Chris Laming from Westbrook near Margate will take on her fifth Firewalk for Pilgrims Hospices on Friday 13 March 2020 in Canterbury. After completing her first Firewalk in 2016, she became hooked; each walk leaves her feeling inspired and proud to support her local hospice charity.
Chris, who works as an administrator at the University of Kent in Canterbury and is also a qualified counsellor, chooses to support Pilgrims for a very personal reason:
“A close family friend was cared for by Pilgrims four years ago, and I was incredibly moved to hear his family speak so highly of the dignified and compassionate care both he and they received in his final days, and the comfort that brought them in the depth of their loss. As a counsellor, I see clients whose grief and loss has become complex and traumatic, often because the practical and emotional support they needed at the time simply wasn’t possible. But significantly, too, we simply don’t talk openly enough about death and bereavement; so misconception and fear prevent us from making the most of the time we have left.”
Although I’ve done firewalking before, I know that when I’m standing at the start of that runway and it’s my turn next, it’s going to be just as much of a challenge as it was the first time around. But the whole experience and sense of achievement is totally exhilarating – you’ll never regret it.”
Chris
Chris heard about the charity’s Firewalk event and felt inspired to challenge herself whilst giving back at the same time – and she hasn’t looked back since. She said:
“I can’t lie, I’m now totally hooked! From that very first walk I’ve been like ‘a moth to the flame’ so to speak, taking part every year and feeling just as inspired and proud of what I’m achieving, both personally and for Pilgrims, with every single walk. The camaraderie and mutual support from other participants on the night is absolutely incredible; it’s an awesome experience and a totally unique challenge.
“I’m also fortunate to have an amazingly supportive family and close friends who always get behind me, and though I haven’t convinced many of them to join me yet, they are always encouraging and incredibly generous with their sponsorship.”
Driven by a belief that better end-of-life care is possible for everyone, and that dying should be talked about more openly, Chris hopes that her fundraising will help families to feel informed and empowered in the time they have left together.
She added: “It’s my passionate belief that holistic services that support the needs of people facing terminal and life-limiting conditions (and their families, carers and friends) are an absolute necessity. Pilgrims helps to make all these things possible, but without support from local communities these invaluable services wouldn’t exist. If we want them to continue then we have to do something about it, and that’s where people like myself can make a real difference.
“The fact that this is my fifth Pilgrims Firewalk and I haven’t spontaneously combusted yet might just be encouragement and reassurance enough for those teetering on the brink of registering! Life is far too short not to take chances or step out of your comfort zone. Although I’ve done firewalking before, I know that when I’m standing at the start of that runway and it’s my turn next, it’s going to be just as much of a challenge as it was the first time around. But the whole experience and sense of achievement is totally exhilarating – you’ll never regret it.”
Feeling inspired to follow in Chris’ footsteps and face the flames?
Firewalk returns on 13 March in Canterbury and 14 March in Ashford.
Visit pilgrimshospices.org/firewalk to sign up now to dash across red hot embers and achieve the impossible. Advance entry is £20, available until 8 March 2020. You can also sign up on the night. Entry includes training seminar, firewalking experience and certificate.
Pilgrims volunteer Lin will take on the hottest shortest sponsored walk in the world
Lin Parsons from Kennington, Ashford has been a valued member of the volunteer team at Pilgrims Hospices for eight years. Lin’s mum was cared for at the Ashford hospice in 2009, before then, she had little idea of what the hospice was or what services it provided.
Lin told us: “My mum received such wonderful care at the hospice, I was very keen to offer my services as a volunteer to help in any way I could.”
Although she felt the need to be involved as soon as possible after the loss of her mum, the support services around Pilgrims care insists families and friends who’ve suffered a loss, take sufficient time to grieve and re-adjust to their loss before taking up a commitment as a Pilgrims volunteer.
Lin added: “In the meantime, I gave my support to Pilgrims in other ways by getting involved with fundraising activities such as Pilgrims night-time walks and I play Pilgrims Lottery. When I was ready, I joined the regular volunteers as part of the hospice reception team.”
My mum received such wonderful care at the hospice.
Lin
Pensioner Lin, was employed for 28 years as a barmaid in the Ashford Golf Club: “I loved working with people, I’m a very social person, my job at the golf club allowed me to be flexible as my family grew up.
“I still love to be around people so, my role with Pilgrims, greeting visitors and helping with the refreshment trollies and chatting with patients is so rewarding.” Lin added.
Lin keeps busy with some shifts at the golf club, looking after her grandchildren and walking her dog, but she has still found time to take part in Pilgrims Firewalk on Saturday 14 March.
“I’m really looking forward to taking on this challenge, I’ve never done anything quite like this before. I was encouraged to join the team of nurses and Pilgrims staff who have already signed up to take part. I thought, here goes!
“I’m encouraging my friends and family to sponsor me to brave the daring dash across the red-hot wood embers. I know the money I raise will truly help to make a difference to people who need hospice care the most.
“My role as a volunteer allows me to see first-hand some of the amazing work carried out by the nursing staff.
“It really is the perfect place for end of life care and I am so pleased to support such a worthwhile charity.”
You can support Lin’s Firewalk for Pilgrims by sponsoring her JustGiving page.
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Challenge Events Manager said: “We applaude Lin for everything she does and for hot-footing it across the fire for Pilgrims Hospices. We are pleased to bring the event back for the 5th year. It’s the ultimate test of courage and perfect challenge for any fitness level. Our supporters tell us time and time again just how much they love it.”
If you would like to take part in the Firewalk, please click here and register for the shortest hottest, shortest, sponsored walk in the world.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 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.
6th August 2018
Gavin’s sporting challenges raise awareness and funds for Pilgrims
Gavin Dixon from Chartham is raising funds this summer for a local charity that is close to his heart. He’s attempting to raise more than £2,500 for Pilgrims Hospices, the charity that cared for his much-loved grandad, William Dixon, who passed away this year.
Gavin is already well on the way to achieving his goal with more than £1,600 raised so far.
The next challenge on his list is the popular Canterbury Half Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday 27 August. This well recognised and much-loved event is organised by Nice Work to support Pilgrims Hospices and attracts a large number of runners from across Kent and further afield; it’s one of the county’s favourite half marathons.
The Bank Holiday event attracts a huge crowd each year and the beautiful backdrop of the Kent Downs is inspiring for the novice and veteran alike.
Gavin’s grandad, William Dixon
Gavin said: “My grandad passed away suddenly from renal (kidney) failure at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, at the age of 87. He was originally from Luddenham, just outside of Faversham, and settled in Rough Common, where he spent most of his later years.
“I remember him as an incredibly proud and independent man with an infectious smile, living comfortably and happily. His passing came as a massive shock to us; until recently he had shown no signs of any health problems.
To celebrate my grandad’s memory and to support Pilgrims Hospices to care of others, I’ve taken on a series of events and challenges to raise important funds.
Gavin
“To celebrate his memory and to support Pilgrims Hospices to care for others, I’ve taken on a series of events and challenges in order to raise important funds. I’m signed up for the Canterbury Half Marathon and will follow that with a skydive in September. I will also be looking to compete in some other organised events and have already competed in a triathlon. I’m potentially looking to add another event or two in the coming months, along with organising fundraising events with the support of my friends and family.”
Gavin, who is a project manager working for Openreach, added: “I do my best to stay fit and find that exercise is a great way to unwind after busy days under pressure. I’m often at the gym or running and also do other activities including cricket. I find doing the things I love while generating funds for such a special charity is really inspiring; I believe my grandad would be incredibly proud.
“My training is going well and even though the heat has been incredible, I’ve maintained a training programme. The Canterbury Half Marathon will be a challenge, however, I’m looking forward to it and intend to achieve my best possible time regardless of the weather conditions.
I experienced first-hand what an incredible job the nurses and staff do at Pilgrims; making patients and families feel as comfortable as possible.
Gavin
“I experienced first-hand what an incredible job the nurses and staff do at Pilgrims; making patients and families feel as comfortable as possible. I found everyone to be so caring and considerate during a very emotional and exhausting time for my family. I cannot thank them enough for making Grandad’s last few days as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
“I wish to thank everyone who has been supporting me with the challenges. If I can raise over £2,500 by the end of September then I will put myself forward to run the 2019 London Marathon as my final challenge for this incredible cause.”
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Events Fundraiser, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Gavin; he’s taken on some really amazing challenges in order to support even more people in east Kent who need our care. The Canterbury Half Marathon course is challenging and covers the quiet country lanes on the outskirts of the city. The route is quite wonderful and the event is so well supported.”
If you’d like to find out more about the Canterbury Half Marathon or register to take part, contact [email protected]. Right now, you can sign up for the Canterbury Half Marathon as a Pilgrims Hospices runner for free with a commitment to raise at least £100 in sponsorship.
Pilgrims Hospices is an independent charity that provides its services free of charge. To do this they heavily rely on the support and generosity of the local community in east Kent. It currently costs £14m a year to run their full range of services.
3rd May 2018
Joe and Florence take on the Exmoor Challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices
Over the weekend of 20 – 22 April Joe aged 9 and Florence aged 12 Wrake took part in the inaugural Exmoor Expedition with The Children’s Challenge and raised nearly £800 in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
The Children’s Challenge was set up as a vehicle for young people to raise money for a charity of their choice whist giving them with a genuine challenge in the form of a hike across Exmoor
There were 3 routes to choose from. Florence (and her mum Lisa) walked the 17km one and Joe the longest 21km route. It took 7 & 6 hours respectively starting at 8.30am. It certainly was a challenge for them all.
Lisa explained why they chose to support Pilgrims Hospices: “In 2011 Florence and Joe’s dad Run was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite surgery and chemotherapy after 6 months his prognosis became terminal and his health deteriorated quickly. In a time of utter disbelief and confusion, Pilgrims Hospice Ashford became our sanctuary – providing practical, mental and spiritual support; it was a quiet, dignified and safe place for us to be together as a family in our final weeks.
“There was a garden for the children to play in, bright rooms with balconies, a living area and kitchen, doctors, nurses and a variety of therapists available around the clock. I still cannot believe this organisation is entirely free at point of use yet 77% of its funding comes from voluntary donations.”
When describing the challenge she said: “The weather was good bar for a few drops of rain towards the end, and the landscape is lovely – woodland, moorland, hills and valleys. It was nice to think about Run as we walked. It was the first time my children have ever done something like this and I am sure will want to do it again next year!”
Isabel Smith, Community Fundraising Officer said: “We are so grateful to Joe and Florence for undertaking such a challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. The walk sounds amazing. The money they have raised will help Pilgrims to support another family like theirs who are facing a similar situation.
“If you would like to take part in a challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices please visit the events and challenges pageto see what is happening in your area. “
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
