A fond farewell to Debbie Boots: Celebrating 24 years of compassionate care at Pilgrims Hospices
After an incredible 24 years with Pilgrims Hospices, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Debbie Boots, is retiring, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of care, compassion, and dedication.
Debbie in her early nursing days
Originally from Dagenham, Essex, Debbie has called Thanet home for many years. Her nursing career spans an impressive 44 years, taking just two short breaks for maternity leave. She first trained as a general nurse in Redbridge, gaining experience in male and female surgery and mental health care before moving into care home management.
But it was a single, deeply moving experience with an end-of-life patient at QEQM Hospital that led Debbie to hospice care – a decision that shaped the rest of her career.
Debbie joined Pilgrims Hospices with a passion for ensuring that patients facing life-limiting illnesses receive the best possible care. She embraced every opportunity to develop her skills, working on the in-patient wards and within the community team, earning a Master’s Degree and becoming an Advanced Practitioner Nurse – later recognised as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner.
Throughout her time at Pilgrims, she has played a crucial role in developing nurse prescribing within the charity, mentoring colleagues, and influencing best practices in end-of-life care.
Debbie with Brenda Blethyn
Reflecting on her journey, Debbie says:
“Listening is one of the biggest parts of our role as Pilgrims nurses. I’m a very good listener, and patients need to tell their stories. When you’re listening, you get a sense of what’s most important to them – and that’s what we need to focus on.
Everything we do here is patient-focused. We need to know that our patients feel supported and cared for every step of the way, right up to the very last moment.”
She continues:
“From the moment people are invited to attend any of our clinics or arrive at the hospice for the first time, they’re often tense and sitting on the edge of their chair. We work hard to pick up on the cues in those early conversations, and provide a management plan that will help them to live as well as possible for the remainder of their life.
“When people realise that we’re truly listening, reflecting and empathising, you can see the change – they begin to relax. By gaining their trust, we help them find the coping mechanisms they need at the early stages of their care.”
Her decision to retire was made over a year ago, with the heartfelt desire to be there for her elderly parents and growing family. She is looking forward to spending more time with her two young grandsons, Gregory (3) and Duncan (18 months), and to welcoming a granddaughter soon. At 62, Debbie is also prioritising her own health while embracing this new chapter of life.
Though stepping away from the hospice is bittersweet, Debbie is confident in the talented and dedicated nursing and clinical team she leaves behind. She shares:
“I’ve always worked alongside incredible colleagues, and now it’s time to step back and let them spread their wings. They have the skills, compassion, and fresh ideas to continue delivering outstanding care.”
However, this isn’t a complete goodbye. Debbie has expressed her wish to maintain her links with her beloved hospice career and is considering volunteering in one of Pilgrims’ charity shops in the future.
“It will be lovely to still feel that I’m part of the very special Pilgrims team,” she says.
A message from Kate White, Senior Nurse Manager:
“Debbie’s wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed by colleagues and patients alike. We thank her for her years of service and wish her all the happiness and relaxation she deserves in retirement.”
Enjoy every moment, Debbie – you’ve truly earned it!
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.
24th September 2024
Super fundraiser Sian raises over £1,000 for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of mum
Sian fundraised in memory of her mum, Denise, who received Pilgrims care in 2022.
Sian and Denise
Sian felt so supported by Pilgrims during her mum’s illness that she wanted to give back.
She said: “Pilgrims regularly checked in, ensuring she was comfortable with the huge changes in her life that she was about to face. They fitted aids throughout our home to support her as her physical strength gradually worsened.
“In the days leading up to her passing, she got sick. We phoned Pilgrims for advice, and they informed our GP and requested a scan. On the morning of the scan, Mum struggled to get up. I called Pilgrims and they told me to phone the hospital. This became one of the last days we spent with Mum; without Pilgrims’ guidance, we wouldn’t have had that extra time with her before she passed.
“During this period when Mum was unwell, I was on my own caring for her whilst trying to balance working a full-time job as well as making time for myself. Pilgrims acted as a friend, offering advice and support.
“No one can prepare you to lose a parent. Life is short, and although I would’ve loved to spend the rest of my life with Mum, having those extra days with her made me eternally grateful – and it’s all thanks to Pilgrims for listening to me on the other end of that phone call.
Sian took on The Big Half on Sunday 1 September 2024.
Sian at The Big Half 2024
Her friends, family and local gym – Muscle Hut in Ashford – helped her to raise more than £1,000 for Pilgrims.
She added:
“I’m so grateful for the support Pilgrims provided throughout a very difficult time on our family. They were always within arm’s reach, and I’m extremely excited to be giving back to them in any way I can.”
Pilgrims has a limited number of charity places in The Big Half 2025, you can secure your spot on the start line today, for free, with a pledge to raise at least £350 sponsorship for hospice care.
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.
31st May 2024
Introducing Niomi: A dedicated Ward Support Volunteer
Niomi is a cherished member of the Pilgrims Hospice Ashford community, where she serves as a Ward Support Volunteer.
Her journey and experiences reflect her deep commitment to providing comfort and support to both patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Embracing the role with compassion and experience
Niomi’s background is rich in caregiving and community involvement. After working as a professional nanny for ten years and raising her own children, she transitioned into teaching and later, community care. Her extensive experience, particularly with clients with dementia and those at the end of life, has equipped her with the skills and empathy needed to support hospice patients and their families effectively.
Every situation is unique. It’s about working out what’s required for each individual.
Niomi
Inspired by Dr. Kathryn Mannix’s patient-led approach to end-of-life care, Niomi joined Pilgrims Hospices. With the End in Mind, a book by Mannix, profoundly influenced her perspective, reinforcing the importance of open, honest conversations about death and dying.
Niomi with Dr. Kathryn Mannix
A day in the life of a hospice volunteer
At Pilgrims Hospices, Niomi’s days are filled with meaningful interactions. She visits patients and families, offering her presence and assistance, which often frees up time for nurses. Her role involves simple yet significant actions — listening, offering reassurance, and providing a comforting presence.
Many people have never been to a hospice before and don’t know what dying looks like. Surprisingly, many are very open about their views on death and dying. It’s about making a difference to patients and families, putting them at ease when they are ready to come to the end of their journey.
Niomi
Niomi emphasises the importance of respecting boundaries and ensuring that patients are comfortable with her company: “Every situation is unique. It’s about working out what’s required for each individual,” she says.
Supporting families and enhancing the hospice environment
Recognising a need for more activities for visiting children, Niomi took the initiative to provide bookmarks, drawing paper, and other art materials. This effort, supported by Hospice Services Manager, Wendy Kelk, helps ease the pressure on parents and creates a more welcoming environment for young visitors.
Niomi also highlights the supportive and positive atmosphere among the hospice staff: “I talk to the nurses, and they often tell me this is the happiest they’ve been in years. Annie Hogben, Expert Volunteer Project Lead, in particular, is a wonderful support to all of us. She makes you feel great, as if you are the only one in the room.”
Balancing volunteering with professional life
In addition to her volunteer work, Niomi runs her own Personal Assistant (PA) company, which allows her to manage her time effectively and keep her Wednesdays free for volunteering. Her PA role involves companionship, meal preparation, and assisting clients with organising their lives, focusing on those with dementia.
Looking ahead with gratitude
Reflecting on her role at Pilgrims Hospices, Niomi feels both lucky and blessed to be part of such an incredible team: “This environment understands how a person dies, enabling patients to remain dignified. It’s how everyone deserves to die, frankly. I’m very grateful to be, in a small way, part of this.”
Niomi and her husband at Cycle Challenge 2024
Her passion for the hospice and its mission shines through in every interaction, making a significant impact on the lives of those she serves. As Niomi continues her journey, she remains dedicated to supporting Pilgrims Hospices, hoping to inspire others to join her in this fulfilling and essential work.
In addition to offering her time and energy as a dedicated ward support volunteer, Niomi, alongside her husband, also trained diligently to participate in the fundraising event Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge in May 2024. Demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment, she undertook the 30-mile ride across the beautiful Kent countryside during the 14th annual event, contributing not only through her volunteer work, but also by actively raising funds to support the hospice’s vital services.
Join us at Pilgrims Hospices
Niomi’s story is a testament to the profound impact of volunteering. If you feel inspired by her experiences and would like to learn more about how you can make a difference, please consider joining us at Pilgrims Hospices. Together, we can provide compassionate care and support to those who need it most.
Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
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.
