Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Tree Recycling campaign raises record-breaking £78,465 for end-of-life care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce the success of its recent Christmas Tree Recycling campaign, which took place over the weekend of January 10-12, 2025.
The environmentally-friendly initiative saw more than 4,200 real Christmas trees collected from residents across Canterbury, Ashford, and Thanet, as well as from those who dropped off their trees at Faversham’s Macknade Food Hall.
This year’s campaign was a record-breaker, raising an incredible £78,465 to support the charity’s vital end-of-life care services.
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The annual campaign has become a cherished tradition within the local community, combining environmental responsibility with charitable giving. Residents registered their real Christmas trees for collection in exchange for a donation, and a dedicated team of Pilgrims’ staff and volunteers ensured the trees were collected and recycled responsibly. The chippings from the recycled trees are used for composting and soil improvement, contributing to local agricultural efforts and within the hospices’ own grounds.
Kate Duddell, Head of Fundraising at Pilgrims Hospices, expressed her gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from the east Kent community. Collecting over 4,200 trees and raising £78,465 is a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers. These funds are crucial in helping us provide compassionate end-of-life care to those who need it most.”
The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of local councils, businesses, tree chippers, and an army of volunteers who donated their time, vehicles, and expertise to ensure the thousands of Christmas trees were chipped and recycled.
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“Our thanks also go to our campaign partners; Kent County Council and all the staff at the Ashford Recycling Centre. A very special thanks goes to Ashford Borough Council for their years of dedicated support, along with Canterbury City Council and Thanet District Council. We are also grateful to the many businesses and organisations that supported the event by donating vans, crews, and time to help us with this initiative.”
They include:
Kent County Council
Ashford Borough Council
Canterbury City Council
Thanet District Council
Macknade
Pneuma Church
A Bird Tree Surgery
AW Construction
Bourne to Garden
Bruks Tree Surgery
Countrystyle
CS Heating and Plumbing
Earle’s Landscapes
Endeavourcom
D Parr Tree Surgeons
Dave Lowe
David Glew & Sons Garden Maintenance
Furley Page Solicitors
Givaudan
Goodwins Hot Tubs
Injection Development
Jenner
Kenhire
Langham Kitchens
Lenleys
LS Marketing
Let’s Clean For You
MW Cave Ltd
New Perspective Digital
NRS Healthcare
Old Dairy Taproom
Practical Van Hire
PSR Lighting
Royal Mail
Select Plant Hire
Shadoxhurst Village Hall
Speech4Kids
Streetspace
St Lawrence College, Ramsgate
TJC Renewables
Vegas Kitchens
Waitrose
Walker Construction
WW Martin
Pilgrims Hospices provide care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent each year, supporting patients with incurable illnesses to live well until the end of life. Fundraising initiatives like the Christmas Tree Recycling campaign are essential to sustaining these services, ensuring that care remains free of charge for those who need it.
Make a donation; all donations, big or small, make a huge difference
Volunteer your time; volunteers play a crucial role in helping keep the hospice caring
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.
16th December 2024
Santas on the Run! Pilgrims Hospices event brings festive cheer and raises vital funds
Herne Bay was transformed into a sea of red and white on Sunday 15 December 2024 as over 1,150 Santas jogged, strolled, and sprinted their way along the stunning seaside during Pilgrims Hospices’ Santas on the Run! festive fundraiser.
The event has already raised over £27,000, with donations and sponsorship still arriving. This impressive amount will ensure that Pilgrims Hospices can continue delivering vital end-of-life care across east Kent.
Participants of all ages and abilities embraced the holiday spirit, donning Santa suits to tackle 3k, 5k, or 10k routes starting at the iconic Clock Tower. The scenic course took runners along the promenade, past Herne Bay Pier, and along the coastal path before looping back to the Clock Tower for their well-earned medals.
A Day to remember
The day kicked off with a lively warm-up led by the energetic Active Life crew, setting the tone for a morning filled with laughter and joy. Adding to the festive atmosphere were the rhythmic beats of the San Pelo Mar drummers, who kept spirits high throughout the event. Even the weather played its part, remaining mild for the time of year, much to the delight of participants.
Jean Butcher, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, joined the festivities, congratulating participants and presenting medals to many of the jubilant Santas.
Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr. Jean Butcher
“Watching so many Santas come together to support Pilgrims Hospices is heart-warming,” said Rachel Edmed, Community Fundraising Manager. “The enthusiasm and generosity of our supporters ensure that we can continue providing compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families across east Kent. We’re so grateful to everyone who made this event a huge success!”
Thank you for spreading festive cheer
Pilgrims Hospices extends its heartfelt gratitude to the runners, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators who made Santas on the Run! such a memorable day. Events like this are only possible with your unwavering support, and together, we’re making a real difference for those facing life-limiting illnesses.
Whether you sprinted, strolled, or spectated, thank you for being part of this festive celebration. Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive — see you next year!
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.
10th December 2024
Finley raises £100s for Pilgrims Hospices by dancing on his drive
7 year-old Finley Dyer from Ramsgate was inspired to support Pilgrims Hospices after his nan, Barbara (Nanny B), was cared for by the local hospice charity in 2021.
Finley woke up one morning and decided he would dance on the driveway outside his home to try and raise awareness and donations to help support Pilgrims services.
Finley’s dad, Chris, said: “Finley’s fundraising started off as a couple of pounds and then exceeded £100, and now he has a JustGiving pageshowing an incredible £935 (plus Gift Aid). Our thanks go out to the kind support and donations of passersby who generously donated to Finley.”
Finley said: “I danced and sold my old toys on my driveway as I wanted to help people who are poorly and need Pilgrims care, because they looked after my Nanny B. I hope my fundraising helps others, too. If you want to raise money for Pilgrims Hospices, you can do the same. Merry Christmas, everyone!”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, added:
“Chris called me to let me know what Finley had done through his own initiative, and I was absolutely amazed at the total he has raised to date, which is still increasing. Finley’s family and friends are so very proud of him, and his JustGiving page keeps growing. What Finley has achieved is just wonderful; at just 7 years old, to have this idea to support our charity’s cause is just incredible. It’s so wonderful to see from someone so young.
“We at Pilgrims, his dad Chris, and his family and friends, are so very proud of Finley’s amazing commitment. His school has also recognised his commitment to our charity. Thank you so very much, Finley, your Christmas festive video on how to encourage others to donate is so heartfelt, we really cannot thank you enough.”
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 December 2024
The Wooden Box Café, Ramsgate offers grief support to local community
Dawn Baldwin from Ramsgate runs The Wooden Box Café, where she hosts a weekly bereavement support group and various fundraising activities for Pilgrims Hospices.
She supports the local charity in memory of her dad, John Humphrys, who received Pilgrims care in 2022.
John was a family man, doting on Dawn and her sister, Claire, and his six grandchildren. He spent 35 years working as a Technical Administrator at Hornby Hobbies in Margate, and before that he was a disc jockey known as DJ Ferret. He was still working full-time at Hornby Hobbies when he was referred to Pilgrims, aged 71, for symptom control of his cancer.
Dawn said: “Although Dad was only in the hospice for a short time, the care was beautiful. We also said a big thank you to Hornby Hobbies after he passed, as they were so supportive as an employer.”
John with his colleagues at Hornby Hobbies, his daughters Dawn and Claire, and his grandchildren Charlie, Lacey and Lillie
The Wooden Box Café was established in Ramsgate but went up for sale, and Dawn began running it in February 2024: “I’d always wanted to have my own cafe, so when I found out I had some inheritance money, I started looking. A good friend told me about The Wooden Box; I’d not heard of it before, even though Dad had only lived round the corner! I thought, “Well, I’ve got this opportunity because my dad’s in a wooden box.” so I took it; I didn’t find this cafe, it very much came to me.”
Dawn hosts a drop-in bereavement support group on Thursday mornings, offering a safe and compassionate space for members of the local community to come together and support each other following bereavement. Everyone is welcome.
“People just sit, have a coffee and a chat, and help each other. One lady who came in asked me what my yellow rose tattoo means and I said it represents strength for everyone fighting cancer, and also my dad’s resilience. It also features in the signage on the outside of the cafe. She then told me that she’d recently moved to the area with her family and her mum had died the day before. She showed me her mum’s knitted heart from Pilgrims – during the pandemic, Pilgrims gave matching knitted hearts to patients and their families, as a way to remain connected despite social distancing restrictions. I showed her my knitted heart, too, as I carry it with me everywhere. Her dad came in shortly afterwards, and we were able to signpost them to local services to help with things like funeral planning.”
Regular customer, Rita, makes crochet trinkets that are sold to raise money for Pilgrims. Dawn added: “Rita’s daughter received Pilgrims care, so it’s her way of giving back and it’s the reason our Pilgrims collection pots fill up so quickly.”
John
Dawn also displays local artwork, which is available to purchase, and has a small library where customers can borrow books, both in return for a suggested donation to the charity – the bookshelf was even sourced from Pilgrims Tivoli Brooks furniture warehouse. In addition, she plans to hold a weekly book club.
In September 2024, Dawn hosted an open mic event to raise money for Pilgrims, and hopes to put on another in the near future. She is planning much more, too, including a Christmas-themed doggie photo competition, which people can pay £1 to enter to be in with the chance of winning a hamper.
Dawn also attends annual remembrance events at the Thanet hospice: “Trees of Love is the best event of the whole year, and we have a leaf on the Memory Tree for Dad.
“When my dad died, I thought no one would want to listen to me talk about my grief, so I just went straight back to work. I don’t want other people to feel like that – I want to offer this space to others so they know they’re not alone, and support Pilgrims in any way I can.”
The Wooden Box Café is located at 91 High Street, Ramsgate CT11 9RH.
National Grief Awareness Week takes place 2-8 December 2024. It raises awareness of the impact of grief and loss on a national platform. To find out more, visit thegoodgrieftrust.org/ngaw.
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.
Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce that the Canterbury Retail Christmas Fair, held on Saturday 30 November 2024 at St. Dunstan’s Church Hall, raised an incredible £2,450 – surpassing last year’s total!
Charlotte Brown, Pilgrims Hospices’ Shop Manager at the St. Dunstan’s shop, and her dedicated team of volunteers created a magical festive atmosphere, welcoming hundreds of visitors eager to shop for Christmas decorations, gifts, toys, and more. The day wouldn’t have been complete without special appearances from Father Christmas and Mrs. Christmas, delighting children and adults alike.
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“Thank you so much to everyone who supported our Christmas Fair,” said Charlotte. “We love hosting this event for our local community, who support us so brilliantly. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and welcome new ones, with many stopping to enjoy tea, cake, and a friendly chat. Every penny raised will go towards providing vital end-of-life care in our community.”
Pilgrims Hospices is immensely grateful for the support that makes events like this so successful, helping to continue the charity’s mission of providing compassionate care to those who need it most.
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.
19th November 2024
Trees of Love: East Kent’s largest remembrance grows even bigger in 2024
This December, Pilgrims Hospices has once again partnered with members of the local community to deliver east Kent’s largest remembrance.
Herne Bay Crematorium and St Alphege Church join Pilgrims to offer more people the space to remember this Christmas.
The charity, which provides end-of-life care, is pleased to announce services in Whitstable and Herne Bay have joined the remembrance this year. The services give those who are grieving the time and space to remember during the festive season.
Those taking part are invited to dedicate a dove to be illuminated on Christmas trees across east Kent, and come together at one of the remembrance services with carols. It’s an opportunity to share memories, and take a moment during the busy festive season to remember those we love.
“Christmas is that time of year which consists of many different feelings, joy, excitement, love. But it is also for many a time for reflecting about the loved ones we have lost. The tree of love is a symbol of peace, memories and of course love. This simple gesture can bring a community together, and at Herne Bay Crematorium we are honoured to work with Pilgrims Hospices and help those on their journey of reflection.”
Damien Corlett-Oates, Herne Bay Crematorium Manager
The service at Herne Bay Crematorium is taking place on Friday 20 December, at 5pm, and those attending are invited to stay for warm refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.
“Here at St Alphege Whitstable we are delighted to be holding a Trees of Love service with Pilgrims Hospices for the first time. Christmas is a time for fond remembrance of loved ones who used to share in our celebrations. We hope that all who come may feel the comfort and joy of gathering together and the light of hope during this festive season.”
Isobel Legg, Reader, St Alphege
The St Alphege, Whitstable service is on Sunday 8 December, at 4pm, with festive refreshments served afterwards in the church.
Pilgrims are also hosting their hospice services on Saturday 7 December, in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
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.
