Ready, set… glow! Pilgrims Hospices Colour Run returns to Thanet for another spectacular splash of colour!
It’s time to dig out your white t-shirts, dust off your tutus, and gather your friends and family – Pilgrims Hospices’ Colour Run is back on Sunday 5 October 2025 at Palm Bay Green, Cliftonville, and it’s set to be brighter, bolder, and more brilliant than ever!
Now in its 9th year, this riot of colour has become a much-loved fixture on the Pilgrims calendar, raising thousands of pounds to help people across east Kent who are living with incurable illness.
Whether you walk, run, dance or hop your way around the 5k route, you’ll be showered in clouds of colourful powder paint – with guaranteed smiles from start to finish! Early Bird entry is now open, so sign up today and save while helping your local hospice continue to provide expert, compassionate care.
Colour Run 3
Colour Run 4
Colour Run 1
Among the excited faces ready to go again this year is Annie Pritchard, a familiar face in the Pilgrims fundraising team. Annie, who works alongside Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager, has been a proud Colour Run fan since day one, and has taken part in every event so far – that’s nine bursts of brilliant colour and community spirit in Thanet!
Annie at Thanet 5k Colour Run
Annie and her husband Reg, one of Pilgrims’ fantastic volunteers, are also part of the magic behind the scenes – as members of the colour station team, they’re the ones responsible for dousing participants in clouds of vibrant, joyful paint along the route.
“I just love it,” said Annie, laughing. “You arrive clean, you leave looking like a rainbow – what’s not to love? It’s the happiest 5k you’ll ever do! There’s music, laughter, and colour EVERYWHERE… and all for an incredible cause. Being at the colour station is the best part – seeing everyone’s faces as they get showered in colour is just brilliant!”
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims’ Community Fundraising Manager, added:
“Colour Run is such a fun and feel-good event – it really brings our community together. Whether you’re taking part for the first time or returning for your ninth year, there’s something magical about being part of it. We’re so grateful to everyone who signs up, fundraises, and joins in the fun – every step and splash of colour helps us continue caring for local people who need us most.”
Reg at Thanet 5k Colour Run
The Colour Run has helped raise vital funds over the years for Pilgrims Hospices, supporting people across Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford. Every ticket helps Pilgrims continue to offer care and comfort at some of life’s most difficult times.
So – are you in?
Early Bird entry is available until 11 August 2025, so sign up now and get ready to run, walk, wiggle, and giggle your way through clouds of colour in support of local hospice care.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to more than 2,500 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.
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 2,500 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.
10th July 2025
Conor runs from Thanet to Belfast in epic journey for Pilgrims Hospices
On 22 October 2025, 33-year-old plumber Conor Bird from Ramsgate will set out on an epic journey for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of his mum, Barbara Bird, who was cared for by the charity.
Beginning at the Thanet hospice in Margate, Conor will run more than 30 miles per day to reach Barbara’s childhood home in Belfast on 2 November 2025, which will be the 10-year anniversary of her death.
In total, Conor will cover an incredible 330 miles.
Conor said: “Mum was just 51 when she died. Pilgrims Hospices played a huge role in keeping our family life as normal as possible during the worst period in our lives. The care they gave Mum was second to none. On several occasions, she went into the hospice for three or four days for pain management; she always came home a different person, ready to battle on.
“Nothing was too big or small for the Pilgrims team to accommodate during Mum’s care, it truly was inspirational to see.”
Conor has already raised over £800 towards his fundraising challenge, with donations from family and friends steadily rolling in.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said:
“When I received the call from Conor, I could not believe my ears; my reply was, “Wow, that’s some challenge you’re setting yourself!” Conor is so determined and passionate about supporting our services. I take my hat off to him, and wish him every success along the way to Belfast. We will certainly be watching his running from a distance and look forward to regular updates!
“As always, we are only able to provide our services, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our family of supporters, of which Conor is an important part. Thank you for your incredible support of Pilgrims Hospices.”
Alongside raising vital funds for Pilgrims, Conor hopes to increase awareness about hospice care and help to challenge common misconceptions about it.
He added: “People often have a fear about what hospices represent, but I know from my own experience that they aren’t always sad places – they’re inspirational places that help people, too.
“Pilgrims offer relief to families going through an awful chapter in life – and somehow, through the care they give, it doesn’t feel quite so awful.
“Nothing I can do will ever repay Pilgrims for the extra time they gave us to spend with Mum. But by fundraising, I hope to bring attention to Pilgrims’ services so that other families can benefit, and that’s definitely worth doing.”
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.
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.
DSC 0031
DSC 0012
DSC 0008
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.
5th June 2025
Why I support Pilgrims Hospices: Sarah’s story
“I always imagined hospices were marvellous places, but until I experienced it myself, I didn’t know just how exceptional everything and everyone would be.”
My Dad was a true Londoner – bold, big-hearted and full of life. His voice could fill a room, and so could his warmth. He was so generous with his time and embodied the spirit of community in every way, proudly inheriting the family picture-frame making business ‘Mann & Sons.’ In his later years, he moved to Kent and found real comfort in the slower pace of life and bracing sea air.
After Dad had his stroke, it was heart-breaking to see someone who had always been so strong and independent suddenly become so vulnerable. As his final days were drawing closer, he told me that he wanted to die at home, but this wasn’t possible since he needed too much attention.
In the end, however, I feel very grateful that he ended up in the care of the Thanet hospice. It was the best thing that could’ve happened and from the moment we came through the door, I knew we were in fantastic hands.
The small things will always stay with me: the hand-knitted quilts on each bed, to the radio that appeared in his room after I mentioned his love of listening to it. These thoughtful touches, to me, show the true meaning of care – acts of decency, kindness and generosity given for nothing in return.
Sarah and her dad
There are many touching moments I recall in those difficult days, but the one that sticks in my mind most is sharing Dad’s final sunset with him. He’d asked for this specifically and even though the nurses were busy, at shift’s end, they made the time to attach rollers to his bed and wheel him outside. I sat with him, holding his hand, and we watched the sky turn red. I could see what this meant to him.
Twelve hours later, he lapsed into unconsciousness – I had slept in a chair by his bed until that moment and the nurses brought me a blanket for the night. I carried on sleeping there until the moment he died, and afterwards helped the nurses and volunteers bathe him and dress him in clean pyjamas. Their compassion and respect was astonishing, and after they’d taken him away, they handed me an envelope addressed ‘Sarah’ containing a hand-knitted heart and a poem. I still have them both.
My Dad has been gone close to three years now, but I feel his spirit in everything I do. He passed at 80 and when people say he had a good life – and he really did – it doesn’t lessen the loss. Keeping his memory alive is so important to me, and seeing his name on the Memory Tree really touches me. I wanted to support Pilgrims yearly, and it’s such a wonderful way to do so, on a beautiful installation where his memory is kept alive.
I will never be able to repay Pilgrims Hospices for everything they did – they care for the people sitting around the bed as much as the person lying in it. Leaving a gift to Pilgrims in my Will is my way of saying one final thank you, in memory of my Dad and with deep gratitude for all they did for both of us.
If you’re inspired by Sarah’s story and would like to support Pilgrims Hospices, there are many ways you can:
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.
VE Day 2025 3
VE Day 2025 4
VE Day 2025 1
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.
