Kate’s Everest trek: Reaching new heights for hospice care
Kate and her sister, Beth, with their dad, Nicholas
In March 2026, 22-year-old Kate Jordan from Herne Bay will take on the adventure of a lifetime – trekking to Everest Base Camp in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
Kate is joining Team Pilgrims to challenge herself, raise vital funds for local hospice care, and celebrate her dad, Nicholas, who was cared for by Pilgrims in 2020.
Kate’s dad, Nicholas
Nicholas bravely battled mesothelioma for 10 months before he passed away. Throughout his illness, Pilgrims provided exceptional care, ensuring he was comfortable and supported, while also offering guidance and compassion to Kate and her family, which has continued ever since. Pilgrims remains incredibly close to Kate’s heart, so when she spotted the charity’s Everest Base Campchallenge, it immediately caught her eye.
“To be completely honest, I found the Everest trek by chance; I was looking on the Pilgrims website to see if they had any fun events coming up and saw it and thought ‘Wow, that looks cool’, and then 30 minutes later I’d paid my deposit! I think it will be the most incredible mental and physical challenge, an opportunity that’s so hard to pass up, and I am just so extremely excited! I feel grateful to take on the challenge with people who have a connection to the hospice and to keep raising money!”
Reflecting on her father’s time with Pilgrims, Kate shared:
“My dad spent his last few days resting comfortably in the Thanet hospice, with the amazing staff making sure that his closest family could be there with him as much as possible right until the end. My dad was the most hilarious man with his dry sense of humour; he gave me and my sister a childhood full of love and happy memories, and even five years after he left, I still feel that I am learning valuable lessons from him.”
Since then, Kate and her sister have hosted three annual charity quiz nights in support of Pilgrims, and Kate has also taken on a tandem skydive. Now, she’s preparing for her biggest adventure yet – reaching the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain.
“I think one of the most wholesome things about Everest is that everyone has some connection to Pilgrims Hospices, and I like to think that the higher the altitude, the closer we will feel to our loved ones. When I think about the day we reach base camp, it gives me goosebumps! I have already met some of the lovely people I will be taking on the trek with, and it’s made this even more real and exciting! I can’t wait for the no doubt breathtaking views, to learn about the culture, and to prove to myself that if I put my mind to it, I can do it!”
Kate with her dad
Training for the trek is already well underway for Kate, and she’s loved meeting others who share her connection to Pilgrims. Building friendships and sharing stories has made preparing for the adventure even more meaningful:
“The people I’ve met so far have been nothing but lovely, and that includes all the fundraising staff! I completed the 25km Pilgrims Way Challenge with five others from Base Camp and we had such a giggle! It was so nice sharing stories about our lives whilst remembering our loved ones who we’ve lost.”
“I would say to anyone considering Base Camp, just do it! This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and if I’ve learnt anything over these past five years, it’s that life is way too short, and you don’t know what’s around the corner – so get that sign up form and take the chance! My family definitely think I’m nuts for doing this, but they’re also the most supportive and loving family, and I know if my dad was here today he would be calling me crazy but he would also be very proud, and that’s the reason I am doing it.”
Sophie Howland, Events Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“Kate is taking on an incredible challenge to support local hospice care. Her courage, positivity and determination is truly inspiring, and every step she takes will make a real difference for local families. We’re so proud of her and can’t wait to cheer her on all the way to Base Camp.”
Feeling inspired?
In March 2026, Kate and other Pilgrims supporters will set out on a 16-day adventure through the Himalayas to the foot of Mount Everest, including an 11-day trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp. Along the way, they’ll pass through ancient Sherpa villages, witness spectacular sunrises over snow-capped peaks, and take in breathtaking views from Kala Patthar – all while raising vital funds to support hospice care across east Kent.
Led by an experienced UK Mountain Leader and supported by local experts, this is a once in a lifetime journey that will test both mind and body, create unforgettable memories, and bring together people connected by a shared purpose.
Places for this incredible challenge are limited, and registration closes on 12 December 2025.
Pilgrims Hospices provides specialist care, free of charge, to thousands of people across east Kent each year. Services are offered from its three hospice sites in Canterbury, Ashford, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes.
5th October 2025
Hundreds get covered in colour for Pilgrims Hospices care
Wow! What a wonderful, happy and windy atmosphere seeing everyone again at this year’s Pilgrims Hospices Thanet 5k Colour Run, which took centre stage at Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday 5 October 2025.
With over 400 Pilgrims Hospices supporters participating and raising an impressive £235k plus in the nine years the event has taken place for hospice end-of-life care in east Kent, it’s clear that the event made a significant impact.
Karen Kenward, Fundraising Manager, and the entire team deserve commendation for their hard work and dedication in organising such a successful event.
It’s heart-warming to see the community coming together on a most spectacular day in Cliftonville. It was exciting to see so many familiar faces; families and friends coming together to enjoy a colourful fun day while also supporting our local charity.
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Bex leading the warm-up
The fact that the weather was rather windy this year only added to the joy and vibrancy of the occasion.
A brilliant way to kick off the Colour Run event was with fitness expert Bex, who did a fun warm-up for all. The dynamic and energetic warm-up session was full of fun dance moves, and prepared everyone for the colourful and exciting spectacle ahead. With cool dance music playing, participants were encouraged to move, stretch, and get their hearts pumping, creating a lively atmosphere prior to a colour blast.
Karen said:
“The money raised today will undoubtedly go a long way in providing crucial support and care for those in need in the community. The Thanet 5k Colour Run is not only a fantastic way to raise money, but also a beautiful example of how communities can unite for a great cause and raise awareness for our charity. A huge well done to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
Karen added:
“I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our sponsors –Stagecoach, Copyshop and Mini Stores in Deal. Also, thank you for the support of Margate Ambulance, Academy Radio, Isle of Thanet, Frank Leppard for his incredible photos, Pete our DJ, and lastly to Fundraising Assistant, Annie Pritchard, Pilgrims staff and volunteers who help support me in making this event so special each year, come wind, rain or shine!I think I can truly say we’ve all had a real colour blast of a day today and we couldn’t run the event without everyone’s wonderful support. Thank you all once again!”
Annie Pritchard, Fundraising Assistant, with husband and volunteer, Reg
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 August 2025
Physiotherapist Kim raises over £1,000 for hospice care in triathlon and wing walk extravaganza
In August 2025, Kim Steel from Birchington completed a triathlon and a wing walk (in a morph suit!) for Pilgrims Hospices, raising more than £1,000 for local hospice care.
As a physiotherapist at the Thanet hospice, Kim sees first-hand how Pilgrims care benefits the east Kent community.
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Kim qualified as a physiotherapist in 2010 and enjoyed many varied roles before joining Pilgrims. She worked with sports teams, taught Pilates, and volunteered in Belize setting up clinics for people who struggled to access healthcare. Kim is also trained in acupuncture, and has specialised in paediatrics and orthopaedics. After working within the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic and then having her daughter, Theia (2), she decided to try self-employment.
Kim said: “I was humbled by the team dynamics, the courage and positivity of my NHS colleagues, despite the adversity; it was inspiring. I continued with them until we were lucky enough to start our family, when I needed the flexibility to fit my work around childcare.”
Whilst looking to supplement her self-employment, Kim spotted a temporary maternity cover vacancy at Pilgrims:
“I took a stab in the dark; I’d not had much experience with palliative care. After seeing the inspiring care, helping people with their wishes in their last days, and feeling like a valued team member, I jumped at the chance to be made permanent.”
Six months into her role at Pilgrims, Kim wanted to give back even more, and decided to take on a triathlon and a wing walk for the charity.
Kim during the triathlon
Kim completed the Active Life Oysterman Triathlon – a 500m swim, 20k cycle and 5k run – in Whitstable on 3 August 2025. She had originally signed up to do it “for fun” in 2024, but deferred due to post-partum recovery:
“I had several complications after my emergency C-section with Theia in 2023, including sepsis and a haematoma. I needed surgery, and fought for my life three times in a fortnight. I also had ongoing hip pain and post-sepsis syndrome.
“While my fitness was OK when I was on maternity leave, trying to return to work and keep it up wasn’t manageable. Deferring the triathlon allowed me to really optimise my training… until eight weeks prior to the event, when I tore an ankle ligament! Luckily it healed, but it left me with less than a fortnight to train. So, with all the work I put into it, I felt it was worth a sponsor!”
On the day, Kim completed her swim in 14 minutes (doing 700m in total), her cycle in 55 minutes, and her run in 37 minutes, and said:
“I didn’t hate it and I didn’t die, so I’ll take that as a win! I had great support from my husband, James, and my friends Meg and Emily, and Theia ran after me trying to cross the finish line!”
Kim at the triathlon with her daughter, Theia, and her best friend, Meg
And Kim didn’t stop there!
Drawn to thrill-seeking pursuits, she wanted to push her comfort zone further and completed a wing walk challenge at Headcorn Aerodrome on 17 August 2025:
“I’ve been intrigued by wing walking since I saw it on Davina McCall’s Don’t Try This at Home programme as a kid. I remember watching it in awe; wing walking particularly stood out, and I thought, “I’m going to do that when I grow up!””
“Now, as an adult, it feels pretty insane; I’ve generally been fearless (Theia is making sure that comes back to haunt me!) I’ve skydived, played roller derby, ramp skated, travelled alone from a young age, and moved away from friends and family to set up a new life by the sea.”
“But I remember that inevitable adult fear kicking in twice while travelling through Guatemala – once hurtling down a volcano on a bike (no bottling it on that one!) and the other jumping off a 20m bridge into a river below (that one I did bottle, and I’ve kicked myself since).
“So, definitely no bottling the wing walk. Friends, clients and my parents have all been so generous in supporting me and spreading the word. I said if I hit £1,000, I’d do it in a morph suit… and I did!”
Kim also organised and led a Pilates session on Minnis Bay Beach in July 2025, to further support her fundraising.
Upon completing the wing walk, she reflected:
“The day was lovely – a once in a life time opportunity. It was amazing to have family there to cheer me on; Theia wore wings and walked on the wing of a play plane! I felt calm about it all, awaiting “the best rollercoaster of my life” as it had been coined by someone who’d done it prior. I tried to lift my legs, which was quite a challenge! I also took in the incredible views – it was a beautiful, clear day. A couple of times I felt my belly go, as we did dramatic height changes.
“Back on the ground, I felt accomplished and very relaxed!
“I have precious memories of the day and am very pleased to have raised over £1,000 for local hospice care.”
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Kim’s wing walk for Pilgrims Hospices
Sophie Howland, Events Fundraiser, said:
“A huge thank you to Kim, who’s truly gone above and beyond for Pilgrims! Through her hard work and bravery, she’s raised an amazing £1,246 to support local hospice care. We’re so proud of everything she’s achieved, and what a fantastic difference she’s made. Well done and thank you, Kim!”
Kim added:
“Pilgrims staff have been so incredibly welcoming, and also taught me a whole new way of working. The care, compassion and skill they provide for those in the last months and days of their lives is humbling, and it doesn’t stop there – they also provide comfort to patients’ loved ones, easing their journey at such difficult times.
“I feel hospices should be fully funded, and I think it’s outrageous that most of their funding comes from other peoples’ charity, so I want to do all I can to support them.
“So please, if you can, help us to continue helping people in east Kent. Thank 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.
13th August 2025
Anne’s once in a lifetime wing walk for Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims supporter Anne Willmott took to the skies for a truly unforgettable fundraising challenge – a wing walk soaring 500ft above the Kent countryside – in memory of her much-loved mum, Sandra, and to support hospice care in east Kent.
Anne with her daughter, Jade, and granddaughters
Anne recently met with the Pilgrims team at the Ashford hospice, joined by her daughter Jade and granddaughters Kaydee-Jade (9) and Gracie (almost 6). She’s no stranger to Pilgrims; her family shares a longstanding and very personal connection with the charity. Anne’s mum, Sandra, was a much-loved volunteer on the Ashford reception for many years, offering a friendly face and comforting welcome to all who came through the hospice doors.
Sandra was cared for by the Ashford hospice team and died in February 2024 – poignantly, on World Cancer Day. Anne, her father James, and the family spent precious time with Sandra while she was being cared for at the hospice, supported throughout by Pilgrims’ expert and compassionate team.
“The care Mum received was so special,” Anne said. “We were able to be with her at the hospice and felt supported every step of the way. The team were comforting and amazing. They helped us stay calm through such difficult times. They even helped me to be very positive and strong in the moment, which is something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Anne’s dad James continues to be a dedicated supporter, sharing his photography talents at Pilgrims events and giving talks about his travels, with all donations going to support local hospice care. Anne and her daughter Jade proudly carry on that photography tradition, volunteering their time and skills throughout the year.
Sandra and James
Speaking about her recent wing walk at Headcorn Aerodrome, Anne said:
“I’m so proud to have taken on this amazing challenge. Once I climbed onto the wing and was strapped in, I expected nerves – but instead, I felt an incredible sense of calm. I smiled the whole way through! As we landed, I just dissolved into tears. It was joy, pride, and emotion all at once. I really felt Mum was watching over me. Now I just want to do it all over again!”
Anne doing her wing walk
The wing walk also marked a personal milestone for Anne, celebrating her recovery from illness four years ago.
“This was a way to celebrate feeling well again, to remember Mum, and to give something back to Pilgrims for the incredible care she received. It was the most exciting way I could think of to say thank you.”
Anne launched a JustGiving pageto support her challenge and was overwhelmed by the kindness of family, friends, and even anonymous donors. She has raised more than £1,200 so far.
Anne and Sandra
“People were so generous – it really touched me. I think it speaks volumes about how much Pilgrims Hospices means to people in our community. I couldn’t thank everyone enough. It was lovely to achieve something so personal while raising funds for something so close to all our hearts.”
Sophie, from Pilgrims’ Fundraising team, congratulated Anne on behalf of the charity:
“It’s official – you’re a wing walker! We’re so proud of you, Anne.
“Your bravery, energy and compassion are inspiring. The funds you’ve raised will help us continue to provide vital care to patients and families across east Kent.”
Anne and her family continue to support Pilgrims in many ways — attending remembrance events like Sunflower Memories and honouring Sandra’s life with a leaf on the hospice’s Memory Tree.
“We’re really proud to be part of the Pilgrims family,” Anne added. “Mum loved her time volunteering, and we all feel close to her when we’re supporting the hospice. I think she’d be thrilled to see us all carrying that on.”
So, what’s next for Anne?
“How do you top a wing walk? Maybe some loop-the-loops next time!” she laughed. “Whatever comes next, I’ll keep doing what makes me happy – and supporting Pilgrims wherever I can.”
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.
24th June 2025
Hikers go the extra mile at the Pilgrims Way Challenge!
On Saturday 21 June, more than 700 supporters came together to take on the annual Pilgrims Way Challenge, in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
This beloved event welcomed both regular ramblers and first time participants, all coming together under the glorious sunshine in support of their local hospice.
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce that, thanks to the incredible efforts of everyone who took part, the event has currently raised its biggest ever total at £187,000 – and climbing!
Walkers could choose from a 25km, 35km or 55km route, each offering its own challenge and a chance to enjoy east Kent’s beautiful countryside.
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The 55km stretched from Dover to Wye via Canterbury, and for those seeking a shorter journey, alternative routes included Dover to Canterbury at 35km, and Canterbury to Wye at 25km. With all three routes either passing through or ending at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, the hospice stayed at the centre of the day, and a clear reminder of the cause behind every step.
A team of Pilgrims’ very own hospice heroes took part in the challenge, as nurses and carers swapped their uniforms for walking boots to take on the 35km route from Dover to Canterbury.
It was a chance to raise vital funds and awareness for the compassionate care they provide every day, and to come together outside of work for a great team experience with a shared purpose.
Pilgrims nursing staff at the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2025
Head of Fundraising, Kate Duddell, said:
“Seven years ago, this started as a local hiking event and now it’s a beloved tradition that brings people together for a cause that touches so many.
“Thank you to everyone who’s joined us over the years and helped us to make it our biggest year so far!”
The true stars of the day were undoubtedly the volunteers, including crossing marshals, registration helpers, refreshment teams and signage crews. Their warm encouragement helped to lift the spirits of everyone taking part in this important Pilgrims Hospices fundraising event. Thanks to their dedication, the day ran seamlessly and was an enjoyable experience for all involved.
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A huge shout-out also goes to the 2025 headline sponsor, Kare Plus (recently re-branded as Ultima Care & Nursing). Pilgrims Hospices are incredibly grateful for your support, thank you for helping make this event possible!
Finally, Pilgrims would like to say thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this year’s challenge a resounding success. From those putting their best foot forwards at this year’s challenge, to those sponsoring and cheering from the sidelines, your enthusiasm and generosity have made a real difference for local hospice care.
Some of Pilgrims’ Everest Base Camp 2026 challengers at the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2025
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.
7th May 2025
Fifteen fabulous years of pedalling for Pilgrims
Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge celebrated a record-breaking year, with a fun-filled day to remember.
On Sunday 5 May, more than 1,140 hospice heroes came together to celebrate 15 incredible years of pedaling for a purpose.
Kicking off from the lively Event Village at the University of Kent, Canterbury, cyclists were welcomed with smiles and support, before they took off to the Kent countryside to battle the winds, all in support of local hospice care.
To commemorate the occasion, a brand new 15-mile route was introduced, allowing even more supporters to join in on the fun, including families and first-time riders. As well as an exclusive 15th Anniversary Cycle Jersey, a special anniversary medal and a brand new rest stop at Barham – where cyclists were served delicious refreshments to keep them fueled, and even tea out of vintage china cups!
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Cycle Challenge is more than just an endurance ride – it’s a celebration of our entire community. Where families, friends and colleagues come together and go the extra mile to support their local hospice. Many participants take on Cycle Challenge in memory of someone special, where every mile becomes a way of saying thank you, ensuring that the next family who needs us receives the same compassionate care, now, and in the future.
And just how big is 15 years of cycling?
It’s estimated that, together, Pilgrims riders have clocked up over 1,081,892 miles since 2010 – that’s enough to cycle around the world 43 times!
15,475 riders have taken on Cycle Challenge over the years.
International riders have joined in from France, Holland and even the USA and New Zealand!
Sue Barrett-Austen from Ashford completed her 15th consecutive Cycle Challenge and 125 miles, having taken part every year since the event began.
The oldest rider ever was 90 years old!
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A medal moment
Every rider who crossed the finish line arrived to cheers and applause, and proudly took home a special commemorative 15th anniversary Cycle Challenge medal as a thank you for being part of something special.
Head of Fundraising, Kate Duddell, said:
“Fifteen years ago, this started as a local cycling event and now it’s a beloved tradition that brings people together for a cause that touches so many. Thank you to everyone who’s pedaled with us over the years – you’ve helped us raise an astonishing £1,512,708.8 for hospice care in east Kent. This year, you’ve broken all of our records, and have raised a staggering £126,416 – and counting! That’s simply incredible.”
All funds raised go directly to Pilgrims Hospices, supporting people living with a life-limiting illness and helping their families at the toughest time of their lives – with compassion, dignity and love.
We’re so grateful to have you alongside us. We couldn’t do it without you, thank you!
To all the first-time riders, seasoned cyclists, and dedicated volunteers, thank you for doing something truly incredible for hospice care. Each one has played a vital role in making the past 15 years so special.
Pilgrims Hospices looks forward to what 2026 will bring and proudly looks forward to the next 15 years of cycling!
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.
