What do a bear, a penguin, a cockerel and a medieval man at arms have in common? These are just some of the participants Pilgrims Hospices’ A Night to Shine sponsored walk in Ashford on Saturday 22 September.
William Butterfield will marshal at the event
A team has been entered from Nando’s Ashford branch along with the company’s mascot Barci, a red and black cockerel. Kayleigh Ben Saada, Second Assistant Manager at the restaurant, said: “We were inspired to take part in support of a loyal customer who’s faced the biggest challenge life has thrown at him. Due to the love and support he’s received from Pilgrims Hospices, Nando’s Ashford want to raise as much money as possible to give back to an amazing charity in our community.”
William Butterfield will be polishing his armour, supporting the walk by standing guard as a marshal to ensure walkers can safely navigate the route. He said: “This is very much a family affair for my girlfriend, Ellie, whose father was cared for by the hospice 17 years ago. Everybody offers their help in some way to ensure the night is a great success.”
Finally, Raffles the Pilgrims Hospices bear will be joined by his friend, Awesome the penguin, as they walk the route to encourage people as they take part.
Whether you’re in fancy dress, bright colours or decorating your outfit in memory of a loved one, everyone is welcome at A Night to Shine.
A Night to Shine takes place in Ashford, Broadstairs or Canterbury. Sign up on the night and choose a 3 or 6-mile sponsored walk; under 3s go free. Entry includes a t-shirt, torch, medal and memory lantern for you to personalise with your own message or design.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
7th August 2018
Sun shines brightly on Pilgrims’ Summer Garden Party
With many visitors to the Summer Garden Party held in the grounds of Pilgrims Hospice Ashford on Saturday 4 August, the day proved to be a roaring success and is set to raise more than £18,000 in vital funds for the charity.
This year saw more sumptuous afternoon teas than ever being enjoyed by visitors, along with the wonderful teddy bear’s picnic, a new addition to the hospice’s wildflower garden. Whether you were encouraged to fish for a bottle, enjoy a reflexology treatment or try your luck on a tombola, there was something for everyone.
This is such a fantastic event. So many of our staff and volunteers all come together as a team to make the Garden Party a success. It’s wonderful to walk around our gardens and see everyone smiling and having fun. Thank you to everyone who helped make a difference for our charity.
Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager
During the afternoon Pilgrims Hospices Healthcare Assistant, Sarah Smith, braved the clippers and had her head shaved to raise even more funds for hospice patients. Local companies also showed their support, including KDC Power Utilities who donated an iPad, helping to raise nearly £4,000 through the Summer Grand Draw.
Sarah Smith had her head shaved to raise vital funds for Pilgrims
Hospice Services Manager, Wendy Kelk, was one of more than 150 volunteers on the day and said, “This is such a fantastic event. So many of our staff and volunteers all come together as a team to make the Garden Party a success. It’s wonderful to walk around our gardens and see everyone smiling and having fun. Thank you to everyone who helped make a difference for our charity.”
Maria Martin, who attended with her young son, Oscar, said: “The afternoon’s excitement began the moment Oscar realised he could go on the free park and ride bus to get to the hospice – he would have stayed and gone round and round all afternoon! He loved the children’s games too, especially fishing for ducks.”
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 and Social Programme.
26th May 2017
Laid-back dog Rodney makes friends at the hospice
Retired pharmaceutical industry worker and Pilgrims Hospices volunteer Martyn Ponting has owned dogs for years.
Then, when he was looking for a new way to give his time and energy to the hospice in Ashford, his canine friend Rodney gave him the perfect opportunity.
Rodney, a two-year-old black labrador, is now a regular visitor to Pilgrims Hospice Ashford. As a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, he enjoys his regular Wednesday social morning in Pilgrims Therapy Centre and also visits patients on the ward.
Martyn from Sellindge said: “My career in the pharmaceutical industry often took me to environments where PAT dogs attended. Knowing how special the service is and how uplifting seeing a friendly furry face can be for patients, I thought I’d enlist Rodney’s gentle skills.”
Rodney’s owner Martyn can often be found at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, whether it’s as part of the volunteer gardening force that keeps the Ashford grounds in such beautiful condition or to bring along Rodney, the very much loved PAT dog for patients, families and of course Pilgrims staff to enjoy.
“Rodney is very well behaved and absolutely loves his time with everyone at the hospice. He was such a laid-back puppy, I thought he would be a perfect candidate to become a Pets As Therapy dog. His huge calm eyes and affectionate nature, I knew he had to come home with me.
Rodney’s a very gentle soul and thoroughly enjoys his visits to Pilgrims.
Martyn
Rodney often receives compliments from the care team; Pilgrims doctors say animals are often a great icebreaker and help with patient communication. Everyone seems to relax with Rodney in the room.
Martyn added: “Rodney’s a very gentle soul and thoroughly enjoys his visit to Pilgrims. There’s always time for a cuddle. His favourite treat is a smelly stinky old tennis ball; it’s definitely his favourite thing in life, along with a good swim. I really enjoy my visits to Pilgrims too. I meet such interesting people and enjoy their company. I bring Rodney along and he just works his way around the room to enjoy as many tummy rubs and ear tickles as he can.
I’m very proud of Rodney.
Martyn
Every hour and every minute of volunteering for Pilgrims Hospices is hugely valued and goes a long way for the people needing our care.
Our volunteers play a part in every aspect of life in our hospices: they offer support, skills, kindness, care and they raise money; they can be a friendly face helping in our shops and working on our receptions. By generously giving their time, volunteers support our staff as they work to provide the outstanding levels of care for which we are well known.
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give 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 very end, free from pain and distress.
