Therapy team takes the plunge to support Pilgrims Hospices!
In September 2024, three brave members of the Pilgrims Hospices therapy team will conquer their fears and soar through the skies in a daring tandem skydive at Headcorn.
Their mission? To raise essential funds for Pilgrims Hospices, a charity dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care.
The team, comprised of physiotherapist assistant, Louise Jordan from Herne Bay, wellbeing practitioner team leader, Sharon Smith from Margate, and physiotherapy volunteer, Viera Howsam from Canterbury, is aiming to raise essential funds to support the life-changing work of Pilgrims Hospices.
Pilgrims Hospices, a charity providing compassionate and skilled end-of-life care to over 2,500 patients annually across its three inpatient units in Canterbury, Thanet, and Ashford, its Wellbeing centres and within patients homes, relies on voluntary contributions for 80% of its funding. Community support is vital to enabling the charity to continue its mission of helping people with life-limiting illnesses live well in both mind and body, making the most of the time they have.
I dream of raising enough for a minibus, many of our patients struggle with limited transport facilities in rural areas. It would be wonderful to make a huge difference in helping more patients access our therapy sessions, which are so important for their wellbeing.
Sharon Smith, Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader
The inspiration for the skydive came from Viera, whose dedication as a volunteer supporting the Pilgrims therapy team with seated exercise groups fuelled her desire to do even more for those in their care.
“When Viera, our lovely volunteer, suggested the skydive, I was hesitant at first,” said Louise. “But as we talked about it, we realised we all had different goals — whether it was funding for the hospice patients’ gym or raising funds to purchase a minibus to help patients travel to therapy groups.
“We decided to take on the challenge together.”
Sharon said, “Honestly, Viera’s the wild one! She suggested it one afternoon, and the next thing we knew, we were all in! We are very excited and wish to thank everyone who has donated to our fundraising page and been so supportive of our slight moment of madness!”
The funds raised from the skydive will go towards improving services for patients.
Sharon said: “I dream of raising enough for a minibus, many of our patients struggle with limited transport facilities in rural areas. It would be wonderful to make a huge difference in helping more patients access our therapy sessions, which are so important for their wellbeing.”
Justine Robinson, Therapy and Wellbeing Services Manager, said:
“I know my team won’t keep their feet on the ground this time! They’ve been amazing, sharing their upcoming challenge with patients and keeping spirits high. Engaging patients with these stories is such an important part of our work, and it’s been a joy to hear patients share their own experiences. I wish the girls the very best on their high-flying adventure this September!”
The Therapy team’s skydive has already gathered significant support, with more than £3,000 raised so far. They hope to raise even more as the big day approaches. The event promises to be thrilling, with friends, family, and supporters cheering them on as they free-fall from 12,000 feet—all for a great cause.
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.
7th September 2021
Celebrating physiotherapists on World Physical Therapy Day
Wednesday 8th September 2021, will be World Physical Therapy Day, and we will be celebrating our Pilgrims Hospices physiotherapists.
Our physiotherapists are a valued part of our multidisciplinary team. Their work is incredibly varied across a variety of settings. You might see our physios working on the inpatient unit, running gym based and breathlessness management groups, offering one to one outpatient appointments and or out and about visiting people in their own homes.
Jane Tiffinder – Physiotherapy Assistant, Ashford
Physiotherapists can help you improve or maintain mobility, prevent joint stiffness, enhance relaxation and help you manage symptoms such as breathlessness. They can help optimise function and well being and enable you to live as independently and fully as possible. Physiotherapists can help you live as well as possible and do what matters to you.
Louise Jordan – Physiotherapy Assistant, Canterbury
If you are a physio and are interested in working with us please contact [email protected] or look at these opportunities.
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.
16th April 2021
Clare’s legacy to Pilgrims Hospices
Clare Horne, Lead Physiotherapist at Pilgrims Hospices will retire from the much loved local charity in April 2021 leaving a legacy of a fully trained and committed team of physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants.
Clare has dedicated her career to caring for people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise. Her 18 years with Pilgrims have been a vital part of helping patients to manage pain, and to continue to live life to the full.
Clare told us: “I trained as a physiotherapist at West Middlesex University Hospital 1979-82 straight from school. My first job was at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford as a “rotational” physiotherapist.”
Physiotherapy is so important to our patients; by empowering them with the techniques to retain good movement and continue to exercise, many can remain independent for as long as possible.
Clare
Clare’s career has taken her across the world to Hong Kong in 1984, Reykjavik in Iceland, on to Saudi Arabia, and Toronto in Canada before she returned in 1989 to the UK and the William Harvey Hospital as a Superintendent Physiotherapist working in ICU.
“I came to work for Pilgrims at the Ashford hospice in 2003, this memorable date always sticks in my mind – 03.03.03.
“Physiotherapy is so important to our patients; by empowering them with the techniques to retain good movement and continue to exercise, many can remain independent for as long as possible.
During this challenging year my team has been busy filming virtual therapy sessions for patients who we’ve been unable to meet with face to face. We now have a range of videos that are available on YouTube… We’ve all found new skills and adapted those we regularly use to provide vital care for those who need our care the most.
Clare
“Initially I was the only physiotherapist employed directly by the hospice, and only worked at the Ashford hospice at the time. At first I had a clinic room to work from but as Pilgrims recognised the importance of physio support for patients, with the charity’s encouragement I was able to establish a patient gym and a variety of equipment to suit individual needs.
Clare in the hospice gym
“As time went on, I took on the role of lead physiotherapist and now have physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants, one of each at the three hospice sites. Now each site contains a well-equipped gym, I’m very proud of the work we’ve done to support patients to live well. I think the phrase is ‘From small acorns…’ I started at Pilgrims as the sole physio and now, look at the fantastic service we offer to the community patients, in-patients, out-patients and in Pilgrims Therapy Centres.
“During this challenging year my team has been busy filming virtual therapy sessions for patients who we’ve been unable to meet with face to face. We now have a range of videos that are available on YouTube that include seated exercise, managing breathlessness and many more. We’ve all found new skills and adapted those we regularly use to provide vital care for those who need our care the most.
“Being with patients and seeing them benefit from our service in many different ways, also their families, is rewarding, working with a great team who have the common goal of doing the best for their patients is extremely satisfying.
“Services during the pandemic have had to change dramatically, and my role has taken on many different beings, from Tea Lady, to fit mask tester, with a bit of physiotherapy thrown in, however it is so exciting that in my final week we are inviting back our first out-patient to the gym!”
Everyone at the hospices wishes Clare a very happy retirement and will miss her very much.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
