Charity Cycle Challenge raises £1 millionth pound for Pilgrims Hospices
Hundreds of brave cyclists took to the lanes and hills of east Kent on Sunday 22 August despite some challenging weather conditions across the county. Their heroic efforts were in support of Pilgrims Hospices, who care for more than 2,500 people each year living with an incurable illness.
Kent Event Marshals with cyclist Eleanor Keel
The Cycle Challenge, known as Kent’s biggest bike ride, has been held annually since 2010 and is a favourite among cyclists of all abilities. Riders took on five possible routes from 30 miles up to a leg-testing 125 miles, all starting from the event HQ at the University of Kent, Canterbury.
This year’s sell-out event returned after a 2020 hiatus and cyclists were determined to show their support regardless of some unseasonable rain affecting portions of the day.
Event Manager, Robert Grew, told us, “I’m blown away by the incredible efforts of our cyclists, many of whom turn out year after year to support the ride. From early estimations, this year’s ride has raised in excess of £95,000 for hospice care, and sponsorship will be coming in for several weeks to come. This means that we have reached the astonishing milestone of the Cycle Challenge having raised £1 million for hospice care since the very first ride back in 2010!
“I’m immensely proud of everyone involved in making the event such a safe and enjoyable day. From the fantastic signage volunteers, to the enthusiasm at our rest stops. I’d especially like to thank the local cycle mechanics who supported at rest stops and Kent Event Marshals who had a busy day providing roadside assistance to cyclists from the first to the very last rider. Not to forget our amazing cyclists themselves!”
Participants collectively cycled over 43,000 miles on Sunday, which is equivalent to riding from London to India more than seven times!
Judy Tsai and Steve Ball from Herne Bay have raised £3,500 in sponsorship. Steve said: “We had a fantastic day and it’s great to see the Cycle Challenge back again. We are both very proud to support Pilgrims Hospices, and wish to thank everyone who kindly donated, especially Judy’s family in Thailand who have been very generous in helping us to achieve this brilliant total.”
Judy Tsai and Steve Ball
Pilgrims Hospices has been providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care for the people of east Kent for over 35 years. From their inpatient units in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, and in patient’s own homes, they support people living with incurable illness to live well; making them comfortable, alleviating pain and enabling them to make the most of the time they have. With just 20% of funding coming from the NHS, the charity relies on the generosity of the local community to continue being there for the families who need them.
Barretts of Canterbury have been a long-term sponsor of the event, and the business’s CEO, Paul Barrett, was instrumental in the ride’s early years. A keen cyclist himself, he told us, “It’s a real privilege to be part of such a well organised event. I honestly can’t think of another cycling event that comes close to the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge. It’s so polished.
“The signage and catering are always excellent and the smiles that greet you at every stop keep you going throughout the day.”
Avid cyclists won’t have to wait too long for next year’s event.
The Pilgrims Cycle Challenge will be returning to its usual time of year on Sunday 1 May 2022.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
24th August 2021
Local solicitors Boys & Maughan join in the Colour Run fun
Many supporters have already signed up to run, jog or walk along the cliff tops of Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday 26 September to raise vital funds to support end of life care in the local area.
Participants will take part in a 5k run with locations along the route where coloured powders are thrown over the runners.
Pilgrims supporters local Boys and Maughan solicitors, will be taking part again in this fun-packed event by entering their staff team. Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “It’s great to have the Boys and Maughan team with us again, they’ve taken part in the event in previous years and have been regular supporters of Pilgrims Hospices for some time now. Thank you so much for your continued support.”
“We really like how people of all ages and fitness levels can join in. Some of our staff plan to walk part or all of the way, or jog very slowly, and they know that this doesn’t matter.
Ian Priston, Boys & Maughan Solicitors
Ian Priston from Boys and Maughan Solicitors said: “Taking part in the Colour Run means a lot to us at Boys and Maughan. There are 13 of our staff taking part, and we hope to increase our sponsorship total we achieved when we last joined in back in 2018.
“Our team is thoroughly looking forward to being part of the day and getting covered in powdered coloured paints from head to toe. Adding colour to the run makes it a lot more fun and is sure to provide some great photo opportunities for families and friends who are planning to watch.
“We really like how people of all ages and fitness levels can join in. Some of our staff plan to walk part or all of the way, or jog very slowly, and they know that this doesn’t matter.
“Most people in east Kent have had some personal experience of the support Pilgrims Hospices provides to individuals and families. There can be no doubt that it makes a huge contribution to the community, so we are always on the lookout for ways in which we can raise money for the hospice or lend a helping hand.”
This spectacular family fun event has raised over £159,500 for the charity since it began in 2016.
Karen continued: “The event was so popular, we simply had to offer our supporters an opportunity to take part again. What a great fun way to restart the roll out of our fundraising events here in Thanet, raising important funds for hospice care locally.
Everyone will receive a running number, white t-shirt, funky colourful glasses and a colour sachet on the day. Be prepared to get messy. You can purchase extra powdered colour sachets at the event for even more spectacular paint clouds. And… what’s more, you will receive a thank you medal from Pilgrims when you cross the finish line.
The Pilgrims staff and volunteers will be ready and waiting for everyone from 9:00am on Sunday 26 September, with the fun starting at 11.30am.
Registration is open and will cost £20 for adults and £15 for under 11s until Sunday 5 September, thereafter on the day prices will apply.
Photo (left to right): Ian Priston, Emma Moor, Chloe Louca, Mollie Telford, Beverley Thomas, Kelly Ashton and Paula Patton.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
18th August 2021
Pilgrims Garden Festival brought summer fun for all the family
On Sunday 15 August 2021, Pilgrims Hospices hosted a brand-new event within the stunning grounds of Mount Ephraim, Faversham.
The Pilgrims Garden Festival brought local food and drink producers, plant sellers and crafters together in the market area celebrating local businesses from across east Kent.
With something for everyone, people of all ages came along to shop and discover everything from plants, flowers and local wines to hand-made jewellery and textile plant pots! When the shopping was finished, visitors enjoyed a game or two on the coconut shy or tombola before relaxing in the tea party with a cream tea or slice of cake.
Visitors were left inspired after watching The Nightingale Garden demo on how to create a beautiful hand-tied bouquet, followed by a wine tasting hosted by Clive from Corkk – the English wine specialists.
Canterbury Community Fundraising Manager Leila Ilkhan said: “We are delighted that our first ever Pilgrims Garden Festival was enjoyed so much by visitors, volunteers and local businesses. After so long not being able to hold events, it was great to welcome the community to come together to support their local hospice.”
The day finished with a magic show for all the family hosted by Stuart Weller Magic that left visitors marvelling over his tricks.
A big thank you to our headline sponsors Canterbury Suzuki and to all the other local businesses and volunteers who helped make this event such a huge success, raising nearly £9,500 in vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
17th August 2021
All the fun of the fair
The weather didn’t dampen the fun at the annual Pilgrims Summer Fair held on Saturday 7 August.
Visitors braved the rain at The Farriers Arms in Mersham, which was a new venue for 2021.
Hundreds of people still attended to show their support for the local charity who care for people and their families facing an incurable illness. Over £11,500 has been raised so far with the figure still rising.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowles and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge came to show their support for Pilgrims and the much-loved traditional fair. Deirdre Mewse, Pilgrims Fundraising Officer for the Ashford hospice said: “The Mayor and Mayoress were delightful and, despite the showers, between the sunshine they took time to speak with many of our volunteers who do such much to help with our events, along with visitors who came to join in with all the fun of the fair.”
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowle and Cllr Dr Lisa Lovelidge with Deirdre Mewse, Fundraising Officer (Pilgrims Hospice Ashford)
Over 75 volunteers helped run a selection of stalls, activities and games on the day. There were old favourites including Bottle Fishing, The Beer Slide and new games to try including Tin Can Alley and The Paper Plane Game.
Visitors were offered a selection of delicious refreshments including afternoon teas, hog roast and Pimm’s. Faversham Ices were also there volunteering and serving a host of different ice creams.
We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year.
Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager
Magician Geoff Partner and Katie Parker-Green from Once Upon A Dream Parties also gave up their time to help entertain visitors.
Many local companies showed their support. Hallett & Co Solicitors in Ashford donated a TV for the Grand Draw, along with The Tiger Inn in Stowting who donated a £100 voucher for the Grand Draw.
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Ashford Fundraising Manager Louise Newman said: “We’re so pleased that we were able to run our much-loved fair this year. It was great to be back holding a family event in the community we care for, whilst raising much needed funds for the hospices. Despite the challenging weather we still had a great day and we’re so grateful for all the support we received.
“Whether you volunteered on the day, donated prizes or spent your money at the fair, your contribution is extremely valued and appreciated.
“Special thanks to landlords Lindsey Best and John Hockley from The Farriers Arms who donated use of their field and supported the event from start to finish.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
31st May 2021
Brakes team take on epic cycle for Pilgrims Hospices
The team work for Brakes, the Ashford-based food service supplier.
They chose to support their local hospice charity as each knows of the vital care it provides through family and friends. Dan’s mother-in-law, Anne-Marie Wells, and Harrison’s dad, Paul O’Brien, were both cared for by Pilgrims. Anne-Marie and Paul would have each celebrated their 60th birthdays on 1 and 2 June 2021 respectively, so the team’s fundraising target of £6,000 has been set to commemorate these milestone events.
I’d never been in a hospice before so I thought it would be a sad and gloomy place, but I was so wrong. The staff were excellent, the two lounges were lovely and spacious and loved ones were made to feel incredibly welcome
Dan
Dan, from Hawkinge near Folkestone, experienced Pilgrims’ care when Anne-Marie spent time in the Ashford hospice in 2018-19. He said:
“The care she received was fantastic. Whenever Ann-Marie needed anything, the staff were more than willing to assist, nothing was too much trouble. Her last Christmas was spent in the hospice; being able to sit round the table in the fantastic new family lounge, trying to treat it as a normal Christmas Day, meant a lot. We were able to shower, stay over and have hot meals. I was even allowed to work remotely at required times whilst being by my wife’s side.
Anne-Marie with her daughter and Dan’s wife, Hannah
“I’d never been in a hospice before so I thought it would be a sad and gloomy place, but I was so wrong. The staff were excellent, the two lounges were lovely and spacious and loved ones were made to feel incredibly welcome.
“Seeing it first-hand has made me aware of the fantastic work Pilgrims do, and I want to continue raising money for them in future.”
Harrison, from River, Dover, also shared his experience:
Harrison’s dad, Paul
“My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung and brain cancer in late January 2021. This was a huge shock to our family, it changed our lives dramatically. Pilgrims gave us such excellent support – they offered emotional and practical advice, taught us techniques related to caring for Dad and arranged equipment to make him as comfortable as possible.
“They look after the whole family’s wellbeing, just having them at the end of the phone was such a big help. Pilgrims nurses are true heroes who make sure that you don’t feel alone. They really do make a huge difference. Before my dad became ill, I wasn’t aware of the top quality care Pilgrims provide. They are a fantastic organisation and I will never forget what they’ve done for us.”
“My dad sadly passed on 11 April 2021. He felt extremely comfortable in the hospice, and I can’t thank Pilgrims enough for the care they provided. They were absolutely brilliant.
“They looked after him, fed him, washed him and made him feel as close to home as was possible – I will never forget that. Pilgrims helped our family when we really needed it; they will always have a special place in my heart.”
Pilgrims nurses are true heroes who make sure that you don’t feel alone. They really do make a huge difference.
Harrison
On Saturday 5 June 2021, the team will ride to all 20 league football grounds within London, cycling an overall distance of 250km. They hope to raise vital funds for Pilgrims and increase awareness about hospice services available across east Kent.
Dan, Daniel and Harrison
Dan said: “We’ve chosen to support Pilgrims so they can continue their great work offering compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families. We’re really looking forward to our cycle challenge, it will be tough but so worth it.”
Harrison added: “I’ve experienced first-hand the care that Pilgrims provide. They need all the help they can get in order to continue delivering this amazing support. I simply hope that the money we raise will enable Pilgrims to offer other families the care ours received.
“Pilgrims help make that last bit of time as special as it can be, so if the money we raise helps to continue that service then that’s the least we can do for such a good cause.”
Deirdre Mewse, Community Fundraising Officer at Pilgrims, said: “It is wonderful that Harrison, Daniel and Dan are taking part in such an epic journey in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. The sights of 20 football grounds, as well as the amazing places they pass on the way, will hopefully sustain them in their 250km journey. We would like to say a huge thank you for their support and wish them strong legs and every success on the day.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
16th April 2021
Chris has real sax appeal
Saxophonist Chris Peters can regularly be seen and heard entertaining people in Market Square Faversham, the popular local character plays his jazzy tunes to raise funds for local charity, Pilgrims Hospices. He has raised thousands in vital funds for the charity since he started in July 2018.
Chris who is happily retired now, after 50 years working in engineering as a tool room precision machinist says: “I love busking, it’s great fun. Faversham is the perfect place for me to play, I love it. I have made many new friends along the way and to bring a bit of cheer, and raise money for such a good cause makes me very happy. The volunteers in Pilgrims Hospices Faversham charity shop suggested I give it a go, so a big thank you to them, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to do it without their encouragement.
“My personal reason for wanting to support Pilgrims, is that my very good neighbour Charlie, passed away in the Canterbury hospice. He was my next door neighbour for 53 years. He was helped very much by your staff there, and I saw the care that he received. It is very obvious that the people of Faversham appreciate the hospice too, and are very supportive.”
The volunteers in Pilgrims Hospices Faversham charity shop suggested I give it a go, so a big thank you to them, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to do it without their encouragement.
Chris
Chris has always played guitar; took up clarinet some 30 years ago and then the saxophone 20 years ago. “I think I’ll stick with this now!!” He added.
He loves to play anything ‘old fashioned’ especially from 1930s to the 1950s and doesn’t have any particular favourites, as there were so many great songwriters of those times. However, he does enjoy the great tones of his favourite sax player Scott Hamilton.
“I have done a few little gigs locally, including The Yarn Dispensary, New Year’s Eve for Castella French wine bar, and a local food market for the council. I think my highlight would be when I played for a wedding at Eastwell Manor, it was really scary, but something I will never forget.” Chris added.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “A big thank you to Chris for his wonderful support for Pilgrims Hospices, which is helping our nurses, doctors and wider teams to be there for those living with a terminal illness. The support from Chris and those donating as they enjoy his music is so important to our charity and the families we care for across east Kent.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
