Pilgrims Hospices, Thanet Colour Run, returns on Sunday 1st October to Palm Bay Green, Margate. This family-friendly 5k event is an explosion of colourful fun. Take in amazing coastal views as you run and walk through clouds of brightly coloured powder around the route. So far, some £200,000 has been raised through the event since it launched in 2016.
Gather friends and family to join the energetic atmosphere of people running, jogging and walking along Thanet’s spectacular seafront. We anticipate more than 1,000 participants including runners, joggers and walkers joining us on the day. All are welcome to support Pilgrims.
Entry – before 25th September 2023
Ages 12 and over – £24 – Ages 11 and under £15
On the day entry (if still available)
Ages 12 and over – £28 – Ages 11 and under – £15
What happens on the day?
9am – 11am: Registration will be open
11.30am – 1.30pm: Thanet 5k Colour Run takes place
Entry includes a white t-shirt, paint sachet, funky sunglasses and finisher’s medal. We encourage you to consider the environment and bring your own plain white t-shirt to wear on the day. We provide the white t-shirts for event safety and colour protection, but if you can recycle an old one, then that is appreciated.
This year, our participant wristbands are also environmentally friendly! Each wristband is bio-degradable and contains wild flower seeds within the band, meaning you can take it home and plant it in your garden!
Catering will be available for purchase on site.
Location – Thanet, Palm Bay Green, Palm Bay Avenue, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 3NR.
If you would like to speak to Pilgrims’ about this event, please contact Karen Kenward Email: [email protected] or call her on 01843 233 934
By taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run, you’ll be helping Pilgrim Hospices to continue caring for people right across east Kent who are facing a life-limiting illness.
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 £11 million each year from the generous local community.
4th July 2023
Great cause brings art community and supporters together
On Saturday 1st July, Pilgrims Hospices, held the 100 Pieces of Art, charity auction. Early indications, show the event will raise an incredible £8,000 for local hospice care. Held at the Anthony Giles Studio in Margate, visitors, artists and those who had donated, came together, to experience the excitement of a charity auction.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “It has been very exciting to collaborate with Anthony Giles; his studio was a perfect venue and location to showcase the wonderful pieces of artwork so generously donated.
“Visitors came to view the collection throughout the week prior to the auction, which started at 1pm on Saturday. Auctioneer, James Linington, from The Canterbury Auction Galleries; whose presence brought wonderful charm, humour to the day, and delight when bringing down the gavel marking the end of bidding on an item, and congratulating the winning bidders. The sense of accomplishment for the successful bidders was often shared and celebrated by the audience.”
The auction included a diverse range of artwork and collectables donated by local, and some more prominent artists. The afternoon brought some exciting moments, with the room filled by applause as the successful bidder was announced. Bidders engaged in friendly competition, signalling their interest in an item and outbidding one another.
Karen added: “People not only had the opportunity to add exceptional artwork to their collections, but also contributed to the important work of Pilgrims Hospices.
“I would like to thank Anthony Giles and James Linington for their support throughout, it has been a fantastic way to raise funds for Pilgrims. The event was made special by the support of many Pilgrims volunteers, the Copy Shop printers, and most importantly, everyone who submitted art or generously made a bid.
Pre Auction Drinks For WebPre - event drinks and nibbles
Pilgrims Chair Of Trustees Karen Warden Anthony Giles Artists And Studio Owner Karen Kenward Pilgrims Fundraising Manager For WebKaren Walden, Chair of Pilgrims Trustees with Anthony Giles and Karen Kenward
Karen Kenward With Some Of Pilgrims Amazing Volunteers For WebKaren with some of Pilgrims' amazing volunteeers
Artist Katrina Dalamore With Her Painting Dusk For Web (1)Artist and contributor Katrina Dalamore with her painting - Dusk
“Overall, the combination of lively bidding, the sound of auctioneer’s gavel, and the announcement of the winning bids created a thrilling atmosphere, that contributed to the excitement and enjoyment of the auction.
“Thank you once again, we hope those who made a purchase, enjoy their art as much as we did in receiving it, and displaying it.”
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.
19th June 2023
Broadstairs super-sized deckchair is a Pilgrims’ fundraising winner
John Nicolls from Broadstairs, had the idea of placing a super-sized deckchair on the Broadstairs harbour in 2018; the idea was to raise funds to support his local hospice care charity, Pilgrims Hospices. To date, the deckchair has raised an incredible £6,637.22 from the generosity of local residents and tourists over the past six years.
Nick Anselmi, Karen Kenward and John Nicolls
John said: “It’s always a real pleasure supporting a charity that is so close to my heart. Over the years it’s been invaluable to many, I am happy to help in any way I can, and it’s been great to follow its success.”
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager said: “It’s always a delight to meet up with John; his passion for our charity is overwhelming, and he is always so very keen to help support in any way he can.
John Nicholls
“His idea has worked very well, and it’s wonderful to see both children and adults having their photos taken in the chair, having fun, and popping a donation in as a thank you.
“I would also like to thank Nick Anselmi who has also helped support the chair from York Gate Ice Cream Parlour, Broadstairs, along with each and every one of you, who has made a donation to help support our charity. We will continue to watch its success throughout this summer too.”
It’s always a real pleasure supporting a charity that is so close to my heart
John
We take great pride in the fact that all our services are provided completely free of charge. We receive over 75% of our funding from the local community and it is entirely due to the kindness of people like you that we are able to provide the care we do. Your support is ensuring people living with a terminal illness in east Kent can access the quality care and comfort they deserve. As always, we are only able to provide our services, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our family of supporters, which you are an important part of. Together we can, and will, continue to make a difference.
We’re only able to provide vital, compassionate care across east Kent with the help of our dedicated supporters.
Fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices to make a difference in your community.
If you have a question or idea relating to fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices, please email [email protected]. Or if your question is about an event or challenge organised by Pilgrims Hospices please call 01227 812 609.
Even if you’re only in the early stages of planning your fundraising, we’d love to hear from you!
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 £11 million each year from the generous local community.
24th April 2023
Pilgrims Hospices doctors help patients to live well in every moment
At Pilgrims Hospices, specialist palliative care doctors and consultants play a vital role in supporting patients and their families. They focus on managing and improving the physical symptoms that accompany a variety of life-limiting illnesses, with the broader aim of helping people to live well – in both mind and body – in the time that they have left.
Ahsan Ashfaq and Tarek Boumrah, trainee doctors who both volunteered at Pilgrims when they were at school and spent time in the hospices during their medical training, share their experiences of hospice care in east Kent.
What inspired you to volunteer and do your training at Pilgrims Hospices?
Ahsan: When I was at sixth form, I was looking for opportunities to gain experience in healthcare to better inform my career choice. We’d raised money for Pilgrims when I was at school, so I was familiar with the charity. Some friends in older years had volunteered and they only had good things to say. I spent time on weekends and some afternoons volunteering on reception at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, where I learned a great deal.
Naturally, I was absolutely delighted when the opportunity presented itself to work at Pilgrims as a doctor. It felt like a ‘full-circle’ moment. It has been one of the greatest honours of my career so far to have served the local community with Pilgrims.
Tarek:I was interested in healthcare whilst studying for my A-Levels and wanted to do something that would help others. I heard about Pilgrims through a friend, and felt that the care they provided was so unique that I wanted to learn more.
It has been one of the greatest honours of my career so far to have served the local community with Pilgrims.
Ahsan
What did your roles involve and what did you learn?
Ahsan:As a volunteer, I worked on the reception desk. I would direct visitors to the appropriate areas and help make teas and coffees for them. At the time, the reception volunteers used to do a tea/coffee trolley round for the patients and also deliver food from the kitchen where necessary.
As a doctor, I worked as a senior house officer at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet. I worked in conjunction with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to provide care for patients on our inpatient unit. My day-to-day role included meetings about patients, board rounds, ward rounds and ensuring that our patients were well looked after. There was also a comprehensive teaching programme, from which I learned a great deal and was also able to contribute to. I visited people in their homes and the hospital to help plan their care. As such, I had the opportunity to learn about palliative medicine and develop my medical practice in this specialty. Through working at Pilgrims, I have learned to always put compassion at the heart of my approach to patients.
In both roles, I was lucky to work together with a wide range of professionals, all of whom I consider heroes without capes.
Tarek:As a volunteer, I welcomed visitors in reception and made teas and coffees for them. I’d often pass the ward and speak to patients and families, too. I’d never seen a dying person before, so it was a really eye-opening experience.
As a doctor, I supported patients and helped to improve their quality of life, ensuring they had a comfortable and dignified death. The main thing I’ve learned is to listen; patients and their families often feel they haven’t been listened to, and this leads to a relationship breakdown between them and healthcare professionals. Often, simply listening can make a huge difference to a patient, even if I’m not able to solve their medical issue.
Decisions about resuscitation and preferred place of care and death are often overlooked, which doesn’t give patients and loved ones the time they need to process what is happening. My time at Pilgrims helped me develop my communication skills, and also recognise the importance of planning for the future with patients.
In today’s society, people don’t often see the dying process, so it can be frightening for patients and families who have no idea what to expect. Pilgrims helps to normalise this journey that we will all take.
Tarek
Why is hospice care important?
Ahsan: Hospice care provides an opportunity for people with terminal illnesses to live with dignity despite their disease. From symptom control to psychological support and spiritual care, Pilgrims provides a vital service for patients and their families when they are at their most vulnerable. It is so important to be able to provide this service to the local community.
Tarek:Hospices prioritise patients’ dignity and wishes, caring for them in a truly holistic way that supports all of their needs: medical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual. This care also extends to their loved ones, continuing into bereavement after a patient has died.
Why do we need to talk about death and dying and how does Pilgrims help people to do this?
Ahsan: Death and dying can be a scary thought for many people. There can be a lot of fears around symptoms, social issues and the concept of going through the dying process itself. It’s important to talk about these things so that we can be clear about what patients’ wishes are and provide patient-centred care.
Pilgrims helps people talk about dying in various ways; patients are able to speak to the medical and nursing team about their fears and wishes, and there are also activities run by the Wellbeing team for patients and their carers. Hospice counsellors and the spiritual care team can speak to both patients and their families so that they are able to get the support they need.
Tarek:In today’s society, people don’t often see the dying process, so it can be frightening for patients and families who have no idea what to expect. Pilgrims helps to normalise this journey that we will all take. Talking about death and dying encourages people to focus on what’s most important to them.
If you’re interested in a career at Pilgrims, please check out our current vacancies at www.pilgrimshospices.org/jobs, which are updated regularly.
Death Cafes provide a safe space to discuss death and dying without objectives or an agenda.
We’re hosting our next Death Cafe event on Wednesday 10 May 2023 at the Ann Robertson Centre in Canterbury, during Dying Matters Awareness Week. This is a free event and all are welcome; places are limited, so please call or email if you’d like to come along:
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices provide 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 end of life, free from pain and distress.
21st April 2023
Anthony Giles supports creative art event for Pilgrims Hospices
Local artist Anthony Giles, has generously offered his studio for Pilgrims to hold the 100 Pieces of Art charity auction, taking place on 1 July 2023. Anthony lives and works in Margate, surrounded by Turner’s best skies in the whole of Europe.
Pilgrims are inviting budding artists of all ages and abilities, to submit their paintings, ceramic or sculpture art to create 100 pieces of art to be sold at auction to help support Pilgrims Hospices’ end-of-life care.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager said:
“Anthony has been involved with art events for Pilgrims Hospices over the years, and helped choose art for previous events. When he approached me last year, I was delighted; it’s a lovely studio, and I’m very excited to be holding a Pilgrims art event in such a prestigious venue. Our charity constantly looks for innovative and interesting ways to engage with the local community and our supporters. I’m really hoping to capture the imagination of lots of local artists, and budding artists, to help us achieve our 100 pieces for the auction.”
Anyone can submit an artwork, painting, drawing, ceramic or sculpture art; if you have a creative eye, we would love to see your work!
The auction will be held at Anthony Giles Studio, 3 Lombard Street, Margate.
The deadline for submissions isFriday 5 May 2023.
Please note:Paintings and drawings must be between postcard size 6”x 4” and 26”x 24”, framed or unframed.
Viewing will take place betweenTuesday 27 June and Friday 30 June, 10am – 4pmandSaturday 1 July, 10am – 12pm.
The auction will begin at1pm on Saturday 1 July, with pre-event drinks and nibbles from10am – 12pm.
Karen added: “Anyone can come along, so please do support this very special event; you can also make a bid prior to the auction, or on the day in person, or by telephone. This is a great opportunity to buy a beautiful piece of art, knowing that all profits from the art will help to support Pilgrims services.”
For more information, or if you’re interested in submitting a piece of art, contact Karen Kenward by telephone on 01843 233 934 or email [email protected].
Auction catalogues will be available nearer the time of the event, costing £5 from Pilgrims Hospice Thanet and the Anthony Giles Studio, Margate.
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 Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
5th April 2023
Broadstairs Beavers get creative with Pilgrims Hospices
The generous 11th Broadstairs Beavers, visited Pilgrims Hospice Thanet with Tracey Garnier, to present their donation of £200. The Beavers had been saving money each week, to help support people who need important Pilgrims’ care.
They were interested to find out more about activities that take place in the Therapy Centre, and enjoyed a craft session during their visit.
Jane Stanley, Wellbeing Practitioner said:
“It was such a great evening! We had prepared packs of 3D desktop beavers to make, and coiling dreamcatcher snakes to decorate. After a brief overview of some of the Wellbeing groups here at Pilgrims, the Beavers ‘beavered’ on with the crafts. They enjoyed the cheque handover and having their photograph taken. We also had a new Beaver invested into the group, and they all marched out happily holding their beavers and snakes.
“They loved hearing about the groups we run for patients, and seeing the warm safe space of our Therapy Centre, while enjoying the cutting and sticking crafts. They thought about a message to put in their desktop beaver; one wrote a message for someone who had been unkind to them at school, and was going to give the beaver to them as a gift.
“The evening showed the kindness of this community group, donating a fantastic sum to the good work done at Pilgrims.”
Tracey Garnier, Unit Clerk continued:
“I am Tracey (Tic Tac) my Beaver name, and I work as the Unit Clerk in Pilgrims Hospice Thanet. I joined the hospice team a year ago, after a career change, having previously worked in education for 26 years as a learning support assistant. My other assistant leader also works at the hospice – Caroline (Tu Tu) is part of the fundraising team, and joined our group 5 years ago, after coming on a Beavers District Hike which was donating money to Pilgrims Hospices.
“Each week, we encourage the Beavers to bring in small change which is collected and then donated to a charity. Over the COVID period, we were not allowed to meet so this all stopped.
Tracey added: “I approached Billy Williams, Pilgrims Wellbeing Lead, to see if it would be possible for the Beavers to visit the therapy area, and undertake an art activity. I wanted the Beavers to see how their donation would help to support local people who need care; helping them to understand having seen the physical place.
“Jane has been amazing and came up with some ideas and beavered away to make sure everything was ready for the evening. We asked the Beavers some general questions, then asked Jane to tell us what it is that happens in that area. They were very interested and surprised by the variety of things. We then started the art activity which they really enjoyed.
“I hope to incorporate some other activities in our coming sessions, and hope to visit the hospice again. Watch this space.”
Caroline Dixon, from Pilgrims said:“We had a fabulous time with our Broadstairs Beavers, they were really keen to learn, and by visiting the hospice, it’s given them an opportunity to find out first-hand about the special care we offer here.”
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.
