Tiles of Joy, creativity, connection and moments of happiness at Pilgrims Hospices
Photograph: Palak Sharma, Wellbeing Practitioner with Kavita Sodhi, Wellbeing Practioner Lead
A beautiful community art project, kindly funded by the Cantiacorum Foundation, is bringing colour, creativity and connection to Pilgrims Hospices, as patients, carers, staff and volunteers come together to take part in Tiles of Joy.
Led by ceramic artist Jayne Wright of JAW Ceramics CIC, Tiles of Joy began in 2023 in partnership with Power of Women (POW) Thanet, with an inspiring workshop at the Margate Caves.
Since then, the project has grown into something truly special, with more than 2,000 handcrafted tiles created by people across Thanet and beyond.
The project has united a wide range of community groups, from local schools and heritage organisations to social inclusion initiatives and arts groups, nurturing creativity and connection across the area.
More recently, Pilgrims’ Wellbeing groups have been taking part in the inspiring Tiles of Joy project. Patients, carers, Stepping Stones bereavement groups, staff and volunteers were invited to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting what brings them happiness. During the sessions, participants explored clay by scraping, indenting and shaping their designs, supported throughout by Jayne, who then carefully fired each piece before returning them ready for display.
Now proudly displayed at the hospices in Ashford and Thanet, these unique artworks form beautiful, fixed installations, each tile telling its own story and together creating a lasting celebration of community, creativity and care.
The experience has been both thought-provoking and uplifting. Participants have not only enjoyed the hands-on creative process, but also the special experience of seeing their work become part of a shared piece of art, something that will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who visit.
The project has also inspired Pilgrims’ Wellbeing team to explore how clay and creative therapies could play a bigger role in future sessions, opening up new opportunities to support patients and families through creativity and wellbeing activities.
Ann with the Tiles of Joy mural at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
As the Wellbeing team shared:
“It has been such a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Seeing people relax into the process, express themselves so freely, and then light up when they see their finished tile on display, has been incredibly special.”
Ann Mapley, a Wellbeing patient at Pilgrims Hospices who took part in the sessions, said:
“The brief was to design tiles that meant something to us, and for me that was my grandchildren. One of them loves George’s Dragon and the other loves snails, so I created a dragon and a snail on my tiles. It was such a fun afternoon, there were lots of laughs and giggles as we all tried to get everything just right with help from the lovely ladies running the session.
“Seeing the mural come together has been wonderful; it looks so lovely now. I first found out about the project through a leaflet that had been brought in, and I’m really glad I took part.”
Tiles of Joy is a reminder that even small moments of creativity can have a lasting impact, bringing people together, sparking reflection, and creating something truly meaningful.
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 2
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 1
Ann’s tiles
Follow Tiles of Joy on Instagram to find out more:@tilesofjoy
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
14th October 2026
A tribute to Alex Miles: “Pilgrims go above and beyond”
Alex Miles from Folkestone was a family man; a devoted husband to Ruth and father to Millie, Jake, Mason, Layla and Bailey, he served as a sergeant in Kent Police and played football for Folkestone Invicta FC.
In 2019, Alex, then aged 44, was diagnosed with lung cancer, which had spread to his bones. He began treatment and, with his condition managed, was able to live relatively well and even continue working.
But in 2024, Alex suffered two strokes, after which he was admitted to Pilgrims Hospices for end-of-life care.
Alex died at the Ashford hospice in September 2024, aged 49.
Alex and Ruth with family on their wedding dayAlex with his son, Bailey
Ruth shares how Pilgrims helped their family to make the most of their precious final moments with Alex, and supported them in their grief after his death:
“Alex was transferred from hospital; after the second stroke, he wasn’t really conscious, but Pilgrims made him comfortable – it was noticeable as soon as he got to the hospice.
“As a family, we had such a positive experience of Pilgrims’ care. Alex was only in the hospice for a few days, and although it was never going to be easy, it was as comforting as it could possibly have been. We had a family room, so a few of us could sleep in there with Alex. Friends and family could visit any time to say their goodbyes.
“I was breastfeeding our youngest child, Bailey, who was just five months old at the time. The kind nurses and staff were so supportive – they made us countless cups of tea and toast, took Bailey for walks and played with him to give us a break, answered our questions, held our hands and simply listened. They even shared their own stories with us; we learned that so many of them have personal experiences of hospice care, which is what inspired them to work for Pilgrims. They did all this whilst keeping Alex comfortable; they really do go above and beyond.”
“After Alex died, myself and one of Alex’s older children were offered bereavement counselling; we really appreciated that continuity of care. I also had massages from the complementary therapy team, which were lovely.
“I can’t fault Pilgrims, they’re fantastic.”
In April 2025, Alex’s family launched the inaugural Miles Memorial Cup – a football match in honour of Alex to celebrate his life, which they plan to make an annual event. On 18 April 2026, the match was held in aid of Pilgrims, raising £4,000 for local hospice care.
Ruth said:
“We wanted to give back to those that helped us on Alex’s journey; Pilgrims were able to offer the specialist, compassionate care that Alex needed at the end of his life, when no one else could. If our fundraising helps just one other family to have that same support and peace, it will mean so much to us. We’re lucky to have such brilliant hospice care in the UK, but it is only available thanks to peoples’ generous support and donations – that’s why it’s so important for us to fundraise for Pilgrims.
“Any opportunity to talk about Alex and have other people remember him, I’ll take it, because he deserves that. It’s very comforting for me. Although Alex’s life was cut short, this is how we can keep his memory alive.”
Alex Miles With His Wife Ruth
Alex Miles With Family
Alex And Ruth Miles With Their Children Mason, Layla And Bailey
Alex Miles With His Children L R Jake, Mason, Millie And Layla
Alex Miles With His Children Mason And Layla
Top Alex Miles With His Sister Nicola And His Uncle
Follow @milesmemorialcup on Instagram for news and updates about the annual Miles Memorial Cup.
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.
6th October 2026
Theresa Rowlstone: A remarkable career caring for the people of east Kent
For more than three decades, Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Theresa Rowlstone dedicated her nursing career to caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across east Kent.
Theresa, who has recently moved from Whitstable to Herne Bay, qualified as a nurse from the Canterbury and Thanet School of Nursing in January 1987. Having initially considered a career in children’s physiotherapy or teaching, it was her mum, who was also a nurse, who encouraged her to choose nursing, a decision that shaped an extraordinary career.
Theresa in her early nursing career
Theresa joined Pilgrims Hospices as a staff nurse at Canterbury in March 1988, before taking time away to undertake a specialist cancer course at the Royal Marsden. She later worked as a senior staff nurse at Margate hospital before returning to Pilgrims in 1992 as ward sister at the newly opened Thanet hospice.
Over the years, Theresa has worked across all three Pilgrims sites, progressing from staff nurse and ward sister to senior nurse manager, a role she held at Thanet for 17 years. She also developed a strong interest in education, achieving a Master’s degree in 2009 before joining the education team in a clinical practice development role.
“I really enjoyed being part of the education and training team,” Theresa says. “It was exciting to be involved in developing people and helping them progress in their careers.”
Although she loved teaching, Theresa missed the direct connection with patients and their families. She returned to clinical care and went on to become an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, a role she has held for many years.
A career of change, learning and compassion
Throughout her career, Theresa has witnessed enormous changes in nursing, palliative care and the services provided by Pilgrims. Yet one thing has remained constant: her belief that patients must always be at the heart of everything we do.
“For me, it’s about keeping the patient at the centre of everything we do at Pilgrims,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be alongside families and helping them plan for what’s ahead for them.”
Theresa has also seen huge changes in the opportunities available to nurses and healthcare assistants:
“We now have four ACP and four trainee ACPs, allowing us to provide training and supervision for our successors in this development.”
“You can really have a great career here. There are opportunities to learn new skills to enhance your career. I find it all very exciting.”
For Theresa, one of the greatest lessons of a career in palliative care has been learning what really matters:
“This job teaches you what’s important; making the most of life, finding the things you love and pursuing them. It’s always taught me to live for the day.”
Ready for the next chapter
After more than 35 years with Pilgrims, Theresa says she now feels ready for retirement:
“I feel I’m ready and at peace with retiring. I’ve had a brilliant career.”
Having experienced arthritis and undergone a knee replacement, Theresa decided it was time to “bite the bullet” and embrace the next chapter.
She and her husband have recently moved to Herne Bay and are looking forward to more time together, holidays, trips to the cinema and swimming pool, and discovering the cafes along the coast:
“I think time will fill up pretty quickly,” Theresa laughs. “I might actually be busier in retirement than when I was working – but nicely busy!”
She is also looking forward to spending more time with her granddaughter and time supporting her parents.
Time for creativity and theatre
Retirement will give Theresa more time to enjoy her creative interests, particularly her love of amateur dramatics.
“I’m still involved with amateur dramatics. I’ve got plays that I’m arranging costumes for – up until Christmas ” she says.
She is looking forward to getting back to “treading the boards” and having a little more time to learn her lines.
She also hopes retirement will give her more time for crafts, including a local craft group she attends once a month:
“I want to have some time to focus on the things I love, like crafts.”
Theresa is also considering volunteering in the future, perhaps in a charity shop, although she is happy to take her time deciding what comes next:
“I’m definitely taking a few months out to decide what’s next and possibly still keep some involvement with Pilgrims Hospices.”
Theresa’s advice for the next generation
Theresa believes nursing and hospice care offer more opportunities than ever for those starting their careers.
“Seize the opportunities,” she says. “What’s exciting about Pilgrims is that nurses come together across the charity; there’s a career pathway for nurses and HCAs.”
A lasting legacy
For Theresa, being a nurse has become a fundamental part of who she is.
“Being a nurse and a palliative care nurse is part of my identity; I think initially retirement will feel a bit like a holiday.”
After such a long and rewarding career, Theresa leaves behind a wealth of experience, knowledge and memories, as well as the many people whose lives she has touched along the way.
A few words from Theresa’s colleagues
“Theresa has been such a key part of Pilgrims for so many years that it is hard to imagine the place without her; she has quite simply become part of the furniture!
“She is a truly compassionate and empathetic nurse who has always gone above and beyond, putting patients at the very heart of everything she does. I cannot begin to imagine the number of patients and families she has supported and cared for over the years, as well as the countless members of staff whose lives she has touched along the way.
“Theresa is always so positive and is quite simply a ray of sunshine. She has a wonderful ability to make people feel supported and valued, and I don’t think I have ever heard her say a cross word about anyone!
“She has also been a great source of support for staff, whether through her wellbeing sessions, the occasional Easter quiz or her Christmas decorations, which helped bring a little extra sparkle to Pilgrims each year.
“Theresa will be greatly missed by all of us. Her kindness, compassion, positivity and unwavering dedication have made a lasting difference to so many people.
“We wish her all the very best for her retirement and hope the years ahead are filled with happiness, laughter, relaxation and plenty of wonderful adventures. She absolutely deserves it!
“Enjoy your retirement, Theresa – you will be very much missed!”
Kate White, Senior Nurse Manager
“We are grateful for Theresa that she not only brought her dedicated care and compassion to her work at the hospice, but also her creativity and love for teaching.
“She has helped to shape the career pathways that are now available at Pilgrims Hospices, especially for our nursing colleagues. However, it is not only nurses, but also doctors and other colleagues of the wider clinical teams who have benefited from her clinical experience and wisdom, and Theresa will be missed by her colleagues just as much as by the patients and their families.
“On behalf of the executive team, I thank her wholeheartedly and wish her well in her retirement and many adventures to come.”
Dr Pia Amsler, Medical Director and Consultant
“Theresa is always upbeat and looking for the positive. She is incredibly supportive of staff, and has a constant stream of activities to keep people happy.
“Alongside that, she brings such a wealth of experience from all the years she has worked in this area. There is very little Theresa hasn’t come across before, and she is always able to offer sage advice.
“She has been an extremely committed member of the team, giving her all to the organisation. She now deserves an enjoyable and restful retirement, although I don’t suppose she’ll be resting very much!”
Andrew Thorns, Lead Consultant in Palliative Care
As Theresa begins her retirement, everyone at Pilgrims will be wishing her a very happy next chapter, with plenty of time for the people and things she loves, new adventures, crafts, theatre and, hopefully, plenty of opportunities to take a well-earned bow.
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.
Forty years of kindness: Pilgrims nurse reflects on a lifetime of care
A Pilgrims Hospices nurse is celebrating an incredible 40 years with the charity, marking a lifetime dedicated to supporting patients and families during some of their most difficult moments.
Tricia in her early nursing career
Tricia Ash joined Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in September 1986, following a nursing career that began six years earlier at King’s College Hospital in London. Now, after 46 years in nursing, she continues to feel the same passion and sense of purpose that inspired her at the beginning of her journey.
“I always thought I would go into some sort of medical profession,” says Tricia. “My mother was a nurse and my father was a doctor, so it felt like a natural path for me. Looking back, it was definitely the right decision.”
During her nursing training, Tricia attended a lecture by Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement, which inspired her to pursue a career in hospice care.
“I remember sitting there thinking, ‘This is the type of nursing that I want to do.’ I wanted to work somewhere where there was no drama, where you could spend time with patients and where care was truly centred around the individual.”
After gaining experience at St Christopher’s Hospice in London, Tricia moved to Kent and began her career with Pilgrims, where she has cared for countless patients and families over four decades.
For Tricia, hospice nursing remains a privilege.
“Being able to walk alongside a patient and their family when they are facing some of the hardest times of their lives is something I never take for granted. As part of the community team, I also feel incredibly privileged to go into people’s homes and support them there.”
Tricia Ash 6x4 5
Tricia Ash 6x4 4
Tricia Ash 6x4 3
Tricia Ash 6x4 1
Tricia Ash 6x4 2
Tricia enjoyed a tea party with colleagues to celebrate her anniversary
Sarah Martins, Pilgrims Hospices Deputy Head of Nursing, said:
“For 40 years, Tricia has supported countless patients and their loved ones across her various roles. Always kind, patient and thorough, she has truly embodied the principles of hospice care, keeping our core values at the heart of all she does.
“Guiding and supporting colleagues throughout their professional journeys at Pilgrims has been an important part of helping to develop the next generation of our team. I know they have greatly appreciated Tricia’s calm and methodical approach, alongside the wealth of wisdom and experience she has always been so generous in sharing.
“Tricia has evolved alongside the hospice, witnessing many changes within our service and the wider healthcare system. Throughout this time, she has kept her practice up to date while ensuring that care, compassion and dignity remain at the heart of her nursing.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside her, and I know she has the utmost respect of the wider team for her knowledge, understanding and steady approach. Whether supporting patients over the phone or face to face, Tricia ensures they feel heard, valued and cared for, particularly at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
“Congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone, Tricia. It’s a huge achievement.”
Tricia
Throughout her career, Tricia has witnessed many changes in nursing, but believes the most important qualities remain the same:
“Being organised, listening well and appearing calm and unrushed, even when you are very busy, are all important qualities of a great nurse.”
She says one of the things she values most about Pilgrims is the shared commitment across the organisation:
“I love the fact that everyone in the Pilgrims team has the patient and their family at the centre of everything they do. Everyone has the same focus and supports each other so much.”
After 46 years in nursing, Tricia still finds every day rewarding:
“No two days are the same. I genuinely feel that I learn something new every day, which is one of the things I love about the job. It is incredibly rewarding looking after people.”
Reflecting on what reaching 40 years with Pilgrims means to her, Tricia says:
“It has given me a wonderful insight into different people’s lives, and this has given me more than I have given.”
Tricia’s family describe her as patient, kind, calm and caring, qualities that have undoubtedly touched the lives of many patients, families and colleagues throughout her remarkable nursing journey.
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.
5th October 2026
Remembering our dads with love: Yat and Claire’s story
Yat and Claire Lee from Herne Bay support Pilgrims Hospices in memory of their fathers, Wai Lung Lee and David Ingrey, who were cared for at the Canterbury hospice within 12 months of each other – Wai Lung in December 2024, and David in September-October 2025.
The family felt so supported by Pilgrims, both during Wai Lung and David’s illnesses and after their deaths, that they are keen to give back; they want to help ensure that other local families can receive the same compassionate care.
Yat’s father, Wai Lung
Yat, Claire and their 3-year-old daughter, April, attended Sunflower Memories at the Canterbury hospice in July 2026. The event provides an opportunity to dedicate memory markers to Wai Lung and David, which are planted in the hospice gardens, and spend a summer’s afternoon reflecting and remembering with love.
Yat said:
“It was such a lovely and poignant day for us. As April is still so young, she doesn’t yet fully understand the significance of the day or how much it means to both of us.
“The support that my mother, my four siblings, and I received during Dad’s time at the hospice was truly indescribable. The team at Pilgrims, along with the support from their Stepping Stones services, helped us through one of the most difficult periods of our lives.
Claire’s father, David
“When my father-in-law, David, was referred to the hospice, we experienced the same outstanding level of care, compassion, and support that I had witnessed a year earlier.
“With both bereavements happening less than a year apart, it was very difficult. Without Pilgrims’ help, we don’t know how we would have coped.
“We feel we owe so much to the staff at Pilgrims. They made the remaining time both our fathers had as comfortable and dignified as possible, and that is something our families will never forget.
“It’s so important to raise awareness of the incredible work Pilgrims does, which is why we want to share our story.”
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.
3rd October 2026
Chris’s story: Going the extra mile for Pilgrims in memory of his mum
When Chris Wootley takes on the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge on Saturday 10 October, every step will have a very personal meaning.
Chris is taking on the tough challenge in memory of his mum, Sandra, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices in 2018 after a 10-year battle with cancer.
Chris supports Pilgrims in memory of his mum, Sandra
“Sandra always put others first, even in the toughest of times. She was caring, thoughtful and considerate of others,” says Chris.
When Sandra’s health deteriorated, she was cared for at Pilgrims’ Ashford hospice. Chris remembers the kindness and compassion shown by the whole team.
“The care and consideration for my mum’s welfare and comfort was second to none. No question or request was too much, and the entire team, from the reception desk to the nursing team and doctors, were fantastic.”
As Sandra’s life drew to a close, she expressed a wish to return home to spend her final days surrounded by the people and place she loved. Once again, the Pilgrims team rallied around to make it possible, continuing to support Sandra and her family with daily care at home.
For Chris, it is a level of support he will never forget.
That is why he continues to put himself through some seriously challenging adventures to raise money for Pilgrims.
An experienced obstacle course racer and ultra-marathon participant, Chris took part in this year’s Pilgrims Way Challenge and loved every minute, despite the inevitable hills and miles!
“The vibe is relaxed and supportive, the organisation was excellent and I’ll be back out on the course for 2027.”
Now he is going one step further with the Kent Downs 50km Ultra Challenge.
Training has not been entirely straightforward. Chris is currently living with a knee injury and is awaiting an operation, which he has chosen to postpone until after the challenge.
“My priority is raising funds for Pilgrims. My knee can be fixed later,” he says with characteristic determination.
Alongside his personal fundraising, Chris is also a long-standing supporter through his Ashford-based business, The Monster Merchants. The company specialises in second-hand wargaming miniatures, retro board games, role-play books, action figures, toys and video games.
Every week, items that are unsuitable for sale are set aside for Pilgrims. Chris’s dad, Roger, collects, sorts and delivers the donations to Pilgrims’ Ashford site. Over the years, the family estimates they have donated thousands of items, from toys and board games to collectables, retro clothing and computer games.
“It’s about turning old and unwanted items into funds that can support Pilgrims,” says Chris.
With £260 already raised for the Kent Downs Challenge, Chris is hoping his fundraising will continue to grow.
“I will continue to support Pilgrims Hospices to give back to our local east Kent community by raising vital funds for compassionate end-of-life care. Every contribution helps provide comfort, peace and essential support for patients and their families when they need it most.”
Chris taking part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge
For Chris, the 50km challenge is about much more than the finish line. It is his way of remembering Sandra, and giving something back to the hospice team who cared for her when his family needed them most.
Want to raise funds for Pilgrims with your own challenge?
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.
