned bow.
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.
Forty years of kindness: Pilgrims nurse reflects on a lifetime of care
A Pilgrims Hospices nurse is celebrating an incredible 40 years with the charity, marking a lifetime dedicated to supporting patients and families during some of their most difficult moments.
Tricia in her early nursing career
Tricia Ash joined Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in September 1986, following a nursing career that began six years earlier at King’s College Hospital in London. Now, after 46 years in nursing, she continues to feel the same passion and sense of purpose that inspired her at the beginning of her journey.
“I always thought I would go into some sort of medical profession,” says Tricia. “My mother was a nurse and my father was a doctor, so it felt like a natural path for me. Looking back, it was definitely the right decision.”
During her nursing training, Tricia attended a lecture by Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement, which inspired her to pursue a career in hospice care.
“I remember sitting there thinking, ‘This is the type of nursing that I want to do.’ I wanted to work somewhere where there was no drama, where you could spend time with patients and where care was truly centred around the individual.”
After gaining experience at St Christopher’s Hospice in London, Tricia moved to Kent and began her career with Pilgrims, where she has cared for countless patients and families over four decades.
For Tricia, hospice nursing remains a privilege.
“Being able to walk alongside a patient and their family when they are facing some of the hardest times of their lives is something I never take for granted. As part of the community team, I also feel incredibly privileged to go into people’s homes and support them there.”
Tricia Ash 6x4 5
Tricia Ash 6x4 4
Tricia Ash 6x4 3
Tricia Ash 6x4 1
Tricia Ash 6x4 2
Tricia enjoyed a tea party with colleagues to celebrate her anniversary
Sarah Martins, Pilgrims Hospices Deputy Head of Nursing, said:
“For 40 years, Tricia has supported countless patients and their loved ones across her various roles. Always kind, patient and thorough, she has truly embodied the principles of hospice care, keeping our core values at the heart of all she does.
“Guiding and supporting colleagues throughout their professional journeys at Pilgrims has been an important part of helping to develop the next generation of our team. I know they have greatly appreciated Tricia’s calm and methodical approach, alongside the wealth of wisdom and experience she has always been so generous in sharing.
“Tricia has evolved alongside the hospice, witnessing many changes within our service and the wider healthcare system. Throughout this time, she has kept her practice up to date while ensuring that care, compassion and dignity remain at the heart of her nursing.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside her, and I know she has the utmost respect of the wider team for her knowledge, understanding and steady approach. Whether supporting patients over the phone or face to face, Tricia ensures they feel heard, valued and cared for, particularly at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
“Congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone, Tricia. It’s a huge achievement.”
Tricia
Throughout her career, Tricia has witnessed many changes in nursing, but believes the most important qualities remain the same:
“Being organised, listening well and appearing calm and unrushed, even when you are very busy, are all important qualities of a great nurse.”
She says one of the things she values most about Pilgrims is the shared commitment across the organisation:
“I love the fact that everyone in the Pilgrims team has the patient and their family at the centre of everything they do. Everyone has the same focus and supports each other so much.”
After 46 years in nursing, Tricia still finds every day rewarding:
“No two days are the same. I genuinely feel that I learn something new every day, which is one of the things I love about the job. It is incredibly rewarding looking after people.”
Reflecting on what reaching 40 years with Pilgrims means to her, Tricia says:
“It has given me a wonderful insight into different people’s lives, and this has given me more than I have given.”
Tricia’s family describe her as patient, kind, calm and caring, qualities that have undoubtedly touched the lives of many patients, families and colleagues throughout her remarkable nursing journey.
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.
5th October 2026
Remembering our dads with love: Yat and Claire’s story
Yat and Claire Lee from Herne Bay support Pilgrims Hospices in memory of their fathers, Wai Lung Lee and David Ingrey, who were cared for at the Canterbury hospice within 12 months of each other – Wai Lung in December 2024, and David in September-October 2025.
The family felt so supported by Pilgrims, both during Wai Lung and David’s illnesses and after their deaths, that they are keen to give back; they want to help ensure that other local families can receive the same compassionate care.
Yat’s father, Wai Lung
Yat, Claire and their 3-year-old daughter, April, attended Sunflower Memories at the Canterbury hospice in July 2026. The event provides an opportunity to dedicate memory markers to Wai Lung and David, which are planted in the hospice gardens, and spend a summer’s afternoon reflecting and remembering with love.
Yat said:
“It was such a lovely and poignant day for us. As April is still so young, she doesn’t yet fully understand the significance of the day or how much it means to both of us.
“The support that my mother, my four siblings, and I received during Dad’s time at the hospice was truly indescribable. The team at Pilgrims, along with the support from their Stepping Stones services, helped us through one of the most difficult periods of our lives.
Claire’s father, David
“When my father-in-law, David, was referred to the hospice, we experienced the same outstanding level of care, compassion, and support that I had witnessed a year earlier.
“With both bereavements happening less than a year apart, it was very difficult. Without Pilgrims’ help, we don’t know how we would have coped.
“We feel we owe so much to the staff at Pilgrims. They made the remaining time both our fathers had as comfortable and dignified as possible, and that is something our families will never forget.
“It’s so important to raise awareness of the incredible work Pilgrims does, which is why we want to share our story.”
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.
3rd October 2026
Chris’s story: Going the extra mile for Pilgrims in memory of his mum
When Chris Wootley takes on the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge on Saturday 10 October, every step will have a very personal meaning.
Chris is taking on the tough challenge in memory of his mum, Sandra, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices in 2018 after a 10-year battle with cancer.
Chris supports Pilgrims in memory of his mum, Sandra
“Sandra always put others first, even in the toughest of times. She was caring, thoughtful and considerate of others,” says Chris.
When Sandra’s health deteriorated, she was cared for at Pilgrims’ Ashford hospice. Chris remembers the kindness and compassion shown by the whole team.
“The care and consideration for my mum’s welfare and comfort was second to none. No question or request was too much, and the entire team, from the reception desk to the nursing team and doctors, were fantastic.”
As Sandra’s life drew to a close, she expressed a wish to return home to spend her final days surrounded by the people and place she loved. Once again, the Pilgrims team rallied around to make it possible, continuing to support Sandra and her family with daily care at home.
For Chris, it is a level of support he will never forget.
That is why he continues to put himself through some seriously challenging adventures to raise money for Pilgrims.
An experienced obstacle course racer and ultra-marathon participant, Chris took part in this year’s Pilgrims Way Challenge and loved every minute, despite the inevitable hills and miles!
“The vibe is relaxed and supportive, the organisation was excellent and I’ll be back out on the course for 2027.”
Now he is going one step further with the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge.
Training has not been entirely straightforward. Chris is currently living with a knee injury and is awaiting an operation, which he has chosen to postpone until after the challenge.
“My priority is raising funds for Pilgrims. My knee can be fixed later,” he says with characteristic determination.
Alongside his personal fundraising, Chris is also a long-standing supporter through his Ashford-based business, The Monster Merchants. The company specialises in second-hand wargaming miniatures, retro board games, role-play books, action figures, toys and video games.
Every week, items that are unsuitable for sale are set aside for Pilgrims. Chris’s dad, Roger, collects, sorts and delivers the donations to Pilgrims’ Ashford site. Over the years, the family estimates they have donated thousands of items, from toys and board games to collectables, retro clothing and computer games.
“It’s about turning old and unwanted items into funds that can support Pilgrims,” says Chris.
With £260 already raised for the Kent Downs Challenge, Chris is hoping his fundraising will continue to grow.
“I will continue to support Pilgrims Hospices to give back to our local east Kent community by raising vital funds for compassionate end-of-life care. Every contribution helps provide comfort, peace and essential support for patients and their families when they need it most.”
Chris taking part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge
For Chris, the 50km challenge is about much more than the finish line. It is his way of remembering Sandra, and giving something back to the hospice team who cared for her when his family needed them most.
Want to raise funds for Pilgrims with your own challenge?
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.
24th September 2026
Yuet Mui’s story: “Little acts of kindness make Pilgrims such a special place”
Yuet Mui Chiu from Ashford was devoted to her family; her daughters Pui Ying and Pui Man, her son, William, and her three grandchildren.
She was also a carer for William, who is partially blind.
Yuet Mui’s family with staff at the Ashford hospice
When Yuet Mui became unwell and was referred to Pilgrims Hospices for end-of-life care, the hospice supported her whole family to make the most of the time they had left together.
Here, they share what made that time so special.
“Mum was referred to the Ashford hospice for symptom management; she enjoyed her time there, and was adored by the staff.
“Mum’s English was limited, so being allowed to stay with her overnight for the duration was really helpful. They gave us blankets and a chair to sleep in, and they made sure we were fed.
“Mum went through a phase where she would have a Mini Milk ice cream every day at home, so when the kitchen staff asked her what she would like for pudding, she wanted chocolate ice cream. It wasn’t on the menu, but they went out of their way to get some for her, and even treated her to chocolate bars. It was little acts of kindness like these that meant so much and made such a difference to Mum and all of us. It’s what makes Pilgrims such a special place.
“The staff constantly looked for ways to create comfort, dignity and moments of happiness, however small they might have seemed. Those thoughtful gestures created precious memories that we will always cherish, and they demonstrated the genuine care and humanity shown by everyone at Pilgrims. Mum was comfortable and pain free. She was so happy being at the hospice; when she was told she was being discharged, she was a bit sad.
“When Mum passed away, the staff talked to her as if she was still here with us. One lady gave Mum a bunch of flowers and a kiss. They didn’t rush us to leave, and they gave us a lot of privacy.”
Yuet Mui’s family and friends at Pilgrims Hospices Cycle ChallengePui Ying and her daughter, Bonnie, at Sunflower Memories 2026
Yuet Mui’s family and friends choose to support Pilgrims through fundraising, to help make sure that others can benefit from the same compassionate care they received.
They’ve taken part in Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, riding 100 miles through the east Kent countryside, and completed the London Big Half 2026 – raising thousands of pounds for local hospice care along the way. They’re also planning a bake off-style event to raise more vital funds for Pilgrims, and they remember Yuet Mui at Pilgrims’ Sunflower Memories event:
“We want to support Pilgrims because they did so much for Mum, and have continued to support our family through their Stepping Stones programme. They’ve gone above and beyond; no matter how much we fundraise or donate, it’s never going to be enough to repay them.
“We want to ensure that Pilgrims can continue providing outstanding care, compassion, and dignity to everyone who needs them. By helping to secure its future, we can protect this essential service and make sure it remains available for current and future generations – offering comfort, expert care, emotional support, and a sense of hope when it’s needed most.”
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.
16th September 2026
Remembering Pat: A love that lives on
When Barry Cobb looks back on his 59 years of marriage to Pat, he remembers a lifetime of love, laughter, adventures and treasured memories.
He also remembers the care Pat received at Pilgrims Canterbury hospice during the final weeks of her life, care that, in her own words, gave her “a little bit of peace”.
Pat and Barry
From his home in Margate, Barry recalls the woman he first fell in love with as a teenager, and the remarkable life they shared together.
Their story began with a friendship that started from afar in 1962. Introduced by a friend, the young couple became pen pals. Pat was working in the offices at Euston Station in London, while Barry was serving with the Army in the Outer Hebrides.
“We sort of got close from afar, sending letters every day,” Barry remembers.
When Barry came home to Harrow on leave at Christmas, they finally met face-to-face. He travelled straight to Euston Station to meet Pat, and from that moment, the two were almost inseparable.
It wasn’t long before Pat followed Barry back to the Outer Hebrides. It was a huge journey for the 17-year-old, who had never travelled by train before, but it was the beginning of many adventures together.
They married soon afterwards, and as a military wife, Pat travelled far and wide with Barry. When he later left the Army and became a police officer, their life together continued to take them around the country, living in many different counties across the UK.
For almost six decades, they shared a life filled with experiences, changes and, above all, each other.
They also became parents to two sons, Paul, born in 1965, and Tony, born in 1967, who became an important part of the life Barry and Pat built together.
Barry Pat Cobb 8
Barry Pat Cobb 7
Barry Pat Cobb 6
Barry Pat Cobb 5
Barry Pat Cobb 4
Barry Pat Cobb 3
When Pat became ill, Barry remained by her side.
Pat was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2021. She had previously undergone two mastectomies, but sadly her health continued to deteriorate. She spent two weeks at Pilgrims Canterbury hospice, where the team cared for her and worked to ensure she was comfortable and, most importantly, free from pain.
Pat had a view of the hospice garden from her room, a detail Barry remembers fondly.
For him, those final weeks also hold precious memories of being able to spend time together as a family:
“They could visit, sit beside her and be together until the very end.”
Barry remembers Pat at Trees of Love
Pat was 78 when she died, sadly, on the couple’s 59th wedding anniversary.
For Barry, the memories of their life together remain incredibly important. And now, he has found a special way to remember Pat while helping other families who may one day face a similar journey.
At this time of year, Barry dedicates a special dove to Pat as part of Pilgrims’ Trees of Love.
For him, the dedication is more than a tribute. It is a way of keeping those happy memories close and turning his experience of Pilgrims’ care into something that can help others.
“Remembering Pat this way helps me to keep those lovely thoughts close to my heart,” he says.
Barry’s dedication is a lasting tribute to a much-loved wife and to 59 years of a life shared together.
And as the Trees of Love shine brightly in memory of loved ones, Pat’s dove will carry her memory forward; helping to ensure that other people and their families can receive the compassionate care, comfort and “little bit of peace” that meant so much to Pat and Barry.
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.
