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.
Santas On The Run 2023 7
Santas On The Run 2023 6
Santas On The Run 2023 5
Santas On The Run 2023 4
Santas On The Run 2023 3
Santas On The Run 2023 2
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.
8th December 2022
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun with Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Harbour!
Hundreds of festive fundraisers got into the ho, ho, holiday spirit by dashing along the Folkestone seafront on Sunday 4 December 2022 at Santas on the Harbour!
The historic Folkestone Harbour Arm was filled with Christmas cheer as over 250 honorary Santas and elves registered to run, jog, skip and walk their way along the 3k or 5k route in support of Pilgrims Hospices, who care for thousands of local people each year living with an incurable illness.
Many families enjoyed the jolly jog.
Early estimations show that this year, Santas on the Run! Tri-Series will raise in excess of £20,000. This could help fund the entire cost of Pilgrims Hospices community care teams for four days, as they provide specialist end-of-life care to patients spending Christmas at home with their families, and creating lasting memories.
Louise Newman, Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford Hospice said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that braved the cold winds on Sunday at the Harbour Arm and along the chilly seafront. We really appreciate all of the wonderful fundraising from our Santas and elves, this will make a real difference to the many families being cared for by Pilgrims this Christmas.”
Santas on the Harbour is part of the 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.
There’s still time to have your ‘elf’ a merry day out with friends, family and colleagues by registering on the day at Santas on the Seashore! in Margate on Sunday 11 December. Simply head to the start venue at Fort Crescent, Margate CT9 1HX and register between 09:30-10:40am.
Wishing all Pilgrims supporters and all our speedy Santas a very Merry Christmas!
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.
2nd December 2022
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun with Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Run! Tri-Series
Hundreds of festive fundraisers embraced the ho, ho, holiday spirit on Sunday 27 November 2022 as they dashed along Herne Bay seafront at Santas on the Bay! all for a good Claus.
Herne Bay was filled with Christmas cheer as more than 400 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 schools, including Wahl. Grace Gummer from the Herne Bay-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.”
9 64
Early estimations show that this year, Santas on the Run! Tri-Series will raise in excess of £20,000. This could help fund the entire cost of Pilgrims Hospices’ community care teams for four days, as they provide specialist end-of-life care to patients spending Christmas at home with their families, and creating lasting memories.
Leila Ilkhan, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome hundreds of supporters to Herne Bay seafront, who donned their Santa and elf costumes to kick-start the festive season. The wet weather couldn’t dampen our Christmas spirits as onlookers cheered our supporters across the festive finish line. Thank you to everyone taking part who raised vital funds so we can continue delivering specialist end-of-life care to those who need us across east Kent.”
Since the event began in 2017, Santas on the Run! has become a family tradition in the seaside town as a way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, and has gone on to raise over £161,000 for local hospice care. In 2019, the event added fun runs in Folkestone and Margate to create the Santas on the Run! Tri-Series, bringing the jolliest jog of the year to seafronts across east Kent.
There’s still time to have your ‘elf’ a merry day out with friends, family and colleagues by registering on the day at Santas on the Harbour! in Folkestone on Sunday 4 December, or registering in advance for Santas on the Seashore! on Sunday 11 December.
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.
24th August 2022
Pilgrims Hospices make patient’s wedding wish come true
Elaine and Jason Edwards, a former carpenter, from Herne Bay were married in a civil ceremony at Jason’s flat on Saturday 30 July 2022. This was an extra special occasion, as Jason has motor neurone disease (MND) and is receiving support from Pilgrims Hospices.
The charity helped to make their big day possible, enabling them to create beautiful memories that will last forever.
The family is incredibly grateful for Pilgrims’ care, which frequently extends beyond its physical hospices and into the wider east Kent community.
Martyn Yates, Spiritual Care Lead and Complementary Therapist at Pilgrims, was integral in organising Elaine and Jason’s marriage.
Jason and Elaine on their wedding day
Elaine said: “Our experience with Pilgrims Hospices has been totally amazing. We had Martyn come out and see us from the spiritual care team, to help us with getting married. He was amazing. He was very informative, and due to all his help, we were married at home in Jason’s flat with a few family members and very close friends in attendance.
Martyn Yates
“Pilgrims gives us as a family help and support in ways we never imagined possible. They are on hand for help and advice 24 hours a day; it gives us peace of mind knowing that they are there throughout this hard time in our lives. It means so much to us that they are here for us. They do an amazing job, and we can’t thank them enough for all they do.”
Martyn added: “One of the really important parts of the work we do at Pilgrims is to make every day as good as it can be for both our patients and their families – so they can live their lives to the full. Our links with community agencies help us to do this; in this case, the Canterbury registrars pulled out all the stops, and between us we were able to achieve Elaine and Jason’s wishes. It is so lovely to be able to do things like this for our patients and their families.”
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.
