Jenny remembers her husband, Graham, by dedicating a dove in his memory at Pilgrims Hospices annual Trees of Love remembrance campaign.
My husband Graham was a kind and generous man, a nature and animal lover. He was particularly musical; he sang, played piano and performed the clarinet in several orchestras. We met at age 5 while attending the same primary school, but went our separate ways when we progressed to our respective grammar schools. It seems rather fitting, then, that we reunited at a German musical evening hosted by Graham’s school. We would go on to spend a wonderful 55 years together, with our children and grandchildren.
We were introduced to Pilgrims later on in Graham’s illness, around six months before he passed. He often found it difficult to put his thoughts into words, but when presented with the option of more treatment or intervention for his illness, he knew that was not the option for him. While our journey with Pilgrims has been rather short, they have been so very helpful. In times like these, you never quite know who to turn to, but the bereavement support we have been offered has been such a help. When you just want someone to listen, they just let us talk.
I was made aware of Trees of Love through a postal invitation that invited me to dedicate a dove in Graham’s memory. My granddaughter, Charlotte, has recently started art college, which has been such a creative outlet for her. She decorated her grandfather’s dove with a wonderful drawing depicting the owl and pussy cat in a tree, as she discovered he was particularly fond of the poem by Edward Lear. Out of sheer coincidence, my daughter revealed that the week her father had passed, she had found a greetings card depicting the ‘Owl and the Pussy Cat’ scene, too. This has brought our family closer together.
In 2023, I attended the remembrance service at the Thanet hospice. Although I attended alone, it was such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. I struck up conversation with someone who was by themselves, and it was comforting to share the experience with someone who knew what I was going through.
The service was lovely, and I was happy to have the opportunity to capture a picture of Graham’s dove on the illuminated tree, and take my order of service home to share with my family.
Previously, I had volunteered for another hospice in one of their retail stores, so I had experience in the kind of care that a hospice provides. But having now received that support myself, I can recognise how fantastic they really are. I’m happy to support this wonderful charity in any way that I can.
This December, dedicate a dove to someone special and join us at one of our hospice or satellite remembrance services.
To find out more and to take part in Trees of Love 2024, simply visit pilgrimshospices.org/treesoflove or contact our friendly Supporter Relations team on 01227 782 062 to dedicate a dove today.
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.
18th July 2024
Get ready to glow at Thanet’s 8th annual 5k Colour Run!
Prepare for a burst of colour and excitement on Sunday October 6, as Pilgrims Hospices hosts the Thanet 5k Colour Run at Palm Bay Green, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 3NR.
This family-friendly 5k event promises to be an explosion of vibrant fun, where participants of all ages can enjoy an invigorating run or walk while being showered with brightly coloured powder.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Thanet’s spectacular seafront, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Since its inception, the Thanet 5k Colour Run has united friends, families, and the community in a joyous celebration of life, colour, and giving. Now in its 8th successful year, the event has welcomed over 3,000 participants and raised more than £225,000 for Pilgrims Hospices’ end-of-life care. Every step taken and every splash of colour helps support people in east Kent facing life-limiting illnesses.
The Thanet 5k Colour Run is not just a run; it’s a vibrant festival of fun and camaraderie. Picture this: Hundreds of participants all dressed in their white t-shirts, ready to be transformed into a moving rainbow as they navigate the picturesque coastal route. As you make your way through the 5k, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking coastal views and enveloped in clouds of coloured powder, creating unforgettable memories and picture-perfect moments.
“We’re back to sustainably brighten the coast!” says Pilgrims Hospices. “The Thanet 5k Colour Run is a fantastic way to enjoy a day out with loved ones while supporting a meaningful cause. The funds raised play a crucial role in allowing us to continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most.”
Whether you prefer to run, jog, or walk, the Thanet 5k Colour Run welcomes participants of all fitness levels. It’s a day of high-energy entertainment, laughter, and plenty of colour, making it the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Feel the electric atmosphere as you join hundreds of others, all united by the common goal of supporting Pilgrims Hospices.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices’ Community Fundraising Manager and event organiser, said: “I’m so proud of the supporters who have made this event such an amazing success over the past eight years. We have collectively travelled over 8,700 miles together. It’s a staggering achievement, and the money raised is making an incredible difference to the lives of those who need Pilgrims care right now, and to those who will need our support in the future as well.”
Getting involved is easy!
Gather your friends and family, and register now to be part of this incredible event. To find out more about the Thanet 5k Colour Run, visit pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun. On the day, you will be presented with a brilliant white t-shirt, a coloured powder sachet, and fun protective specs – then let the fun begin!
New for this year’s event, participants will receive an environmentally friendly wristband containing wildflower seeds. Take it home, plant it in your garden, and wait for another splash of colour that will remind you of the super fun day that you had supporting Pilgrims Hospices. And don’t forget your fabulous finishing medal to celebrate your wonderful achievement!
Don’t miss out on this spectacular event that blends fitness, fun, and philanthropy in a truly unique way. Let’s come together to celebrate, run, and support a worthy cause.
See you at Palm Bay Green on October 6 — ready, set, colour!
For more information, please contact Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager:
Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses across east Kent. Our compassionate team works tirelessly to ensure patients and their families receive the best possible care, both in our hospices and within the community.
17th April 2024
Celebrating resilience and generosity: Marcello’s Hair Salon reopens with a heart-warming gesture
After a challenging year marked by adversity and resilience, Marcello Marino, the beloved owner of Marcello’s Hair Salon in Ramsgate, is preparing to welcome back his loyal clientele with open arms.
Marcello’s Salon, nestled on West Cliff Road for over three decades, faced a daunting setback when a collapsed sewer pipe disrupted operations and displaced Marcello and his family from their home.
The saga began in September 2022 when a sewage leak wreaked havoc on Marcello’s business premises, prompting an unexpected closure. The subsequent evacuation of Marcello, his wife, and three children underscored the severity of the situation. Despite enduring such hardships, Marcello remained steadfast in his determination to overcome the ordeal.
Throughout this tumultuous period, the outpouring of support from the local community served as a beacon of hope for Marcello and his family. From generous donations to acts of kindness from friends and neighbouring businesses, the solidarity displayed by the people of Ramsgate left an indelible mark on Marcello’s heart.
Now, as Marcello prepares to reopen his salon on May 1, he is seizing the opportunity to express his gratitude in a meaningful way. On April 29, from 5pm onwards, Marcello will host a special event to honour those who stood by him during his time of need. This event will not only serve as a celebration of resilience but also as a fundraiser for Pilgrims Hospices, a charity close to Marcello’s heart.
What a lovely gesture this really is after so much disruption to Marcello’s business. I would like to send our thanks to everyone who is helping with this donation over the coming weeks.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
In a heart-warming gesture, Marcello has pledged to donate 10% of his salon’s takings during the first two weeks of reopening to support the invaluable work of Pilgrims Hospices. Recognising the pivotal role that this charity plays in the local community, Marcello is eager to contribute to their work in end-of-life care and give back to those in need.
The generosity doesn’t end there. Local establishments, including Seabird bar, the Falstaff, and Margo in Margate, have rallied behind Marcello’s initiative by providing sponsorship and donations for the reopening event. Through their collective efforts, they aim to make a meaningful impact and spread joy to those who need it most.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said: “What a lovely gesture this really is after so much disruption to Marcello’s business. I would like to send our thanks to everyone who is helping with this donation over the coming weeks. I wish Marcello every success with his opening day and thank him once again.”
As Marcello’s salon prepares to welcome back familiar faces and new clients alike, the spirit of resilience and generosity shines brightly. Together, they are not only reopening a business but also reaffirming the unwavering strength of the community in the face of adversity.
For appointments and inquiries, please contact Marcello’s Hair Salon at 01843 592 027. Visit Marcello’s at 15a West Cliff Road, Ramsgate, and join in the celebration of resilience, generosity, and community spirit.
If you would like to support Pilgrims Hospices, please contact our fundraising team email [email protected]. Our local end-of-life charity needs to raise an incredible £11 million each year, in order to provide important care from the three local hospices and within the community. This would not be possible without your generous support. Thank you.
1st November 2023
Dedicated nurse Amanda bids farewell to Pilgrims Hospices after a fulfilling nursing career
Amanda Larking retires from nursing in October, Pilgrims Hospices wish to thank Amanda for her years of dedicated nursing and celebrate her career of honouring compassion and commitment to care.
She told us: “As a young person I undertook my nurse training in Thanet, were I still live now.
“I always knew I wanted a career in nursing. At the age of 16, I had a secondary school, work experience placement at the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate; at that point I knew straight away that I would definitely apply for nurse training when I left school.
“I started nursing in 1976, after completing my training, I spent some time working in theatres, then went on to spend three years nursing in the USA from 1984 -1987.
“I nursed on oncology wards in the USA, and spent two years in New Jersey and a further year in Florida. It was a really good experience, it definitely enriched my nursing knowledge, and I’m so glad I did it. It was just one of the great opportunities available to me as a young nurse.”
On returning to the UK, Amanda trained as a district nurse and worked in the Thanet area. She explained: “I often became involved with patients who would be referred on to the hospices for end-of-life care. I had to visit the hospices on occasions, and valued the services provided to local people and decided I would really like to work within palliative care at some point.
“I married, then and took a career break in order to bring up my three children. In 2005 I returned to work having seen an opportunity to join the Pilgrims team as a health care assistant. I applied, and was pleased to be accepted at Pilgrims Hospice, Thanet.
It’s a very special service that we offer to the local community we live in
Amanda – RGN Pilgrims Hospices
“The hospice kindly arranged for me to study for my Return to Nursing Practice course at Christchurch University in Canterbury, helping me to re-qualify, which was wonderful and meant I could continue my career in nursing.”
Having completed her course training, Amanda worked as a band five nurse on the Pilgrims Hospice Thanet ward, until one day she was asked to support the Community Team Palliative Specialist Nurses (PSN’s) by taking the incoming phone calls from patients and their families.
The duty nurse is an office based role; it’s a key role between patients, families and other health professionals who come to the hospices. Amanda said: “I call patients, check referrals and the support we’re offering, it’s quite an intense role, but really rewarding.”
She added: “I was told it would be a few days….. but here I am 12 years later, having developed the role of the Duty Nurse and have really enjoyed the challenge.”
I would certainly encourage nurses to consider end-of-life care
Amanda – RGN Pilgrims Hospices
We asked Amanda what made Pilgrims a special place to work for her, she told us: “It’s a very special service that we offer to the local community we live in. It’s an honour to be a part of the team that is so highly praised and has a recognised reputation within the community. Patients and families speak so highly of our care, it’s a true privilege to work here.
“Some of our services, are not available elsewhere making Pilgrims Hospices a valuable asset within the community.”
hen asked what she would say to anyone interested in working in end-of-life care Amanda said:
“I would certainly encourage nurses to consider end-of-life care. A career in specialist nursing is very interesting; like any career in medicine, it can be very intense and complex, but definitely very rewarding.”
At the age of 65 Amanda hasn’t started planning for her retirement as yet, she told us: “I’m not too sure what I shall focus on when I have time to relax. My daughter is marrying very soon, therefore I’m busy with lots of lovely family plans to celebrate with her. I will think about what comes next after the wedding in November.
Each year Pilgrims supports thousands 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 Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
10th October 2023
Funtastic Colour Run fundraiser for Pilgrims Hospices
Was a funtastic success for Pilgrims Hospices as the Thanet 5K Colour Run took centre stage at Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday, October 1st, 2023. With over 400 Pilgrims Hospices supporters participating and raising an impressive £200k plus in the seven years the event has taken place for hospice end-of-life care in east Kent, it’s clear that the event made a significant impact.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices, Community Fundraising Manager, and the entire team deserve commendation for their hard work and dedication in organising such a successful event. It’s heart-warming to see the community coming together on a spectacular day in Cliftonville.
It was exciting to see families and friends coming together to enjoy a super fun day while also supporting a local charity. The fact that the weather was spectacular only added to the joy and vibrancy of the occasion.
A brilliant way to kick off the Colour Run event was with fitness expert Jennie who did a fun warm-up for all. The dynamic and energetic warm-up session was full of fun dance moves, and prepared everyone for the colourful and exciting spectacle ahead. With cool dance music playing, participants were encouraged to move, stretch, and get their hearts pumping, creating a lively atmosphere.
Karen said: “The money raised today will undoubtedly go a long way in providing crucial support and care for those in need in the community. The Thanet 5K Colour Run is not only a fantastic way to raise money but also a beautiful example of how communities can unite for a great cause. A huge ‘High Five’ to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
Karen added: “I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our sponsors – Thanet Earth, Stagecoach, Copyshop and Mini Stores in Deal. Also, thank you for the support of Margate Ambulance, Academy Radio, Isle of Thanet, Frank Leppard for his incredible photos, Charles our DJ, and Kerry on the drone, and lastly to the Pilgrims staff and volunteers who help me to make this event so special. I think I can truly say we’ve all had a real colour blast of a day today and we couldn’t run the event without everyone’s wonderful support, thank you all once again!”
A huge ‘High Five’ to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
Other promos for future events.
Look out for our Christmas Tree Recycling event in the new year 5th – 8th January 2024 and please do follow us on our Pilgrims Hospice Thanet Fundraising for all our events, including the smaller evenings out!
Each year Pilgrims’ gives care to thousands of people across east Kent. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise approximately £11 million each year from the generous local community.
20th September 2023
Get ready to splash into fun and make a difference at the Thanet 5k Colour Run 2023!
Dust off your running shoes and prepare to be drenched in a riot of colours at the Thanet 5k Colour Run, happening on October 1st, at Palm Bay Green, Cliftonville, Margate. This vibrant event promises an unforgettable day of fun, fitness, and fundraising, all in support of a great cause – Pilgrims Hospices.
It’s back and offering an exhilarating experience for participants of all ages. Whether you’re a serious athlete or just looking for a unique way to have fun, this event has something for everyone, a colourful 5k run or walk suitable for all fitness levels.
Participants can kick off the fun with a musical warm-up before embarking on a 5k route with colour stations, where they will be showered with safe and vibrant coloured powders. It’s a visual spectacle like no other, transforming ordinary runners into living works of art! Don’t worry; these colours are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for all.
Bethesda Medical Centre, Palm Bay, Margate has entered their team of 19 colour fun runners including staff, family, along with three of their doctors taking part on the day too!
Caroll, Bethesda Practice Finance Manager told us: “This is the first time we as a Surgery have taken part in a Colour Run, one of the staff spotted the event promotion, and we’ve signed up to get involved. Although I’m unable to take part on this occasion, I know the team are really looking forward to it! Our Practice Manager, myself and 2 other staff members took part in the Pilgrims Folkestone Downs Challenge recently and raised over £200 in sponsorship. As a Surgery, we are always keen to support our local hospice when we can.”
Caroll added: “On a personal note, my father passed away in May this year, after a short illness, and I cannot thank Pilgrims Hospices enough for the care that he received, as well as the help and support that myself and my mum received. At my dad’s funeral we asked for donations to Pilgrims rather than flowers, and we raised just short of £500; mum received a lovely thank you letter for this from Pilgrims.”
The Thanet Colour Run isn’t just about fun; it’s also about making a meaningful impact on our community. All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting Pilgrims Hospices care, a charity dedicated to providing vital care and support to individuals and their families facing life-limiting illnesses. Your participation directly contributes to improving the lives of those in need.
Share your colourful journey using #thanetcolourrun
Karen – Pilgrims
Event organiser Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “Our goal is to bring our community together for a day of fun while supporting a vital cause. We want participants to not only enjoy themselves, but also feel proud of contributing to Pilgrims Hospices care.”
So, mark your calendars for October 1st, 2023, and get ready to run, laugh, and make a difference at the Thanet 5k Colour Run! Follow us on social media at FBK @pilgrimshospices Insta @pilgrimshospices, for updates and share your colourful journey using #thanetcolourrun.
Your support means everything to the people we care for. Around 75% of our funding comes from the generous community. With your help we can continue to offer quality end-of-life care and our full range of wellbeing activities. Thank you.
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.
