Pilgrims Healthcare Assistants accepting the delivery of beds at the Canterbury hospice
A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who kindly supported Pilgrims Hospices Bed Appeal, raising £166,853 to purchase 36 new specialist beds for our hospices in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
Thank you for giving our patients a good night’s sleep.
The response we received was nothing short of overwhelming, and we cannot thank you enough for helping us to reach this incredible goal. The widespread generosity shown by individuals, companies and trusts has ensured patients remain as comfortable as possible for those precious days spent in our hospices.
These beds make such a meaningful difference in the lives of those we care for, and will prove vital in providing comfort and safety to the over 900 people that need them every year.
Pilgrims Hospices’ journey began with just two beds at the Canterbury hospice in 1982, and our services have grown each and every year to meet the needs of the local community.
Our growth has only been possible because of the kind and generous support we continue to receive from people like you. We simply couldn’t do it without you, thank you.
It’s only possible for us to offer the much-needed care and comfort our patients deserve with these specialist beds. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this a reality, you really have made a world of difference.
Laura and Sarah, Senior Ward Sisters
The new beds make such a difference, and are particularly special as they are fully adjustable.
They have bedside controls, which patients, their families and Pilgrims staff can use to help find a comfortable position.
The beds can be lowered down to the floor, reducing the risk of falls for patients, and allowing Pilgrims nurses to work safely.
When paired with specialist floor mats, these beds can be made into doubles, so precious nights can be spent close together with family.
The side-rails can be lowered, or removed, to allow loved ones to cuddle one another.
Have you supported the Bed Appeal? Find your name on the Wall of Fame!
Thank you so much for your support
Every generous donation from our amazing community of supporters helps to make sure we can be there for the next family who needs us.
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.
19th November 2024
Trees of Love: East Kent’s largest remembrance grows even bigger in 2024
This December, Pilgrims Hospices has once again partnered with members of the local community to deliver east Kent’s largest remembrance.
Herne Bay Crematorium and St Alphege Church join Pilgrims to offer more people the space to remember this Christmas.
The charity, which provides end-of-life care, is pleased to announce services in Whitstable and Herne Bay have joined the remembrance this year. The services give those who are grieving the time and space to remember during the festive season.
Those taking part are invited to dedicate a dove to be illuminated on Christmas trees across east Kent, and come together at one of the remembrance services with carols. It’s an opportunity to share memories, and take a moment during the busy festive season to remember those we love.
“Christmas is that time of year which consists of many different feelings, joy, excitement, love. But it is also for many a time for reflecting about the loved ones we have lost. The tree of love is a symbol of peace, memories and of course love. This simple gesture can bring a community together, and at Herne Bay Crematorium we are honoured to work with Pilgrims Hospices and help those on their journey of reflection.”
Damien Corlett-Oates, Herne Bay Crematorium Manager
The service at Herne Bay Crematorium is taking place on Friday 20 December, at 5pm, and those attending are invited to stay for warm refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.
“Here at St Alphege Whitstable we are delighted to be holding a Trees of Love service with Pilgrims Hospices for the first time. Christmas is a time for fond remembrance of loved ones who used to share in our celebrations. We hope that all who come may feel the comfort and joy of gathering together and the light of hope during this festive season.”
Isobel Legg, Reader, St Alphege
The St Alphege, Whitstable service is on Sunday 8 December, at 4pm, with festive refreshments served afterwards in the church.
Pilgrims are also hosting their hospice services on Saturday 7 December, in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
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.
28th September 2024
Gifts in Wills have the power to change lives
Gifts in Wills help fund end of life care for 1 in 4 patients across east Kent, every year.
Jayne, a dedicated fundraiser and supporter, explains why she has chosen to leave a gift to Pilgrims Hospices in her Will.
“I had a dear friend who became a Pilgrims in-patient in 1983. Up until then I had never been into a hospice and, like many others, had a perception that it would be a gloomy, foreboding place. However, I was delighted to experience Pilgrims as caring, welcoming and supportive – a bright, vibrant building and truly caring, kind, friendly and compassionate staff. They took care of my friend so well – and also helped her family with their grief when my friend died.
“I was so very impressed with this incredible organisation and the care they gave my friend and her family at all stages of her journey – I could not believe this incredible charity was funded almost entirely through donations. I vowed at that point to do all I could to support such a worthy cause. Since then, I have fundraised for Pilgrims on numerous occasions – and I still am fundraising now. Over the years I’ve done all sorts of things – including running six marathons, organising my own fundraising events and taking part in many organised by Pilgrims. The list is long – and it will continue to grow!
I have chosen to also make a gift in my Will, so my support can continue, even when I am no longer here in person.
Jayne
“In 2009, I was made redundant – so I dedicated half a day every week to volunteer at Pilgrims, as well as continuing to fundraise. I started later that year as part of the Canterbury volunteer group and my duties included manning reception and taking tea and coffee to the patients and families on the wards. I was then trained as a hospice complementary therapist, to give hand and foot massages to the patients and carers when they came to the hospice for pamper days. In 2011, Pilgrims started the Dover Outreach – so I went there every Friday to provide hand and foot massage to patients and carers.
“I’ve kept in close contact with Pilgrims since, and in July 2023, I started running a programme at the Canterbury Therapy Centre called Relax and Restore – again as a volunteer. The programme made a really positive difference to patients.
“My long-term relationship supporting Pilgrims – both as a fundraiser and volunteer – is the reason why I have chosen to also make a gift in my Will, so my support can continue, even when I am no longer here in person.”
Jayne’s support for Pilgrims will continue, even when she’s gone.
Has Jayne’s story inspired you to find out more? Make a Gift in your Will your final act of kindness, supporting hospice care for generations.
Or do you have your own story that might inspire others?
If you have a story to share, or would like more information about leaving Pilgrims a gift in your Will, our friendly team would love to speak to you. You can contact Hannah or Ellie on 01227 782 060 or via [email protected].
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.
3rd September 2024
Trees of Love: Jenny’s story
Jenny remembers her husband, Graham, by dedicating a dove in his memory at Pilgrims Hospices annual Trees of Love remembrance campaign.
My husband Graham was a kind and generous man, a nature and animal lover. He was particularly musical; he sang, played piano and performed the clarinet in several orchestras. We met at age 5 while attending the same primary school, but went our separate ways when we progressed to our respective grammar schools. It seems rather fitting, then, that we reunited at a German musical evening hosted by Graham’s school. We would go on to spend a wonderful 55 years together, with our children and grandchildren.
We were introduced to Pilgrims later on in Graham’s illness, around six months before he passed. He often found it difficult to put his thoughts into words, but when presented with the option of more treatment or intervention for his illness, he knew that was not the option for him. While our journey with Pilgrims has been rather short, they have been so very helpful. In times like these, you never quite know who to turn to, but the bereavement support we have been offered has been such a help. When you just want someone to listen, they just let us talk.
I was made aware of Trees of Love through a postal invitation that invited me to dedicate a dove in Graham’s memory. My granddaughter, Charlotte, has recently started art college, which has been such a creative outlet for her. She decorated her grandfather’s dove with a wonderful drawing depicting the owl and pussy cat in a tree, as she discovered he was particularly fond of the poem by Edward Lear. Out of sheer coincidence, my daughter revealed that the week her father had passed, she had found a greetings card depicting the ‘Owl and the Pussy Cat’ scene, too. This has brought our family closer together.
In 2023, I attended the remembrance service at the Thanet hospice. Although I attended alone, it was such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. I struck up conversation with someone who was by themselves, and it was comforting to share the experience with someone who knew what I was going through.
The service was lovely, and I was happy to have the opportunity to capture a picture of Graham’s dove on the illuminated tree, and take my order of service home to share with my family.
Previously, I had volunteered for another hospice in one of their retail stores, so I had experience in the kind of care that a hospice provides. But having now received that support myself, I can recognise how fantastic they really are. I’m happy to support this wonderful charity in any way that I can.
This December, dedicate a dove to someone special and join us at one of our hospice or satellite remembrance services.
To find out more and to take part in Trees of Love 2024, simply visit pilgrimshospices.org/treesoflove or contact our friendly Supporter Relations team on 01227 782 062 to dedicate a dove today.
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.
15th July 2024
Help Pilgrims Hospices raise £166,853 for new specialist beds
Pilgrims Hospices needs your support to reach £166,853 for the purchase of new specialist beds. These beds are vital to delivering the highest standard of care and comfort to the patients we look after in our wards.
Will you give our patients a good night’s sleep?
Comfort and care are at the heart of what we do at Pilgrims Hospices. Our journey began with just two beds at the Canterbury hospice in 1982, and today, we offer beds to over 900 people each year across our three hospices. Each ward accommodates 12 beds, and to ensure the best possible care, these beds need replacing every seven years.
Some of our beds are approaching the end of their lifespan. They have served us well, but maintaining them is becoming increasingly costly, and some are nearly beyond repair. With your help, we can provide our patients with the comfort they deserve and continue to care for them safely.
It was wonderful to accept the cheque from Steve and his brothers from the East Kent Freemasons. Thank you so much for supporting Pilgrims Hospices Bed Appeal with your generous donation.
Ellie Cane, Individual Giving Manager
We have already received an incredible response to our appeal and have managed to raise more than £137,719, and counting! This surpasses the deposit needed to place the order. Now, we need your help to reach the target.
A personal appeal
Steve Read, from the East Kent Freemasons:
“For many years, my wife and I have donated to Pilgrims Hospices, having had two close family members who needed their facilities. We received a letter in February asking for help with the Bed Appeal. Each of the three hospices at Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet needs 12 new beds every seven years at a current cost of £4,212 per bed. With 900 people using these beds annually, they are crucial. The beds have bedside controls for patients, their families, and staff to help find a comfortable position, and they can be lowered to the floor to reduce fall risks and allow nurses to work safely.”
Community support
The Valley of Elham Lodge No.6649 responded to this important appeal by donating £4,212 to purchase one bed. The cheque was presented by Peter Gagger, Rashid Bellini and Steve Read, to the Ashford hospice on April 26 2024.
Ellie Cane, Individual Giving Manager, added: “We’ve recently surpassed the £100,000 mark for the appeal, and we are absolutely thrilled with the responses from the generous public and local organisations. It was wonderful to accept the cheque from Steve and his brothers from the East Kent Freemasons. Thank you so much for supporting Pilgrims Hospices Bed Appeal with your generous donation.”
New beds will make a significant difference. They are fully adjustable, with bedside controls to help find a comfortable position, and can be lowered to reduce fall risks. Paired with specialist floor mats, they can even be made into doubles, allowing precious nights to be spent close together with family members. The side-rails can be lowered or removed, enabling loved ones to cuddle with each other.
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.
8th April 2024
Memory Trees: Raquel’s story
Raquel shares why her silver leaf for her husband, Ray, on the Memory Tree at Pilgrims Hospices is so important to her.
Meeting my future-husband, Raymond Charsley, was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me. A chance meeting at our local London badminton club in 1987 lead to 30 happy years together. His name on the silver leaf at Thanet is proof for me that the wonderful life we had wasn’t all a dream.
On a group trip to watch a Christmas pantomime we got talking and found we had a lot in common. We worked very close by to each other, and I realised how fortunate it was that we met. We spent many happy years together, until sadly, Ray was diagnosed with cancer. We were put in touch with Pilgrims, who supported us through his last months.
When I see his leaf, it reminds me he is still with me, and there is somewhere he will always be. I’m so thankful for everything that Pilgrims does for those at the end of life. Ray was looked after so well, and me too, and I’m so pleased to be able to help others have the same care we did.
Raquel
We had lots of support from the hospice, including talks helping us get through all the practicalities, which made everything so much easier to understand and manage. He spent his last week in the hospice, and although he was ill, he was still very much himself.
I was so thankful that we were benefitting from the contributions others had made, so when Ray’s time came, I knew I wanted to do something to help. It’s only a small thing, having my leaf on the Tree for these past several years, but it’s the least I can do in return for the care we both received. If I can contribute so someone else can get the support we both valued so much, I know Ray would be pleased.
The leaves are a symbol of love, lives lived, rather than simply lives lost.
Cat Darkins, Lead Spiritual Care Chaplain
Cat Darkins
Memory Trees are a special place to honour your loved one at the heart of our three hospices in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
In return for a kind donation, we offer three different leaves – copper, silver and gold – as well as special platinum doves.
A silver leaf would pay for 12 hours of specialist nursing care in one of our inpatient units, over the course of a year.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
The response we received was nothing short of overwhelming, and we cannot thank you enough for helping us to reach this incredible goal. The widespread generosity shown by individuals, companies and trusts has ensured patients remain as comfortable as possible for those precious days spent in our hospices.
