Pilgrims Hospices response to the Government’s announcement of a £100 million funding boost for hospice care in England
We welcome the Government’s recognition and support, which will help us to continue to provide end-of-life care for our patients and their families living in east Kent.
This represents an important step towards acknowledging the significant financial pressures hospices face. We look forward to working with Hospice UK early in the new year to fully understand what this funding means for hospices.
We’d like to thank Hospice UK for all for their hard work and ongoing support for the hospice sector.
Helen Bennett
CEO Pilgrims Hospices
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.
17th December 2024
Bringing Christmas cheer to Pilgrims Hospices: Penny’s heart-warming tradition
Pilgrims Hospices is once again preparing for a festive transformation, thanks to the dedication of Penny Cattermole, one of our valued healthcare assistants.
For several years, Penny has made it her mission to bring the joy and spirit of the holiday season to the hospice wards, creating a magical winter wonderland for patients, staff, and visitors alike.
Penny’s efforts go beyond simply putting up decorations. Throughout the year, she scours boot sales and local markets, on the lookout for unique and beautiful Christmas ornaments to add to her collection. “I love a good bargain,” Penny says, “but more than that, I love seeing the delight on everyone’s faces when the decorations go up.”
Every year, Penny donates her time coming into the Thanet hospice on her days off to transform the wards and corridors of the hospice. Her contributions include four elegant white Christmas trees, which she has generously gifted over the past few years. These trees, adorned with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, are the centrepiece of her winter wonderland. Penny’s dedication isn’t limited to Christmas; she also decorates the ward for Easter, adding touches of spring with her collection of seasonal decorations.
“I don’t do it for the praise,” she shares. “I do it because it brings happiness and cheerfulness to the ward. The staff work incredibly hard, and I hope my efforts bring a bit of joy to their day.”
This year, however, Penny will not be decorating her own home for Christmas. With a mischievous 8-month-old Maine Coon kitten, Leo, at home, she knows the festive setup would be at risk of being toppled over in moments! Instead, she’s focusing all her energy on making the hospice a warm and inviting place for everyone.
Penny has been a valued member of the Pilgrims care team for 14 years; she has followed a career in care throughout her working life. Many of the care team will be on duty on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. They will have already made arrangements to spend their special festive times with their families and friends on alternative days.
Jon May, Pilgrims Hospices Service Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, said, “Penny is just full of community spirit; it’s just wonderful to see Penny’s beautiful decorations and experience the festive atmosphere she creates. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of our team of staff and volunteers, who bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normality to the hospice environment.”
Pilgrims Hospices wishes everyone a warm and caring Christmas.
Thank you for supporting our services in your area.
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.
12th November 2024
Supporting nutrition and wellbeing in end-of-life care
At Pilgrims Hospices, we recognise the important role that nutrition plays in holistic care, particularly for patients in their final stages of life.
Ensuring access to nutritious, comforting meals is a core part of the work of our catering team.
We believe that good food not only nourishes the body but also brings a sense of everyday normality during difficult times. Bobby, our Head Chef at our Ashford hospice says, “It’s about more than just food; it’s about creating moments of connection and care.”
Our catering team go the extra mile to fulfil all our patient’s wishes. One patient asked for lobster, despite their illness, and our Thanet catering team made it possible. Head Chef at Thanet, Georgie told us, “We’re taking care of our patients by providing them with comforting, tasty food, which is as important as caring for them on the ward.”
Our kitchen gardens, tended by green–fingered volunteers, are a reflection of this ethos. These gardens provide fresh, seasonal produce, which our talented kitchen team incorporate into meals
Generous funding from the Environment Fund, administered by the Kent Community Foundation, has also allowed us to establish a new kitchen garden at our Canterbury hospice. This garden has already started to make a positive difference, offering fresh produce like leeks and parsley for dishes such as leek and parmesan risotto, and homemade fish cakes. We plan to give our patients the opportunity to engage in this process, helping to pick produce for their meals in what will be a mindful and reflective experience.
Together, we can ensure that every patient receives the nourishment – both physical and emotional – that they deserve.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices cares 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 October 2024
Pauline thanks Pilgrims Hospices with kind donation in memory of husband, Jim
Jim Jeffrey from Ashford received Pilgrims Hospices care in 2024.
Jim had Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which affected his body and mobility, and Motor Neurone Disease (MND); attending the Time to Create therapeutic art group at the Ashford hospice enabled him to make the most of the time he had.
When Jim died, in lieu of flowers, his family and friends fundraised for Pilgrims. The money raised bought a projector, speaker and stand to enhance the charity’s Wellbeing Programme so that others can continue to benefit from this vital care.
Jim’s wife, Pauline, presented the donations to the Wellbeing team. She said:
“I want to express my deep gratitude for the care and support Jim received from Pilgrims, a charity that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Despite his health conditions and the challenges he faced, he fought with resilience. His battle was long and hard, but he showed incredible strength and courage throughout.
“Jim took part in Pilgrims Wellbeing groups for six months, and I can’t tell you how much that experience meant to him and our family. The groups brought a light to Jim’s life that I hadn’t seen in a long time, giving him purpose and happiness during a period when those things felt out of reach. They gave us cherished memories that I will hold onto forever.
Pauline and Jim
“The nurses and wider team were so attentive to his wellbeing, and the compassion and kindness shown to us during that time was nothing short of amazing. I’d like to give a special mention to Jan Murphy, Pal Sharma, and the rest of the wonderful team who made such a positive impact on Jim’s life. I will always be so thankful, and I can only hope that others who need Pilgrims care find the same support that we did.
“Sadly, we lost Jim on 6 June 2024, but felt it would be fitting to raise money for the Wellbeing services that brought him so much joy. When we asked the team what they would like to invest the money in, they chose a projector, speaker and stand to enhance the services they provide. It’s comforting to know that these items will be used to continue bringing happiness and support to others.”
Pal Sharma and Jan Murphy, Wellbeing Practitioners, said:
“We’re so grateful to Pauline and her family and friends for this kind and generous donation. The speaker and projector are fantastic additions to our wellbeing sessions, especially for Living Well and Time to Create groups. The projector will allow guest speakers to display their presentations during Living Well, and it can also be used to play creative and artistic videos during Time to Create.
“The speakers will enable group participants to play their preferred music during sessions. Music has a powerful effect on our patients and carers, helping them to relax and uplift their spirits.”
Pauline added: “I sincerely hope that others who are able to contribute will do so, to help Pilgrims continue the amazing work they do.”
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
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.
24th September 2024
Super fundraiser Sian raises over £1,000 for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of mum
Sian fundraised in memory of her mum, Denise, who received Pilgrims care in 2022.
Sian and Denise
Sian felt so supported by Pilgrims during her mum’s illness that she wanted to give back.
She said: “Pilgrims regularly checked in, ensuring she was comfortable with the huge changes in her life that she was about to face. They fitted aids throughout our home to support her as her physical strength gradually worsened.
“In the days leading up to her passing, she got sick. We phoned Pilgrims for advice, and they informed our GP and requested a scan. On the morning of the scan, Mum struggled to get up. I called Pilgrims and they told me to phone the hospital. This became one of the last days we spent with Mum; without Pilgrims’ guidance, we wouldn’t have had that extra time with her before she passed.
“During this period when Mum was unwell, I was on my own caring for her whilst trying to balance working a full-time job as well as making time for myself. Pilgrims acted as a friend, offering advice and support.
“No one can prepare you to lose a parent. Life is short, and although I would’ve loved to spend the rest of my life with Mum, having those extra days with her made me eternally grateful – and it’s all thanks to Pilgrims for listening to me on the other end of that phone call.
Sian took on The Big Half on Sunday 1 September 2024.
Sian at The Big Half 2024
Her friends, family and local gym – Muscle Hut in Ashford – helped her to raise more than £1,000 for Pilgrims.
She added:
“I’m so grateful for the support Pilgrims provided throughout a very difficult time on our family. They were always within arm’s reach, and I’m extremely excited to be giving back to them in any way I can.”
Pilgrims has a limited number of charity places in The Big Half 2025, you can secure your spot on the start line today, for free, with a pledge to raise at least £350 sponsorship for hospice care.
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.
10th September 2024
Pilgrims Hospices calls for piano players to share the gift of music
Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford is extending an invitation to the community to bring the soothing sounds of music to their sanctuary space.
The hospice, known for its compassionate care, believes that music has the power to bring comfort, relaxation, and a sense of peace to patients, families, and staff alike.
They are calling on piano players from the local area to volunteer their time and talents to play the piano in the hospice’s tranquil sanctuary.
Music has long been recognised as a therapeutic tool, with the ability to ease anxiety, uplift spirits, and create a calming atmosphere. At Pilgrims Hospices, the gentle melodies that flow from the piano can be heard in the ward and the offices, bringing a sense of serenity to everyone in the building. For patients in palliative care, and their families who are often navigating incredibly challenging times, this small act of kindness can make a world of difference.
“We’ve seen first-hand how music can transform the atmosphere here at the hospice,” says Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager at Pilgrims Hospices. “A simple tune played on the piano can bring smiles, spark conversations, and even provide a moment of reflection and peace. We’re inviting anyone who can play the piano, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, to consider stopping by and sharing their gift with us. It’s a small gesture that has a truly profound impact.”
The request is simple: if you or someone you know can play the piano, consider donating a bit of your time, whether it’s once a month, once a week, or simply when the mood strikes. The hospice welcomes these spontaneous performances, knowing that the presence of live music can enhance wellbeing and provide a comforting backdrop to the daily routines of care.
For those interested, there is no need to schedule a formal appointment. The hospice encourages anyone with the ability to play to simply drop in and share their music. You are welcome to come in, when our reception is open, and during visiting hours; the piano awaits the touch of kind-hearted volunteers who wish to contribute to the hospice’s nurturing environment.
By offering just a few minutes of your time, you can help create an atmosphere that soothes, heals, and connects. Pilgrims Hospices deeply appreciates the community’s support in making their space one of comfort and tranquillity.
For more information, please contact Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager:
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.