Zoe and Ethel-Grace bring splash of colour to Thanet in memory of much-loved dad and grandad
Get ready to run, walk or dance your way through a rainbow of colour at this year’s Thanet 5k Colour Run – and meet one inspiring local lady who’s taking part for a cause close to her heart.
Zoe and Ethel-Grace
Zoe McAdam will be joining the colourful fun on Sunday 5 October 2025 at Palm Bay Green, Palm Bay Avenue, Cliftonville, Margate. But she’s not doing it alone – she’ll be joined by her joyful two-year-old daughter Ethel-Grace, as they honour the memory of Zoe’s dad, Eugene, and raise funds for Pilgrims Hospices, who cared for him in 2018.
“Dad was only 51 when he died. From his diagnosis on May 8 to his death on June 29, it was just seven weeks. Everything happened so quickly,” Zoe shares.
“Dad spent some time in hospital but his wish was to come home to us all. He spent a couple of weeks following this at Pilgrims Hospices to help stabilise and manage his pain and ensure he was as comfortable as possible. He’d been so low before arriving at Pilgrims, but the team brought back his smile – and that little twinkle in his eye.
“After a couple of weeks, he came home again to be with us all. That time together meant everything.”
Zoe admits that after her dad’s passing, she didn’t fully understand how to grieve.
“I rushed back to work, thinking I just had to get on with things. But months later, it hit me hard. No one really tells you what to do with that kind of sadness.”
Now, with her young daughter by her side, Zoe is celebrating her dad’s memory in the most joyful, colourful way possible.
“We talk to Ethel-Grace about her grandad all the time. She knows exactly why we’re doing the Colour Run – she says, ‘We’re raising money for the people who helped Grandad.’ She can’t wait to be covered in colour and look like a rainbow!”
Zoe jokes that her fitness prep has mostly involved chasing after her toddler and looking after a one-year-old at home.
“I might not have trained, but I think I’ll be just about ready! It’s going to be such a special day for us.”
Ethel-Grace was lovingly named after her family’s grandparents and great-grandparents – a living tribute to the legacy of love that runs through generations.
Together, this vibrant mother-daughter duo are making memories, celebrating life, and raising funds so that other families can experience the compassion and support Pilgrims offers.
Together, we can make a difference – one splash of colour at a time!
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.
31st July 2025
A busman’s holiday with heart: Will Thomson’s journey from Margate to Liverpool for hospice awareness
For many, Margate beach holds fond childhood memories – and for Will Thomson, it’s now the starting point of a heartfelt mission to raise awareness for hospice care across the country.
Will embarking on his bus journey from Margate
Will Thomson, 57, a retired entrepreneur originally from Glasgow and now living in Liverpool, is embarking on a bus-only journey from Margate to Woodlands Hospice in Liverpool – a symbolic and personal adventure using only a bus pass, a few essentials, and a hospice collection bucket.
Will sets off on Thursday 31 July, the date of what would have been Will’s father’s birthday, aiming to arrive at Woodlands on Friday 1 August. The route will be taken entirely by public transport, travelling from stop to stop with regular services and a strong message: Hospice care matters.
Hospices are deeply meaningful to Will. His father-in-law was cared for at Woodlands Hospice, Liverpool, where he spent his final days with dignity and comfort following a prostate cancer diagnosis. Will’s own father, Willie Thomson, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice in Margate in 2020, after being transferred from QEQM Hospital during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He died of a respiratory condition just before the country went into lockdown.
“My dad was given incredible care,”Will said.
“The staff at Pilgrims were there not just for him, but for us too. It’s something I’ll never forget. I love the place, Planet Thanet!”
His journey isn’t about raising large amounts of money – though he’ll be carrying Pilgrims Hospices collection buckets – but more about raising awareness. “There are still so many people who don’t understand that hospices are charities,” Will said. “They’re not part of the NHS. If you’ve never had to use one, you might not know what they do – but when you need them, they’re everything.”
Hospice care is a cause that’s become part of Will’s story. Though he spent most of his career running businesses and working with not-for-profit organisations, it’s his family’s connection to buses and coaches that inspired the journey’s mode of travel.
Will’s father, a Glaswegian who moved his heart and soul to Thanet, worked for many years as a driver for Wallace Arnold coaches, and before that for Glasgow Bus Corporation. “We’ve always said we have diesel in our blood,” Will smiles. “This journey felt like a natural way to honor him and support a cause we care about.”
While planning the route and making local visits before setting off, Will experienced a moving moment in a Margate pub. “Two guys I was chatting to just handed me £10 for the collection bucket,” he said. “That really touched me – it restored my faith in people. It’s those little gestures that mean so much.”
Will at the Margate hospice
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager for Pilgrims Hospices, praised Will’s efforts:
“Will is an absolute star. His journey is a powerful way to raise awareness for hospice care, and we’re so grateful he’s carrying the Pilgrims name with him. With a bus pass, a big heart, and a bucket, we wish him the safest and happiest of travels.”
Though his daughter was disappointed to miss the trip – having been double-booked for a family holiday – Will remains upbeat and focused. He’ll also be visiting family in Margate before the first leg of his route, and says he’s braced for the inevitable: “Let’s be honest, I’m going to end up with a numb bum!”
So if you spot Will on your local bus, give him a wave – or even drop a coin in the bucket. Because he’s not just taking a journey; he’s carrying a message of care, dignity, and compassion, and a big smile that deserves a seat on every route across the UK. Please support him every step of the way.
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.
18th July 2025
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.
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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 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.
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 3,000 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.
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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.
