Cheyenne takes on London Marathon for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of mum
In August 2024, Cheyenne Williams from Dover was delighted to receive a call offering her a place in the London Marathon. On Sunday 27 April 2025, she will take on the world-famous challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices, hoping to raise £1,800 for local hospice care.
Cheyenne will run in memory of her mum, Belinda (Bill) Williams, who was cared for by Pilgrims in 2002-2003, aged 37, when Cheyenne was just 6 years old.
Cheyenne with her mum, Bill
Reflecting on that time, Cheyenne said:
“I have very special memories of spending time with my mum at the hospice. The wonderful staff enabled our family to have some normality and routine during a frightening and difficult time. We were able to enjoy dinner together, my siblings and I were supported with art therapy, and we spent evenings playing in the garden with my parents. When my mum came to the end of her life, the amazing staff at Pilgrims supported her to die at home, which was her last wish. I’m fundraising for Pilgrims because I want to support people who have found themselves on a similar journey.”
The marathon will be a huge challenge for Cheyenne, but with the support of friends and family, she is taking it in her stride and planning events to boost her fundraising.
She said: “I’m incredibly lucky to be running the London Marathon for Pilgrims. When I got offered a place, I couldn’t run for even 30 seconds without wheezing and feeling nauseous. I’m also terrible at socialising and find public speaking nerve-wracking, but I’ve hosted a quiz night at my local village hall, which raised over £500! It boosted my confidence, and now I’m planning a bingo night, a bake sale and a jumble sale, and I’m also hoping to host a race night.
“My partner, Josh, has been an incredible support.
“He is so encouraging and has put up with me complaining about my sore toes or when my phone doesn’t record my run! He went and got me a running buggy so I can fit in training runs on days when I’m at home with our daughter, and he helps me to make time for myself to train (or rest, which is just as important!) on days that I’m feeling rushed off my feet or overwhelmed. My lovely family have rallied around to volunteer their time and efforts with my fundraising events and will be coming to London to cheer me on in April.
“I’m also fortunate to have a wonderful group of friends and colleagues at Woodpecker Court, who have supported me with every fundraising event I’ve planned so far. The staff and students also held a ‘Wear something blue for Pilgrims Hospices’ day, which raised £100 towards my fundraising.”
Cheyenne hopes her story will inspire others to challenge themselves and step out of their comfort zone to raise vital funds and awareness for Pilgrims.
Cheyenne’s mum, Bill
She added:
“Pilgrims will always be special to me. When I drive past a Pilgrims Hospice, or find myself wandering into one of their shops, I remember my mum and the happy times we had together. I was very young when my mum passed away, so the majority of memories I have of her are from when she stayed at Pilgrims.
“I wasn’t fully aware of the gravity of the situation we were in, but I guess that’s a testament to the staff and how they cared for us; it would have been a different story if we were cramped in a hospital cubicle every evening. I cannot imagine how scared my mum must have been, but knowing that she was looked after by an incredible team, and that she was enabled, for as long as possible, to keep hold of the parts of her life that brought her joy, brings me comfort.
“I hope that I would have made my mum proud if she was here with me today. I hope that, in supporting other families who are on the same journey we went through, I’m honouring her and keeping her memory alive. I hope that the money raised will make a difference to as many people as possible, and I’m proud knowing that I’m supporting the incredible Pilgrims staff to continue their life-changing work.
“I know that all the discomfort and challenges I’m going to face over the next few months will be nothing compared to what some people are going through at the moment, and I keep reminding myself, when I’m out in the dark and the cold and the rain, it is a privilege to be able to experience life.”
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 October 2022
Thank you Mr Mayor for your marathon support
Councillor and The Mayor of Hythe, Jim Martin, took to the Kentish countryside to run the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday 2 October 2022.
While over 40,000 runners took part in the London event, another 10,000took to their local streets, parks and countryside to test their stamina against the mighty 2,624 marathon miles to be part of the prestigious event, many raising funds for causes close to their hearts.
The Right Worshipful Town Mayor who is also the Speaker of the Cinque Ports, was fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices, and achieved a very impressive finishing time of 5:30.27 hours raising a fantastic £3,500 for end-of-life care for the local community.
He said: “I am a regular runner, along the canal path or along the promenade, and I have completed 25 full Marathons, including 20 consecutive London Marathons (don’t ask me why!)
“The virtual marathon took me along the South Coast in Hythe where I live, using the Royal Military Canal as my route. As much as I love the built environment and streets of London, I can assure you that running in Hythe, ‘where the countryside meets the sea’, by the canal, beats running through Shadwell!
“This has been my first marathon running as The Mayor of Hythe and the Speaker of the Cinque Ports. And…. just to note, I was not running in my robes and chain!”
Community is very important to me, I was pleased to raise awareness of the care and services provided by Pilgrims, and highlight the important work they do for those in need.
Jim Martin, Mayor of Hythe
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices Fundraising Manager said: “Thank you The Mayor of Hythe for supporting local end-of-life care. Every year we are glad to say thank-you to the amazing individuals who train so hard to be part of this event and raise such staggering amounts of money to help us provide our specialist care. Your many miles of muscle power and dedication is really helping to make a difference to those who need care the most.”
Jim has lived in Hythe since 2007, when he and his wife moved from South East London to their home in Seabrook.
He explained: “Community is very important to me, I was pleased to raise awareness of the care and services provided by Pilgrims, and highlight the important work they do for those in need. With support from family, colleagues and the community, I’m delighted to have been able to raise such a substantial figure for Pilgrims. With 80% of Pilgrims Hospices’ funding being voluntary contributions, their support cannot be overstated.
“Thank you, everyone for your support, the weather was very wet and I finished completely drenched, but delighted to finish in good form.”
Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to proving skilled and compassionate care, free of charge, to people living with an incurable illness in east Kent. Their vision is that people with a life-limiting illness are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body, making the most of the time have. They care for thousands of patients and their families each year, at their three inpatient units in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford, their Therapy Centres or in patients’ homes.
10th September 2021
Jo’s marathon journey for best friend, Natalie
After Jo Phelps’ oldest and best friend, Natalie Havill, was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, she began fundraising to support Natalie’s family during a very difficult time. At the end of her life, Natalie was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices; the local charity helped her to remain comfortable and make special memories with her family.
To give back and say thank you for the care Natalie’s loved ones received, Jo will run the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 3 October 2021. She has already raised £1,300 of her £1,800 fundraising target, which will directly support vital hospice services within east Kent and help ensure that other families can benefit from Pilgrims’ specialist, compassionate care.
Jo and Natalie pregnant with their first-borns
Jo from Milstead, Swale and Natalie from Ashford were childhood friends.
Jo said: “We didn’t have to live in one another’s pockets for our friendship to remain strong. Our lives mirrored each other; we had our first babies a day apart and then our second ones four weeks apart. This experience was amazing – we cried, we laughed, and we shared so many memories together.”
In 2018, Natalie’s cancer returned and was no longer curable.
Jo continued: “From the very beginning, when she was first diagnosed, I remember Natalie saying to me: ‘This is my life and it’s a story, and that’s how I’m going to live it, telling each chapter as I go.’ Natalie was an inspiration to us all. She was the least negative person I knew, and not once did she ever say ‘Why me?’ or mutter ‘It’s not fair’ or ‘I can’t do this’.”
Natalie was admitted to the Ashford hospice in January 2020, where Pilgrims supported her to live well until the very end. Her husband, Ricky, and their daughters, Jessica and Olivia, were able to visit and stay over every day.
Natalie, Ricky, Jessica and Olivia
Jo added: “It was amazing; she was so happy, she gained part of herself back. Pilgrims made that possible. Ricky and the girls kept her going and she kept on going for them, too.
“I went to see Natalie during her final few days. To leave her for the last time knowing she was happy and peaceful just left me speechless; she was pain-free, joking, and so, so comfortable. I’d never been to a hospice before and I felt so nervous – you picture a hospital, cold and uncared for, but this was so far from the truth.
“On arrival, Natalie was sat in the family lounge and it was like walking into her own lounge at home. She looked amazing – so different on the surface but our Nat was smiling, laughing, and telling jokes as she always did. There was never an awkward silence with Natalie around – if anything, you fought to get a word in and this day was no different. We sat for hours with a few tears, but mostly laughing, holding hands, and reliving our childhood memories.
“With a massive smile and straight from the heart, she told me about the food (always her focus), the care, the equipment, her room, the nurses, doctors and carers and their treatment towards the girls, Ricky and her parents. It was clear to see how relaxed they all were and how comfortable and nearly pain-free Natalie was.
“She told me how a nurse had spent two hours one evening making sure her pillows were comfy, refusing to leave until she was satisfied Nat would get a good night’s sleep. She also told me how lovely the doctor was, and how he encouraged her to bring in as many pictures as she wanted for the walls in her room. He would then sit and talk about these with her – making time in his day to get to know her and her family.
I went to see Natalie during her final few days. To leave her for the last time knowing she was happy and peaceful just left me speechless; she was pain-free, joking, and so, so comfortable. I’d never been to a hospice before and I felt so nervous – you picture a hospital, cold and uncared for, but this was so far from the truth.
Jo
“When the girls heard their mummy was on her last few days, even the cook came to comfort them. The care Natalie and her family received was phenomenal.
“After visiting her at the hospice, I got in the car and said to my mum: ‘She looks so well – it was Natalie!’ I was in awe of her, questioning how the end could possibly be so near. Pilgrims gave her the chance to be the most amazing mummy, wife, daughter, sister, and friend she always was. She felt safe and secure, looked after but also cared for and loved. Her pain was managed to such a level that she could hug the girls and not cry out in pain. Seeing Nat like this after so much fight and pain makes me struggle to put into words what Pilgrims means to us all.”
Natalie’s mum, Mandy, reflects on Pilgrims’ care
“Before Natalie came to know Pilgrims, she was finding mobility a problem and struggling with working, running the home and looking after her two girls, then aged six and four.
“She initially had Therapy Centre sessions with a physio and counselling, and every now and then she was treated to a nice manicure or facial, which I was invited to as well. This was when she realised what a wonderful team the hospice had; it gave her a feeling of safety when she was there.
Jo, Natalie and their mums Mandy and Katie enjoying afternoon tea at Chilston Park Hotel
“When she was admitted to the hospice, all the family were allowed to visit and Ricky, Jessica and Olivia had family sleepovers where they enjoyed a stay in the family room with Natalie and had movie nights. There were two lounges, which were beautifully decorated with comfortable seating, a TV, games, books and facilities for making drinks and bringing your own food in. Her daughters especially loved the rocky horse! We all bonded with the staff at the hospice as they became part of our family, and we looked forward to seeing them on our daily visits.
“The care Natalie received from Pilgrims knew no bounds; nothing was too much trouble, she felt safe in their care and she had her own room that was decorated personal to her with family photos and bits and bobs from home. If she was uncomfortable at night there was always a nurse to rearrange her pillows and bedding to make her more comfortable and stay with her until she felt able to sleep. She loved her carers there and they loved her back.
When the time came for our final goodbyes to our gorgeous girl, we were given lots of privacy and offered a room to stay overnight, and nurses were right there to comfort us. Though it was a most difficult time, I couldn’t have wished for a better place for our daughter to spend her final days.
Mandy, Natalie’s mum
“Mine and my husband’s experience of the hospice was, at a time when we were losing our ‘little girl’, comforting to us. I too felt the staff were part of the family. From the moment Natalie came to stay, the nurses would take each of us aside and ask how we were and made time for little chats and support. I felt I could ask any question and also have a cry with them. We were encouraged to help look after Natalie and enjoyed coming in most mornings when Ricky couldn’t make it, to help with feeding her breakfast and doing her hair and make-up. We were never made to feel in the way.
“I celebrated my 60th birthday while Natalie was at Pilgrims. A surprise birthday party was given by my family and my new nursing family, which meant so much to me to be able to spend it with my daughter; a very special memory! We were allowed to take Natalie outside in her wheelchair, even driving her to Hythe, her favorite place, for a short time to have a stroll along the canal, making memories.
Natalie and her family
“To me, Pilgrims is a place of safety, love and comfort. I would not have coped with my daughter’s end of life as well without the help and support Pilgrims gave Natalie, her immediate family and friends. It meant so much to know that she felt safe, pain-free and rested but still enjoyed a laugh and joke right up to the end.
“When the time came for our final goodbyes to our gorgeous girl, we were given lots of privacy and offered a room to stay overnight, and nurses were right there to comfort us. Though it was a most difficult time, I couldn’t have wished for a better place for our daughter to spend her final days.”
Jo’s marathon journey
On Sunday 3 October 2021, Jo will take on the Virgin Money London Marathon in Natalie’s memory and to raise vital funds for Pilgrims. She held a coffee and cake morning to boost her fundraising and hopes to organise another soon. With the support of family and friends, Jo is well on the way to achieving her £1,800 target.
She said: “Natalie was a part of all of us and everyone is always willing to go above and beyond to help. I have no words to express how grateful we all are for the care Natalie received, so running the London Marathon for Pilgrims is my way of saying thank you. To lose your life at 34 is beyond unfair, but knowing she had the best care possible made it a little easier to accept that she was ready to go peacefully in her sleep. It will be amazing to know I’m running with Natalie by my side whilst supporting Pilgrims.
“It will always be Pilgrims that I support, and I want to raise as much money for them as possible. Natalie was given her final weeks of life to live in peace, surrounded by love and care and it’s something you could never put a price on. If my fundraising helps give others a tiny piece of what Natalie received from Pilgrims, it’s worth its weight in gold.”
Inspired to follow in Jo’s footsteps and run the London Marathon for Pilgrims? Charity places for 2022 are available; apply here.
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 support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
1st September 2021
Alicia runs virtual London Marathon in memory of mum
Alicia Cayuela (20) from Herne Bay experienced Pilgrims Hospices’ care first-hand when her mother, Alison Jane Cayuela, spent time in the Canterbury hospice in February 2015, aged 48.
Alison
To give back and say thank you, Alicia will run the Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon between Sandwich and Herne Bay on Sunday 3 October 2021. She is raising vital funds for Pilgrims, helping to ensure that other local families can benefit from the charity’s compassionate end-of-life care.
Alicia studies Applied Criminology at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) and works at St. Brelades care home in Herne Bay.
She said: “My mother was the most amazing person I will ever have the pleasure of knowing in my lifetime. She lit up any room she entered and made every day a party. She suffered with cancer for quite a long time but she never let that affect her; she made mine, my sister’s and my brother’s lives amazing in every moment. She tried to make as many happy memories with us as she could before passing, and they are the best memories I have. I miss her every second of every day.
“Pilgrims made the hardest months of my life the best they could have been under the circumstances. The staff truly cared for my mother and did all they could to make her feel comfortable. They always ensured that me and my family had everything we needed and were there when I needed somewhere to cry.
Alison and Alicia
“To me, Pilgrims is a helping hand when people are going through the hardest of times. The hospice was my second home for many months, and for that I will be forever grateful.”
Alicia has already surpassed her £300 fundraising target, with her total currently sitting at more than £400. She is looking forward to taking on her virtual marathon for Pilgrims, working hard to raise as much money as possible so that other families can benefit from local hospice services.
She added: “I want to support Pilgrims because it offers vital end-of-life care. Pilgrims support people through one of the hardest experiences someone can face, and yet the staff are still able to make them smile through the toughest times. The care provided to family and friends is also incredible.
“Pilgrims helped me cope with the death of my best friend. I wish for the same to be offered to those in similar situations in the future, so I’m fundraising to help make this possible.”
Inspired to follow in Alicia’s footsteps and run the London Marathon for Pilgrims? Charity places for 2022 are available; apply here.
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 support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
11th August 2021
Rob runs London Marathon for Pilgrims in memory of mum
Rob Maynard from Deal experienced Pilgrims Hospices’ care first-hand when his mum, Susan, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and received support from the charity at the end of her life.
To give back and say thank you, Rob will run the Virgin Money London Marathon for Pilgrims on Sunday 3 October 2021. He has already raised more than £3,000 of his £5,000 fundraising target, partly through completing the virtual London Marathon in October 2020.
Susan and Derek on their ruby wedding anniversary
Susan was married to Rob’s dad, Derek, for 49 years; they missed reaching their golden wedding anniversary by less than three months, but the family still mark special dates like this together. Originally from Portsmouth, the couple moved around for Derek’s job as a Customs Officer while Susan raised their young family: Kirsty, Neil and Rob. Susan taught at primary schools around Deal throughout the 1980s and 90s, before retiring together with Derek when they were both 51.
Rob said: “They worked hard to retire early because Mum had polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the same degenerative kidney condition that had limited her mum’s life. They wanted to make the most of their later years together, and they got to do the travelling they hadn’t been able to do with a young family now that we were grown up.
“They always enjoyed the simple pleasure of driving to the south of France to see the sunflowers in July; they were Mum’s favourite flower.”
Rob with his sunflower
Rob and his family also take part in Pilgrims’ annualSunflower Memories event, where they remember Susan with a sunflower memory marker in the hospice gardens.
As Susan’s kidney condition worsened, she required dialysis and the search for a donor began. Rob’s sister Kirsty was best placed to be her donor.
Rob added: “After receiving Kirsty’s donated kidney, Mum was frequently in hospital with various infections. All along, unbeknownst to us, MND was creeping up on her. We all did what we could to make her life as comfortable and fulfilled as possible.
“She went into hospital in October 2018 and was seldom home except for a week from Christmas eve to new year, which was amazing. We went to a Christingle service from my parents’ house, and when we returned an hour later, the ambulance had delivered her home – the best Christmas present!”
By January 2019, Susan’s condition had deteriorated and she was referred to Pilgrims.
Rob said: “Moving Mum from a hospital ward and into Pilgrims was the best course at that stage. Mum died in the Canterbury hospice on 22 January 2019, aged 71. My dad and one of her best friends were by her bedside.
“Before Mum went to Pilgrims, I didn’t know much about hospices, how they care for the whole family not just the patient. It was comforting to know she was in the best place for her complex needs. The fact my dad could stay overnight was a massive comfort and convenience, allowing him to spend as much time as possible with her before the inevitable.
To know that the care and dignity my mum received has and will be valued by so many other families in our local area makes Pilgrims, their staff and supporters very special and important.”
Rob
“The most important thing was that she could spend her remaining time in a peaceful environment with dignity. The care that Pilgrims staff gave Mum was personal and empathetic, allowing our family to enjoy the time we had left with her. It was also an opportunity to invite friends from far afield to see her and say goodbye. All the grandchildren saw her a few times in her last weeks at Pilgrims. This simply wouldn’t have been possible if she’d been on a hospital ward.
“From my perspective, Pilgrims provides the best possible end of life experience for the terminally ill, their friends and family. To know that the care and dignity my mum received has and will be valued by so many other families in our local area makes Pilgrims, their staff and supporters very special and important.”
Rob With Family L R Nadine Maynard Neil Maynard Kirsty Maynard Joel Maynard Derek Maynard Rob Maynard Georgia Holroyd Hannah Maynard Isaac Maynard
Rob was due to run the London Marathon for Pilgrims in April 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant this was postponed. Instead, he completed the virtual event in and around Deal in October 2020:
“I did this alone but on the same day as members of a local club, Deal Tri, which meant the support on the route was fabulous. It was all very muted at the finish due to the restrictions in place, but for that event in total I raised around £3,000.
“My close family are supporting me in giving back to Pilgrims and helping me achieve a lifelong ambition to run a marathon. Running for a great cause makes the pain of training worth it, and the event itself will be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.”
Rob has also received generous donations from friends, customers and colleagues.
My marathon training itself has led to some very emotional times. On the big day this October, the thought of how proud my mum would be of me will keep me going.
Rob
He continued: “I’m choosing to fundraise for Pilgrims to help support the fabulous work they do for patients and families in east Kent. I’m sure everyone who is touched by them feels compelled to give something back.
“My marathon training itself has led to some very emotional times. On the big day this October, the thought of how proud my mum would be of me will keep me going. Ultimately, my mum’s passing at Pilgrims has its legacy in my love of running and the opportunity of running the London Marathon; for that, I will be eternally grateful.”
Inspired to follow in Rob’s footsteps and run the London Marathon for Pilgrims? Charity places for 2022 are available; apply here.
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 support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
5th August 2021
Jo and Jim’s journey supporting local hospice care
Reverend Jo Richards and husband Jim from Canterbury are keen supporters of Pilgrims Hospices; over the years, they have raised more than £1,600 for local hospice care.
As a priest and rector in the area, Jo often supports those approaching the end of life, and in 2012 she did her chaplaincy placement at Pilgrims.
The couple have also experienced first-hand Pilgrims’ holistic, compassionate services through loved ones cared for by the charity.
Jo and Jim at the Pilgrims Way Challenge 2021
In 2008, the couple’s close friend and their daughter Hannah’s godmother, Dawn Smith, died in the Canterbury hospice. Three years later, Jo’s grandmother, Mary Pocock, died in the Margate hospice.
Jo said: “I hold Pilgrims close to my heart, both personally and professionally. When Dawn died, that was the first time I had experienced the love, care and attention Pilgrims’ staff give to their patients. It just seemed different to anything I’d witnessed before. Then when my grandmother died, again the same level of care and compassion was offered to her and our family. One abiding memory is that she died just after her 95th birthday; on that occasion, her bed was wheeled into a room where the whole family gathered around her and we celebrated with food and a cake – a memory to cherish forever.
“More recently, as the local priest, I have been called to offer bedside prayers and last rites to those who are close to the end; again, nothing is ever too much trouble for the Pilgrims team. Likewise, through members of our congregation I have seen first-hand what the Hospice at Home service means to those who wish to die at home.
“The whole hospice movement, from its inauguration in 1967 at St Christopher’s Hospice in London by Dame Cicely Saunders, resonates with me. I really believe in its philosophy, enabling someone to have a ‘good death’ along with the love, support and care given to the family.”
Jim added: “Pilgrims is an important part of our east Kent community, offering a connection to people from all walks of life when they need it the most. I’m keen to support a local charity, and I admire the work of the hospice movement in providing the best care and experience for those with terminal illnesses, and the support it provides to their families and friends.”
In 2019, Jo and Jim completed the Pilgrims Way Challenge, choosing the 35km route from Canterbury to Dover. They took part again in 2021, this time walking the longest distance – 55km from Wye to Dover. Jim will undertake the Cycle Challenge for a second time on Sunday 22 August 2021. During lockdowns, the couple completed the Walk the Underground virtual hike and Jim is currently doing the UK End to End Virtual Cycle.
Jo continued: “My passion is walking, and to get fit for the 55km was a real challenge; the 35km route was manageable, so we wanted to push ourselves to go further. It was a personal challenge and to do it for the hospices, to raise awareness and support them, was the very least we could do. We’ve had support from family, friends and the congregations in Canterbury of the three churches I’m responsible for: St Dunstan’s, St Mildred’s and St Peter’s. The event organisation was incredible all the way through – the welcome from volunteers was lovely and the food along the way was excellent. We very much want to do it again next year.
“Pilgrims offer an invaluable service. It is a resource available to us all, and therefore should be funded by us all. It’s the least we can do to help support it financially.”
Main image taken by Andrew Hastings.
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 support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
