Pilgrims Hospices annual Golf Day raises record-breaking £20,000 for hospice care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce that its annual Golf Day, held on Friday 12 September 2025 at Canterbury Golf Club, raised over £20,000 – the highest total in the event’s history.
The tournament, generously sponsored by Furley Page Solicitors, welcomed 100 golfers across 25 teams. Participants enjoyed a competitive day of golf in support of hospice care across east Kent.
Despite challenging weather conditions later in the day, players remained undeterred, ensuring the event was a resounding success.
Furley Page Team Daniel Bridgeland, Keith Fullager, Deborah Trott And Matthew Hutchings
11. Kreston Reeves Max Masters, Phil Sparks, Marc Goddard And Matthew Hutchings
2. Bourne To Garden And Cathedral Electrical Team Colin North, David Butt, Keith Witten And Luke Gower
Tournament results
1st place Team led by Dr Peter Biggs, Pilgrims trustee, joined by his sons Jon and Tim, and friend Mark Powderham
2nd place DBSJ and Denne Joinery team – Joe Pearson, Lawrence Hill, Robbie Loomer and Michael Lane
3rd place Team led by Alex Sammonds of Spurling Cannon, joined by Warren Pilkington, Rod Thomas and Alan Garratt
In addition to the main competition, the Putt for Pilgrims! Networking event welcomed over 60 business professionals for informal networking and a six-hole putting challenge. The competition was won by Mike Newton (Merit Group), with Trevor Stevens (Newman Thomson) securing second place.
Ellie Timms and Rachael Edmed, Pilgrims Hospices fundraising team
Following play, golfers enjoyed a two-course meal and supported additional fundraising activities, including a raffle, auction and games such as Heads or Tails.
Pilgrims Hospices extends sincere thanks to headline sponsor Furley Page Solicitors, to Roger Hyder and his team at Canterbury Golf Club for their ongoing support, and to the many sponsors and prize donors who contributed to the success of the event.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, commented:
“We are delighted that this year’s Golf Day was our best yet. Teams from a wide range of industries joined us on the course, and despite the rain, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, donated and supported the event. The funds raised will enable Pilgrims to continue providing round-the-clock specialist care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their families across east Kent.”
Funds raised from the event will directly support Pilgrims Hospices’ work in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, helping thousands of people each year to live well in every moment.
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.
20th May 2020
Golfers go above par for Pilgrims Hospices
Each year, golfers combine their love for the sport with supporting local hospice care. In 2019/20 nearly £60,000 has been raised in the most recent Captain tenures. The golf community is helping to make a big difference to patients living with a terminal illness and their families in east Kent.
With the support of club members, Captains choose a charity to raise vital funds for by organising events and setting challenges for everyone to take part in.
Pilgrims has gratefully received the support of a number of clubs recently including Chestfield GC, Whitstable and Seasalter GC, North Forelands and Ashford GC.
Canterbury Community Fundraising Manager, Leila Ilkhan said: “The generosity among clubs, members and their families is wonderful to see and evokes a fantastic sense of community spirit among clubhouses.”
It is not only golf clubs that tee off in aid of charity but also our supporters who raise vital funds on the greens. Richard Foulger, who is a long-term Pilgrims supporter and member of the Tenterden Fundraising Group hosts an annual golf day at Tenterden Golf Club.
Richard said: “Since 2008 the club has generously supported our annual golf day with many of the club members taking part, helping to raise vital funds. Over the years we’ve welcomed hundreds of supporters who enjoy a brilliant day of hospitality and cheer.”
Together, golf clubs have helped to continue providing vital palliative care across our three hospice sites and in patients’ homes and the community.
We really cannot thank you all enough.
Karen Kenward, Thanet Community Fundraising Manager
Thanet Community Fundraising Manager, Karen Kenward said: “The continued ongoing support from golf clubs is just incredible. Together, golf clubs have helped to continue providing vital palliative care across our three hospice sites and in patients’ homes and the community. We really cannot thank you all enough.”
On behalf of everyone at Pilgrims, a very special thank you to the Captains and members at:
Ashford Golf Club
Canterbury Golf Club
Chestfield Golf Club
Etchinghill Golf Club
Fountain Inn Golf Club
Hythe Golf Club
Littlestone Golf Club
North Foreland Golf Club
Rye Golf Club
Tenterden Golf Day
Whitstable and Seasalter Golf Club
Please note: All photos featured were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
