Pilgrims Hospices help John and Virginia create poignant legacy with hand casting
John Godden, from St Mary’s Bay, a coastal village on Romney Marsh, is being supported by Pilgrims Hospices to live well alongside managing a life-limiting illness.
John enjoyed a long career in property maintenance, but now has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary hypertension, which means he has to take each day at a much slower pace.
John and Virginia in the Ashford hospice garden
John said: “Retirement wasn’t in my plans! I loved my job, it was very physical and kept me active, but when I turned 70, my health took a turn.
“I was hospitalised for seven weeks due to a bad chest infection and high CO2 levels. Whilst there, a consultant mentioned referring me to the hospice. I was quite poorly and no one was sure if I’d pull through, but I did. Once I’d been discharged from hospital, I spoke to Pilgrims. I met their community team, they got to know me and explained how it would all work. A Pilgrims nurse contacts me every two weeks to check in, ask how I’m doing and find out if I need any extra support. It’s very helpful.”
John and his wife, Virginia, are making the most of Pilgrims’ varied offerings at their local hospice in Ashford. John benefitted from a breathlessness management group, which has given him useful tools to manage his symptoms at home. He is signed up for a mindfulness class in the near future, which he is looking forward to. Virginia accesses a carers support group and plans to have counselling sessions, too. The couple also attend Time to Create therapeutic art groups run by the Wellbeing team, where they have been able to create a cast of their interlinked hands, a poignant keepsake to take home and treasure.
John continued: “The groups are so important to me because they get me out. I’ve met some wonderful people; the staff here at amazing, the other people who attend are lovely. It’s a really friendly environment. The hand casting was particularly special because it’s all about connection, being close to each other, holding hands. It’s amazing how it catches all the fine details.”
Hand casting is a powerful legacy activity, providing families with a tangible memento of their loved ones. The process offers the opportunity to connect, interact and share stories and anecdotes, bringing people together at what is often a challenging time. Pilgrims can only offer this service through the support of its generous community, and the charity is truly grateful to anyone who purchases a kit via its Amazon Wish Listfor patients and families to benefit from.
John and Virginia with their hand cast
Virginia added: “Right now, Pilgrims is a lifeline for us, it’s the only consistent support we get. We know we can call the 24-hour advice line if we need anything, or if John deteriorates; the staff are so caring and attentive, we can’t fault them. Pilgrims also gets us out to socialise with other people experiencing life-limiting illnesses, which is so important; when we’re here, we really benefit.”
John continued: “We’re learning lots from Pilgrims, not just about managing my COPD but also via all the activities in Time to Create – it’s so interesting to me, because I’m not artistic, but I try! I really enjoy it. It’s different every week, there’s always something new to do.
John and Virginia’s hand cast
“I’d tell anyone in my position that they should come here, because it’s not what it seems. You might think, like I did, it’s only for old people who are on their last legs! It’s not like that at all. But equally, if I did deteriorate, I would want to come to the hospice.
“What’s important to me is being able to live a relatively normal life, which is something we often take for granted. Pilgrims is helping me to do that as much as possible, and I’m so grateful.”
We’re in need of hand casting kits for each of our hospices in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, to enable more people like John and Virginia to experience the many benefits of creating lasting legacies.
Our Amazon Wish Listhas been carefully put together by staff from all departments across our hospices, and contains items that will help us the most – including hand casting kits.
Call the Pilgrims Hospices 24-hour Advice Line on01233 504 133
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to more than 3,000 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.
9th June 2025
Come and say hello! – Nurses and Healthcare Assistants Open Day
Are you a Nurse or Healthcare Assistant looking to take the next exciting step in your career?
Join us onFriday 20 June 2025, 10am-5pm at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford for our Nurses and Healthcare Assistants Open Day.
Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering a change, this day is for you!
Join us at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford for a relaxed and informative Open Day where you can:
Meet our amazing team – Find out what it’s really like to work at one of Kent’s leading end-of-life care charities
Tour our beautiful facilities – Including patient areas, therapy spaces, gardens and more
Ask anything – Seriously, no question is too small! From what to wear on your first day to how to progress your career, we’re happy to chat
Soak up the feel-good vibes – Discover why our staff say working at Pilgrims is one of the most rewarding decisions they’ve ever made
Here’s what we offer
Access to the NHS pension scheme
Current pay rates benchmarked against NHS bandings
Excellent work/life balance
Generous annual leave
Sick leave from Day 1
Paid CPD hours and career development pathways
Subsidised meals (for just £2!)
Free onsite parking
What our team say
“I have worked at Pilgrims for 25 years and love everything about Pilgrims Ashford. We are supported and encouraged to develop, we have a voice and are listened to if there are concerns or improvements needed, and we work in a beautiful building with lovely grounds. From the Medical Director to our amazing Domestic team, we all share the same vision – to give the patients the best experience.”
“We have in-house training opportunities in palliative care to enhance our knowledge. We have a comfortable staff room for our breaks with amazing subsidised meals, with free tea and coffee.It’s a friendly team, everyone helps and advises each other. We even have a visiting therapy dog!”
Come and say hello
Whether you’re an experienced nurse or a new HCA exploring the world of hospice care, we’d love to show you around, introduce you to our team, and tell you more about how you could make a real difference.
No need to book – just drop in any time between 10am and 5pm. Bring your questions, your curiosity and your smile – we’ll bring the cake!
We can’t wait to meet you.
Come and take a look – you might just be surprised at what you discover.
Join us on Friday 20 June, 10am-5pm at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, Hythe Road, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0NE.
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.
23rd May 2025
Helen hikes for hospice care in memory of auntie
Helen Edwards from Camber, East Sussex is taking on the Pilgrims Way Challenge on Saturday 21 June 2025.
She will hike 25km from Canterbury to Wye in memory of her auntie, Patsy Bolton, who received Pilgrims Hospices’ care in December 2024.
Patsy
Patsy worked in care and was always looking after others, so she understood the importance of being in a place of comfort at the end of life. When her own time came, she knew she wanted to be cared for in a hospice, and was offered a bed at the Ashford hospice.
Helen said: “Pilgrims made Patsy feel loved and cared for, so I wanted to give something back. She didn’t want a big fuss at her funeral, and asked for donations to Pilgrims in lieu of flowers. So when I saw the Pilgrims Way Challenge advertised, I signed up straight away. I’m hoping to raise as much money as I can to help make sure Pilgrims’ vital services continue to be available to other families, and to keep Patsy’s memory alive.”
Patsy’s daughter, Sarah Bolton, originally from Lydd, added:
“No one ever wants to receive a call telling you a precious loved one’s time has come, but from the moment those hospice doors opened, Pilgrims offered nothing but a positive and calming experience. The hospice was a place for our family to say goodbye to Mum, in comfort and with beautiful settings.
Sarah and Patsy
“All the staff were so kind and compassionate, not only to patients within their care, but to their family members as well. A special mention to Bernie, the Healthcare Assistant who made Mum’s final hours comfortable. No words or gratitude are enough to express the blessing we were afforded by Mum getting a bed at the hospice; Pilgrims’ work is priceless.
Helen on a training walk
“As a family, we want to support Pilgrims to ensure others can experience their special care, offering people dignity and kindness in their final days. In the darkest times, Pilgrims gave us light; the hospice is a place where love and compassion knows no bounds.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of all fitness levels; you’ll stroll through charming villages of oast houses and period cottages, surrounded by endless green fields. Rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings, and ancient woodlands all await you. The Pilgrims Way between Dover and Wye really does have it all.
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.
18th March 2025
Pilgrims Hospices celebrate World Social Work Day 2025
Pilgrims Hospices is proud to provide holistic, compassionate palliative care across east Kent. The charity supports people in many different ways, and social work is an integral part of this.
To celebrate World Social Work Day 2025, the social work team share what they enjoy about their roles at Pilgrims, and how they support patients, families and local communities.
Melinda
Melinda Downes, Social Worker at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury
“I’ve always been driven to help people, so to have the opportunity to compassionately care for those facing a terminal illness is not only a privilege, but a very humbling experience.
As a social worker, I get to meet inspiring people and work with fantastic and supportive colleagues within our amazing wider team. I enjoy experiencing meaningful connections with patients, families and carers, and knowing that the support I’m able to provide is appreciated.”
Lynn Griffiths, Social Worker at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet
Lynn
“Working at Pilgrims is a real privilege. It brings me huge job satisfaction, and is both humbling and rewarding. My favourite thing about working here is the people. I’m inspired by our patients and families every day, and feel grateful to have the opportunity to make a positive difference. The team are all incredibly supportive of each other; they are professional, caring and, most of all, kind. Pilgrims is a really lovely place to work.
I spend time with patients and their families, both on the ward and in the community, supporting them during what is often a very difficult period in their lives. Having the time to make trusting and meaningful relationships is so important, and I feel privileged when people share their experiences with me.
My role is different every day; the diversity creates a busy workload, but it is enjoyable and allows me to use my social work training, skills and knowledge to contribute positively to the patients, families and the wider multi-disciplinary team within the hospice.”
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.
29th August 2024
Cheers to the tea-rrific Pilgrims Hospices teams: Celebrating Afternoon Tea Week 2024 with love, laughter, and a feast of flavours!
A huge round of applause to the wonderful Pilgrims Hospices Therapy Centre teams from Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet for treating our patients to the most delightful afternoon teas across all three sites!
Afternoon Tea Week took place nationally from 12 – 18 August 2024; the dedication, warmth, and creativity truly shone through, making the experience unforgettable for everyone involved.
Robyn Moore, Healthcare Assistant
The events were enjoyed by patients who are currently attending Wellbeing groups at each hospice, which provide an opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. The therapy teams organise visits from guest speakers, who deliver talks and interactive workshops on a variety of topics, helping patients to open up and share their own interests. Importantly, the groups also offer a space to relax and switch off for a few hours.
Patients at the Canterbury hospice welcomed visitors from Retreat into Wonderland, an animal rescue charity based in Herne Bay, to their afternoon tea event. Shetland ponies greeted everyone in the hospice gardens, contributing to a calm and comforting atmosphere.
The Thanet hospice enjoyed an interesting and informative talk from the Kent Police fraud team, and Ashford patients were entertained by a classical guitarist.
Sharon Smith, Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader, said: “Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the great British tradition of afternoon tea and is the perfect excuse to catch up with loved ones over a cup of tea and some delicacies.”
A special shout-out to our amazing catering team, whose planning and passion turned these afternoon teas into a feast of flavours and joy. Every bite was a reminder of the love and care that goes into everything you do. The smiles on everyone’s faces said it all!
Let’s raise our teacups high in celebration of this cherished tradition and the incredible efforts of our teams who make moments like these so special. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our community!
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
24th April 2023
Pilgrims Hospices doctors help patients to live well in every moment
At Pilgrims Hospices, specialist palliative care doctors and consultants play a vital role in supporting patients and their families. They focus on managing and improving the physical symptoms that accompany a variety of life-limiting illnesses, with the broader aim of helping people to live well – in both mind and body – in the time that they have left.
Ahsan Ashfaq and Tarek Boumrah, trainee doctors who both volunteered at Pilgrims when they were at school and spent time in the hospices during their medical training, share their experiences of hospice care in east Kent.
What inspired you to volunteer and do your training at Pilgrims Hospices?
Ahsan: When I was at sixth form, I was looking for opportunities to gain experience in healthcare to better inform my career choice. We’d raised money for Pilgrims when I was at school, so I was familiar with the charity. Some friends in older years had volunteered and they only had good things to say. I spent time on weekends and some afternoons volunteering on reception at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, where I learned a great deal.
Naturally, I was absolutely delighted when the opportunity presented itself to work at Pilgrims as a doctor. It felt like a ‘full-circle’ moment. It has been one of the greatest honours of my career so far to have served the local community with Pilgrims.
Tarek:I was interested in healthcare whilst studying for my A-Levels and wanted to do something that would help others. I heard about Pilgrims through a friend, and felt that the care they provided was so unique that I wanted to learn more.
It has been one of the greatest honours of my career so far to have served the local community with Pilgrims.
Ahsan
What did your roles involve and what did you learn?
Ahsan:As a volunteer, I worked on the reception desk. I would direct visitors to the appropriate areas and help make teas and coffees for them. At the time, the reception volunteers used to do a tea/coffee trolley round for the patients and also deliver food from the kitchen where necessary.
As a doctor, I worked as a senior house officer at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet. I worked in conjunction with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to provide care for patients on our inpatient unit. My day-to-day role included meetings about patients, board rounds, ward rounds and ensuring that our patients were well looked after. There was also a comprehensive teaching programme, from which I learned a great deal and was also able to contribute to. I visited people in their homes and the hospital to help plan their care. As such, I had the opportunity to learn about palliative medicine and develop my medical practice in this specialty. Through working at Pilgrims, I have learned to always put compassion at the heart of my approach to patients.
In both roles, I was lucky to work together with a wide range of professionals, all of whom I consider heroes without capes.
Tarek:As a volunteer, I welcomed visitors in reception and made teas and coffees for them. I’d often pass the ward and speak to patients and families, too. I’d never seen a dying person before, so it was a really eye-opening experience.
As a doctor, I supported patients and helped to improve their quality of life, ensuring they had a comfortable and dignified death. The main thing I’ve learned is to listen; patients and their families often feel they haven’t been listened to, and this leads to a relationship breakdown between them and healthcare professionals. Often, simply listening can make a huge difference to a patient, even if I’m not able to solve their medical issue.
Decisions about resuscitation and preferred place of care and death are often overlooked, which doesn’t give patients and loved ones the time they need to process what is happening. My time at Pilgrims helped me develop my communication skills, and also recognise the importance of planning for the future with patients.
In today’s society, people don’t often see the dying process, so it can be frightening for patients and families who have no idea what to expect. Pilgrims helps to normalise this journey that we will all take.
Tarek
Why is hospice care important?
Ahsan: Hospice care provides an opportunity for people with terminal illnesses to live with dignity despite their disease. From symptom control to psychological support and spiritual care, Pilgrims provides a vital service for patients and their families when they are at their most vulnerable. It is so important to be able to provide this service to the local community.
Tarek:Hospices prioritise patients’ dignity and wishes, caring for them in a truly holistic way that supports all of their needs: medical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual. This care also extends to their loved ones, continuing into bereavement after a patient has died.
Why do we need to talk about death and dying and how does Pilgrims help people to do this?
Ahsan: Death and dying can be a scary thought for many people. There can be a lot of fears around symptoms, social issues and the concept of going through the dying process itself. It’s important to talk about these things so that we can be clear about what patients’ wishes are and provide patient-centred care.
Pilgrims helps people talk about dying in various ways; patients are able to speak to the medical and nursing team about their fears and wishes, and there are also activities run by the Wellbeing team for patients and their carers. Hospice counsellors and the spiritual care team can speak to both patients and their families so that they are able to get the support they need.
Tarek:In today’s society, people don’t often see the dying process, so it can be frightening for patients and families who have no idea what to expect. Pilgrims helps to normalise this journey that we will all take. Talking about death and dying encourages people to focus on what’s most important to them.
If you’re interested in a career at Pilgrims, please check out our current vacancies at www.pilgrimshospices.org/jobs, which are updated regularly.
Death Cafes provide a safe space to discuss death and dying without objectives or an agenda.
We’re hosting our next Death Cafe event on Wednesday 10 May 2023 at the Ann Robertson Centre in Canterbury, during Dying Matters Awareness Week. This is a free event and all are welcome; places are limited, so please call or email if you’d like to come along:
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices provide care and comfort to thousands of 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 end of life, free from pain and distress.
