Pilgrims Hospices helps Margaret to realise musical theatre dreams
Margaret Grand from Wingham grew up in Canterbury. With a keen interest in singing and theatre, she did choral singing at school and sang in choirs later in life – including with Ann Robertson, Pilgrims Hospices’ founder, who Margaret knew from her village community.
John and Margaret on their wedding day
As a teenager, Margaret was offered the opportunity to study at the prestigious Italia Conti performing arts institution, but her mother wouldn’t let her go; Margaret was an only child, and her mother was afraid she would move away and not return home.
Margaret instead began working at Boots in Canterbury city centre, where she met her husband, John, who was also a musician. Together, they played in bands and performed locally.
In 2021, Margaret was diagnosed with cancer and received a life-limiting prognosis. Since being referred to Pilgrims Hospices, she has had a second chance to flex her theatrical prowess through a project with the Marlowe Theatre – showing how hospice care is not only for those at the end-of-life, but also empowers people to live well, and fully, in the time they have left.
Margaret said:
“I’d had problems with my leg, I kept getting cellulitis; I was going to the GP surgery regularly to have dressings on. The nurse noticed a spot on my leg, which started to change colour, so she asked the doctor to check it and he did an urgent referral. A biopsy at Kent & Canterbury hospital showed that I had Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of skin cancer. The nurses explained that I’d need to go to Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead for treatment, and have scans for five years.
“In 2022, I started to get large tumours on my leg, and I got upset every time I had it dressed. I remember the nurse, Bonnie, saying: “Margaret, I can understand why you get upset, because most people don’t see their tumours.” They just got worse and worse. I was sleeping on the sofa at home because I was so uncomfortable.
“Later that year, I went to see Les Miserables at the Marlowe Theatre with my daughter, Michelle. During the interval, I had to leave because I felt so unwell. A week later, I collapsed at home – I was just like a puppet. I called out to John, but he couldn’t get me up, so he phoned for an ambulance. I asked the paramedic to put me on the sofa and assured them I’d be OK, but they took my temperature and it was sky high, so they had to admit me to hospital, where I was diagnosed with sepsis. I was there for about a month, and I also caught COVID!”
Michelle added:
“Mum was discharged shortly before Christmas and was due to see her consultant around this time, but as she had been so unwell, I attended on her behalf. I explained what had happened, and the consultant was concerned. She said: “I can tell how ill your mum must be. I really think she needs palliative care, so I’m going to do a referral.” That was a massive shock; I came out of the appointment shaking. To me, palliative care meant Mum was at the end of life, on a downward spiral. But then things turned around very quickly; she was quite stable, and she started chemotherapy in January 2023.”
Margaret with her daughter, Michelle
Margaret continued: “They told me the chemo would be potent, could potentially make me very ill, and would cause me to lose my hair. On the whole, I was actually quite lucky; l didn’t feel sick at all and I pretty much sailed through the treatment. When I came out of hospital, they gave me a hospital bed at home, which made things a little easier. It was around this time that Pilgrims got in touch with me.”
Alongside pain management and symptom control, Margaret has benefitted from a range of wellbeing services at Pilgrims, including acupuncture and Wellbeing groups, through which she and other patients were involved in a musical theatre project with the Marlowe Theatre.
She also joins regular virtual meet-ups via Zoom, which offer an opportunity to connect with other patients from the comfort of their own homes.
In November 2023, John lost his balance and fell backwards at home, hit the back of his neck, severed his spinal cord and died within a week:
“Just like that. I couldn’t believe it; he’d been out cutting the grass that afternoon. He was 80. Since I’d been diagnosed, we’d always thought it was going to be me who went first – exactly a year before, when I was hospitalised with sepsis, it certainly looked that way.”
Pilgrims supported Margaret’s family through this very difficult time; her granddaughter, Holly, was offered counselling support as she struggled to cope with John’s sudden death.
Margaret was also invited for a Christmas meal at the Ashford hospice, where she could experience the environment in a relaxed, informal way.
She said: “I feel like everyone at Pilgrims is a friend, it’s a lovely community.
“I’ve got nothing but praise for the staff; they must see so many people, but they still know your name.
“Chatting with Palak from the Wellbeing team, I mentioned my love of singing and my interest in theatre, and she told me about a Hamlet-inspired project for patients that Pilgrims was facilitating with the Marlowe.
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Margaret took part in Hamlet workshops with the Marlowe Theatre at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury
“When I was at high school, I had a marvellous music teacher – Mr Sellers – who saw my potential. He put me in every single play, and I even sung in Canterbury Cathedral. I was also part of the Young Marlowe Theatre Playgoers; we’d do readings and put on the odd play, but it was more of a training programme. It was completely free to attend, but in return, we would go to the Marlowe and give out refreshments to the actors.
“My best friend, Catherine, was also into the theatre. Her father offered to pay for both of us to go to the Italia Conti performing arts school in London, but my mum wouldn’t let me go. And because I couldn’t go, Catherine wouldn’t go – I messed up her chances, too! I still feel guilty about that!
“We used to have village shows in Wingham, and I always took part in those. I also sang in a band with John on guitar and our friend, Dick; we’d go out gigging round the local pubs, we had so much fun. Whenever Michelle and I go to the Marlowe now, I always say to her: “I wish that was me on the stage”.”
Margaret’s husband, John (second from left), playing with the band
In 2024/25, Pilgrims organised a musical theatre project with the Marlowe, open to patients, families, staff and volunteers, which helped Margaret to realise her dream. Workshops were held at the Canterbury hospice Therapy Centre, facilitated by local performers Tom Adams and Lillian Henry, with guest speakers from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).
This culminated in the group writing and performing a song based around Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and a special event at the Marlowe in April 2025.
Margaret read a sonnet on stage and was invited to talk about her history with the theatre. She was also delighted to sit with an RSC representative during the event.
Margaret performing at the Marlowe Theatre in April 2025
She said: “I’m so touched that the RSC, and people like Tom and Lillian, will give their time to Pilgrims to create experiences like this for patients.”
Pilgrims continue to work closely with the Marlowe, and are planning another creative project in the near future.
Margaret added:
“Before I got involved with Pilgrims, I thought a hospice was a place you go to die. Now I know it’s so much more than that, and I tell everyone!
“I remember sitting in the Thanet hospice reception waiting for my acupuncture appointment. It wasn’t until my last session that I spotted the wards, which goes to show that hospices aren’t just beds on a ward.
“It’s totally different to what people think.
“Pilgrims don’t just offer end-of-life care, but also a whole range of wellbeing services and groups. It’s really opened my eyes.”
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
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.
14th July 2025
Handmade jewellery honours much-loved wife and helps raise thousands for Pilgrims Hospices
A touching story of love, loss and generosity unfolded at this year’s 100 Pieces of Art charity auction in Margate, as a local family honoured the memory of a beloved wife and mother by donating handmade jewellery – helping to raise over £9,500 for Pilgrims Hospices.
Mark Boland, whose wife Maureen was cared for by Pilgrims at the Canterbury hospice, attended the event with his daughter Sharon to see two bespoke sets of silver earrings and necklaces auctioned in Maureen’s memory.
The jewellery was designed and created by Mark’s niece, Diana King, a professional jeweller based in Perth, Scotland.
Inspired by the Pilgrims Hospices logo, the pieces were lovingly crafted in sterling silver. They served not only as striking works of art but also as deeply personal tributes to a woman described as “a wonderful wife, mum, nan, sister and aunt.”
“Mum had a huge collection of earrings – she loved them and had a pair for every occasion,” said Sharon. “Creating jewellery in her memory just felt like the perfect way to raise funds for the place that cared for her so kindly in her final days.”
Maureen passed away in November 2024, just a month short of what would have been her 60th wedding anniversary with Mark.
During her final days, she received specialist care at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, where the family found both comfort and support.
“We were welcomed with open arms at the hospice,” Sharon said. “The team – from volunteers to nurses and doctors – were amazing. Everyone had a role to play in making Mum’s last week pain-free and peaceful.”
Even though it was during the winter months, Sharon recalled how Maureen loved to look out on the hospice gardens.
“It helped us all to share calm moments together in a horrendous situation. We’re incredibly grateful to Pilgrims.”
The idea for the jewellery came from Sharon’s dad, who noticed the potential for the Pilgrims logo to be reimagined as elegant designs. He shared the concept with his niece Diana, who quickly embraced the project.
“As soon as my Uncle Mark sent me the idea, I wanted to do it,” said Diana King, who runs Diana King Jewellery Workshop.
“Pilgrims cared for my aunt Maureen and supported my uncle and cousins so wonderfully. It meant a lot to be able to contribute to such an important cause.”
“My Auntie was a beautiful person – so kind and caring. It’s still so hard to believe she’s no longer with us. I wanted to give back on behalf of our family in a small way. When my Uncle Mark asked me to help out, my first thought was to represent the hospice and reflect their care and compassion.”
Diana’s contribution became part of 100 Pieces of Art, Pilgrims Hospices’ creative fundraising event, held at the Anthony Giles Studio in Margate. The event brought together artists, art lovers and supporters from across the county to raise vital funds for hospice care in east Kent.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager, said:
“We were incredibly touched by the generosity of the Boland family and the beauty of Diana’s jewellery. It was clear how much love had gone into the design, and how much it meant to the family.
“This story moved everyone attending, and the pieces helped us raise additional funds to support more families in need of end-of-life care.”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate care and support for over 2,500 people living with a terminal illness each year across east Kent. Events like 100 Pieces of Art are crucial in helping to fund these services.
“We’re so thankful to Mark, Sharon, Diana, and everyone who contributed to this year’s auction,” added Karen. “Their generosity is helping us to continue delivering comfort and dignity to those who need it most.”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to more than 3,000 people in east Kent each year who are living with a terminal illness. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
Pop-up style meets purpose – Brand New With Tags sale is back at Tivoli, Margate
Following the roaring success of our first pop-up, this next-level event promises fab fashion finds – all brand new, tagged, and waiting to be snapped up.
From high street faves to designer delights, you’ll discover wardrobe gems at bargain prices, with 100% of proceeds supporting Pilgrims’ expert end-of-life care across Thanet, Ashford, Canterbury and the surrounding communities.
Tivoli Warehouse is usually home to our fantastic range of furniture and household items, so this pop-up clothing event is a fun and fashionable addition to the space – and a brilliant chance to pick up some super bargains!
Jenny Byrne, Retail Area Manager, says:
“Our customers loved the last pop-up, so we couldn’t wait to bring it back – with even more style and sparkle! It’s a fantastic way to raise vital funds for hospice care and give people something fabulous to wear too.”
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Thanks to your support, Pilgrims’ shops raised over £5 million last year, helping to fund care for more than 2,500 patients and families living with a life-limiting illness.
Every top, dress, and pair of trousers you buy helps us continue providing compassionate care, free of charge, wherever it’s needed most.
So grab your mates, your shopping bags and your sass – we’ll see you at Tivoli!
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to more than 3,000 people in east Kent each year who are living with a terminal illness. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
30th June 2025
Great cause brings art community and hospice supporters together
On Saturday 28 June 2025, Pilgrims Hospices held its 100 Pieces of Art charity auction, raising an incredible £9,550 for local hospice care.
Held at the Anthony Giles Studio in Margate, the event brought together visitors, artists, and generous donors to experience the excitement of a live auction for a great cause.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager, said: “It has been very exciting to collaborate with Anthony Giles. His studio was the perfect venue to showcase the wonderful pieces of artwork so generously donated.”
Throughout the week leading up to the auction, visitors were invited to view the full collection, before bidding commenced at 1pm on Saturday.
Retired auctioneer James Linington, from The Canterbury Auction Galleries, brought charm, humour, and professionalism to the occasion, delighting the crowd with each fall of the gavel and celebration of winning bids.
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The auction featured a diverse mix of artwork and collectables donated by local and nationally renowned artists. Among the standout moments was the bidding for a piece by Tracey Emin, which drew considerable attention and applause as the successful bidder was announced.
Karen continued: “People not only had the opportunity to add exceptional artwork to their collections, but also contributed to the vital work of Pilgrims Hospices.”
“I would like to personally thank Anthony Giles and James Linington for their unwavering support. The event was made extra special thanks to the hard work of our marketing team, many dedicated Pilgrims volunteers, our generous sponsor Copy Shop Printers, and of course, everyone who donated artwork or placed a bid.”
“Thank you once again. We hope everyone who took home a piece enjoys their art as much as we enjoyed receiving and displaying it.”
For more details, contact Karen Kenward on 01843 233 934.
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.
8th May 2025
Pilgrims Hospices celebrate 80 years since VE Day
On Thursday 8 May 2025, Pilgrims Hospices joined the nation in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day – the momentous occasion that marked the end of war in Europe during World War II.
Across our three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, staff, patients and their families came together to remember, reflect and celebrate. Each hospice was beautifully decorated with red, white and blue bunting, creating a festive atmosphere that honoured the spirit of national unity and remembrance.
The day was filled with warmth and reflection. Celebration cakes were shared and enjoyed by all, prepared with care by our dedicated catering teams. The event brought people together in both joy and quiet contemplation, recognising the incredible sacrifices made by generations past and the peace and freedom that followed years of hardship and conflict.
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Some patients and visitors shared personal memories or stories handed down through their families, while others took comfort in simply being part of a collective moment of gratitude. These connections, rooted in compassion and history, are at the heart of what Pilgrims Hospices stands for.
We are proud to create opportunities where community spirit and shared values shine through, even in the most challenging times. VE Day serves as a poignant reminder of resilience, peace, and the strength of the human spirit – values we uphold every day in our work.
A heartfelt thank you to all our staff and volunteers who made the day so special.
Lest we forget.
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.
2nd May 2025
A fond farewell to Debbie Boots: Celebrating 24 years of compassionate care at Pilgrims Hospices
After an incredible 24 years with Pilgrims Hospices, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Debbie Boots, is retiring, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of care, compassion, and dedication.
Debbie in her early nursing days
Originally from Dagenham, Essex, Debbie has called Thanet home for many years. Her nursing career spans an impressive 44 years, taking just two short breaks for maternity leave. She first trained as a general nurse in Redbridge, gaining experience in male and female surgery and mental health care before moving into care home management.
But it was a single, deeply moving experience with an end-of-life patient at QEQM Hospital that led Debbie to hospice care – a decision that shaped the rest of her career.
Debbie joined Pilgrims Hospices with a passion for ensuring that patients facing life-limiting illnesses receive the best possible care. She embraced every opportunity to develop her skills, working on the in-patient wards and within the community team, earning a Master’s Degree and becoming an Advanced Practitioner Nurse – later recognised as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner.
Throughout her time at Pilgrims, she has played a crucial role in developing nurse prescribing within the charity, mentoring colleagues, and influencing best practices in end-of-life care.
Debbie with Brenda Blethyn
Reflecting on her journey, Debbie says:
“Listening is one of the biggest parts of our role as Pilgrims nurses. I’m a very good listener, and patients need to tell their stories. When you’re listening, you get a sense of what’s most important to them – and that’s what we need to focus on.
Everything we do here is patient-focused. We need to know that our patients feel supported and cared for every step of the way, right up to the very last moment.”
She continues:
“From the moment people are invited to attend any of our clinics or arrive at the hospice for the first time, they’re often tense and sitting on the edge of their chair. We work hard to pick up on the cues in those early conversations, and provide a management plan that will help them to live as well as possible for the remainder of their life.
“When people realise that we’re truly listening, reflecting and empathising, you can see the change – they begin to relax. By gaining their trust, we help them find the coping mechanisms they need at the early stages of their care.”
Her decision to retire was made over a year ago, with the heartfelt desire to be there for her elderly parents and growing family. She is looking forward to spending more time with her two young grandsons, Gregory (3) and Duncan (18 months), and to welcoming a granddaughter soon. At 62, Debbie is also prioritising her own health while embracing this new chapter of life.
Though stepping away from the hospice is bittersweet, Debbie is confident in the talented and dedicated nursing and clinical team she leaves behind. She shares:
“I’ve always worked alongside incredible colleagues, and now it’s time to step back and let them spread their wings. They have the skills, compassion, and fresh ideas to continue delivering outstanding care.”
However, this isn’t a complete goodbye. Debbie has expressed her wish to maintain her links with her beloved hospice career and is considering volunteering in one of Pilgrims’ charity shops in the future.
“It will be lovely to still feel that I’m part of the very special Pilgrims team,” she says.
A message from Kate White, Senior Nurse Manager:
“Debbie’s wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed by colleagues and patients alike. We thank her for her years of service and wish her all the happiness and relaxation she deserves in retirement.”
Enjoy every moment, Debbie – you’ve truly earned it!
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.
