Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Run! returns to raise funds this festive season
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun with registration now open for Pilgrims Hospice’s Santas on the Run!
The much-loved family fun run due to take place on 14 December in Herne Bay is the perfect opportunity to raise festive cheer and support the charity through fundraising.
Last year, over 1,100 festive fundraisers dashed along Herne Bay seafront and raised over £42,000 for Pilgrims Hospices, who care for people across east Kent who are living with an incurable illness.
Family members of all ages can run, jog, skip, and walk their way along the 3k, 5k, or 10k route, which runs along the coastline.
Since the event began in 2017, Santas on the Run! has become a family tradition in the seaside town as a way to kick-start the festive season and has gone on to raise over £250,000 for local hospice care.
It’s a great way to make special memories this Christmas
Rachael Edmed, Senior Community Fundraiser
Rachael Edmed, Senior Community Fundraiser for Canterbury hospice, said:
“It’s a great way to make special memories this Christmas while raising vital funds for families supported by our hospices. It’s always wonderful seeing so many groups of families, friends, schools, and colleagues in the community coming together to start the countdown for Christmas and join in the festive fun.
“Every Santa who takes part is making a big difference to local hospice care in east Kent, helping us care for someone’s loved one now and in the future.”
Register now!
If you register before 10 November, you can take advantage of the Early Bird discount and pay £15 for an adult, £10 for under 18s, and £40 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 under 18s).
Standard entry closes on 10 December, where adults will pay £18, under 18s £12, and a family ticket (2 adults and 2 under 18s) £50.
On the day registration is also available.
Everyone who registers in advance will receive a 5-piece Santa suit, including a jacket, trousers, hat, belt, and beard, and a well-deserved finishing medal.
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.
7th October 2025
Michael: “Pilgrims care makes me feel at ease”
Michael Taylor was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2015. Initially given a 5-year prognosis, he exceeded this, and continues to live well at home in Herne Bay with support from Pilgrims Hospices.
Born in Bromley, Michael was raised by his mother, Winifred, and many doting aunts and uncles. His father, John James Taylor, was a firefighter, but sadly died aged 28, when Michael was just three days old.
After marrying his wife, Brenda, the couple moved to Faversham and started their own family, welcoming three children – Helen, Paul, who sadly died of cot death aged 14 months, and Rachel – and now have five grandchildren.
Michael and Brenda on their 50th wedding anniversary
Michael was referred to Pilgrims in 2021 and attended Time to Create, therapeutic art groups that run at the Therapy Centres on each hospice site, offering relief from the challenges of living with a terminal illness. By then, Brenda had Alzheimer’s disease, but she was able to accompany Michael to the groups.
Michael said: “The Pilgrims team was extremely good; they sat and chatted with Brenda while I got on and did my own thing. I enjoyed it very much.
“The food was so lovely too, beautiful! Especially the cheese omelettes. We attended Time to Create for quite a long time, but it eventually got too much for Brenda, so I stopped for a few years.”
Michael enjoyed a long career as an architectural technician. Initially working in London and Kent, he eventually ran his own practice – Rowlett and Taylor – in Broadstairs with his colleague, Malcolm. He continued to draw, paint and build models into his retirement, so Time to Create appealed to his natural artistic flair. He credits Pilgrims with getting him back into his creative hobbies:
“After Brenda went into a nursing home, I had a phone call from Elizabeth in the Pilgrims Wellbeing team asking if I’d like to re-join Time to Create.
“Pilgrims provided a taxi for me, which was amazing. I hadn’t done any art or drawing, hadn’t touched a paintbrush or pencil or anything, in those two years since I’d stopped going. That phone call from Elizabeth got me right back into it; making art at Pilgrims again got me completely turned around.
“I’m a bit of a loner, so I had just been sitting in a chair for two years doing absolutely nothing, and now I can’t stop painting and drawing!”
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Michael’s artwork
Michael has been so well supported that he no longer feels he needs to attend the hospice Wellbeing groups, as Pilgrims has helped enable him to live comfortably at home. He does his own cooking, and has carers and a cleaner for extra support. He also enjoys visits from his children and grandchildren.
Michael now plans to attend his local Age UK group, which meets on Tuesdays, offering the chance to socialise with others and enjoy lunch together.
Michael continues to paint and draw, which is helping him to live as well and independently as possible. He recently sketched Herne Bay train station for his local model railway club, and is also a talented pianist; a church organist for 60 years, he now plays for his own pleasure.
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Michael Taylor Artwork 1
Michael’s artwork
Although Michael doesn’t feel he needs Pilgrims at the moment, he knows he can access their support in the future:
“I’m not worried about death (can’t say I’m looking forward to it or wishing it was tomorrow!), but it doesn’t bother me because I have a strong Christian faith. I feel at ease, because if my health deteriorates, I can contact the hospice and go back into their care. Everybody I’ve met at Pilgrims is so kind – from the receptionists, to the catering and care teams, and everyone in between. They always make the time to sit and talk to me, even if they’re rushed off their feet.
“I would say to anybody who is in my situation – who is lonely and has lost interest – to ask Pilgrims about their Wellbeing groups, because I have found them really worthwhile. They get you out of yourself, and I’m so grateful to Pilgrims for inviting me to get involved.”
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
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.
13th December 2023
Santas jog for a cause: Pilgrims Hospices festive fundraiser raises over £26,000
On a chilly Sunday morning, the Herne Bay seafront transformed into a sea of red and white as more than 1,100 Santas gathered for Pilgrims Hospice’s annual festive fundraiser. The jolly event, held on Sunday 10th, December, saw enthusiastic participants donning Santa Claus costumes and jogging along the picturesque coastline to support end-of-life care in east Kent.
We are immensely grateful for the incredible turnout and the generosity of our supporters, who jogged their way into the hearts of our community.”
Rachael – Pilgrims
Organised by Pilgrims Hospices, a leading provider of hospice care in the region, the festive fundraiser brought together the community in a heartwarming display of solidarity. Rachael Edmed, a dedicated Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from participants and donors.
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Santas On The Run 1
“The festive spirit was alive and well on the Herne Bay seafront as Santas of all ages, shapes, and sizes gathered to make a meaningful difference,” said Rachael. “We are immensely grateful for the incredible turnout and the generosity of our supporters, who jogged their way into the hearts of our community.”
The event, which exceeded expectations, is anticipated to raise more than £26,000. These funds will play a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing end-of-life care services provided by Pilgrims Hospices in east Kent. The contributions will directly impact the lives of individuals and families facing challenging times, ensuring they receive compassionate care and support.
Pilgrims Hospices has been a pillar of strength in the community, offering specialised care for those with life-limiting illnesses for more than 40 years. The success of the festive fundraiser underscores the community’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality end-of-life care when they need it the most.
As the holiday season continues, Pilgrims Hospices extends its gratitude to all the Santas, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible. The funds raised will go a long way in providing comfort, dignity, and support to those navigating their end-of-life journey in east Kent.
This year alone, Pilgrims Hospices has to raise £11 million through voluntary donations in order to run our full range of services. Sponsorship raised through events like these helps us continue caring for local people at the end of their lives.
23rd October 2023
Pilgrims Hospices jolliest jog of the year
The countdown to Christmas has started with registration opening for Herne Bay’s festive family fun run in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
The charity’s jolliest jog of the year is returning to Herne Bay’s scenic seafront on Sunday the 10 December and new to this year will be a 10K route to accompany the 3K and 5K distances.
Since 2017, Santas on the Run! in Herne Bay has raised over £118,000 for Pilgrims Hospices for the charity who gives care and support to people in east Kent who are coping with an incurable illness.
The route will see the Santas start at the Clocktower and run along the seafront before returning for their well-deserved festive medals.
Whilst dressing up there will also be festive music to get you into the holiday spirit and Christmas cheer stations to jingle joggers along their way.
Senior Fundraising Officer Rachael Edmed said: “Santas on the Run! is such a fun event for everyone and all levels of fitness. In previous years we’ve had one-year olds in prams and people in their 80’s. We’re really excited to introduce the new 10K route this year for participants that would like more of a challenge.
Every pound raised will make a difference to the families being cared for this Christmas. Every participant will be helping patients, and their families enjoy the festive season together, and make memories that they can treasure.
Early bird entry (closes 22nd October) is adults: £12, under 18s: £8, family ticket: £35 (includes 2 adults & 2 under 18s).
Advanced entry (closes 3rd December) is adults: £16 Under 18s: £10 Family ticket: £45 (includes2 adults & 2 under 18s).
Each year Pilgrims supports thousands 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 Wellbeing Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
14th December 2022
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun with Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Run! Tri-Series
Hundreds of festive fundraisers braved the chilly temperatures and embraced the ho, ho, holiday spirit on Sunday 11 December 2022 as they dashed along Margate seafront at Santas on the Seashore! all for a good Claus.
Margate was filled with Christmas cheer as more than 250 honorary Santas and elves ran, jogged, skipped and walked their way along the 3k or 5k route in support of Pilgrims Hospices, who care for thousands of local people each year who are living with an incurable illness.
The event is supported by a number of local companies and organisations, including Wahl. Grace Gummer from the east Kent-based company told us: “We love supporting this fantastic festive event for such a deserving local charity. It brings the community together and raises money in aid of the great care that Pilgrims Hospices offer families at such a difficult time.”
Early estimations show that this year, Santas on the Run! Tri-Series will raise in excess of £25,000. This could help fund the entire cost of Pilgrims Hospices community care teams for five days, as they provide specialist end-of-life care to patients spending Christmas at home with their families, and creating lasting memories.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Watching over 250 Santas and elves run, jog and walk through Margate on Sunday was truly a sight to been seen. Many drivers beeped their horns, and passersby cheered them all the way. I would like to personally thank Margate Ambulance, Pete our DJ, Sarah for our warm-up, Jackie on catering, Pilgrims Hospices staff, volunteers and all of our incredible supporters who came out to support this event in the cold to help raise further funding to support all of our services. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!”
Santas on the Seashore is part of Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Run Tri Series, with festive runs taking place over three consecutive weekends in Herne Bay, Folkestone and Margate. Since the event began in 2017, Santas on the Run! has become a family tradition in the seaside towns as a way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, and has gone on to raise over £161,000 for local hospice care.
Pilgrims Hospices would like to thank everyone who joined in the jolliest jogs of the year this festive season, and wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
