NHS team get colourful for local hospice care in memory of colleague Trish
On 26 September 2021, laughter and colourful powder paint filled the air in Palm Bay, Cliftonville as hundreds walked, jogged and ran the Thanet 5k Colour Run to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. Amongst them were a team from the cardiology department at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), who took part in memory of their much-loved colleague, Trish Penman.
The team has raised almost £1,000 to help ensure that Pilgrims’ holistic, compassionate services continue to be available to people across east Kent who are living with a terminal illness.
Trish worked at the QEQM, Kent and Canterbury and William Harvey hospitals in cardiology, respiratory and A&E. She was 49 when she diagnosed with advanced cancer in November 2020, and was supported by Pilgrims at the end of her life; she died in the Thanet hospice on 31 July 2021.
Catherine Goult, Chief Cardiac Physiologist at EKHUFT, said:
“Trish was known and loved around the Trust for her smile, her twerking, her generosity of spirit and her phenomenal work ethic. When she was diagnosed, she made her wish known that she would like to spend her final days in Pilgrims Hospices; she felt it was somewhere she and her two boys could be cared for and supported at that time.”
Catherine and her colleagues decided to enter the Thanet 5k Colour Run so that Pilgrims’ vital services can continue to be offered to those who need them in the future. They have been supported in their fundraising by many kind people, and aim to plan a few more fundraising activities to reach their £1,000 target.
She continued: “It was moving to be at the start with so many other people whose lives had also been touched by Pilgrims; reading the messages on their numbers and t-shirts made it clear that everyone was there for a reason close to their heart. It was a great way to celebrate the life of our friend because the day was filled with laughter and colour! We loved seeing people’s costumes, too.
“Trish would have loved the warm-up because she loved music and dancing and was so energetic. The atmosphere was great and everyone was just having fun. The colour cannons made sure that we all finished fully covered in powder paint!
“From the registration process through to the marshals on the day and the very welcome packet of crisps at the end (best crisps I’ve ever had!), at every point everyone was so kind. It made us feel proud that we’d achieved something together in Trish’s memory; the medals are also really unique and quirky, they’re a great souvenir of the day.”
Pilgrims means a lot to us because death is something that we will all have to face at some point. It can be a frightening time, but Pilgrims can take away some of the fear and pain; they can alleviate suffering and bring humanity, dignity and even joy into those final days.
Catherine
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “It was lovely to welcome Catherine and her colleagues to support this year’s Thanet Colour Run. This event always brings so much fun, laugher and colour to all who join it each year. It’s just wonderful to see so many people come together to support our charity in such a joyous way, and in turn help raise incredible funding for the next person who needs us. Thank you all so very much and enjoy your well-earned medals with pride; we hope to see you next year.”
Catherine added:
“Pilgrims was there for Trish and her family at the hardest time they’ve ever had to face. Trish was given comfort and dignity during the final days of her life.
“Pilgrims means a lot to us because death is something that we will all have to face at some point. It can be a frightening time, but Pilgrims can take away some of the fear and pain; they can alleviate suffering and bring humanity, dignity and even joy into those final days. The hospice is a sanctuary that helps us to focus on the present and live each moment.”
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.
30th September 2021
Colour Run returns in Thanet for Pilgrims Hospices
The Pilgrims Hospices 5k Colour Run returned to Thanet with a blast of colour on Sunday 26 September 2021.
Over 400 adults and children attended, complete with colourful glasses and white t-shirts, all ready to run and walk through the clouds of vibrant and multi-coloured powders.
Those taking part warmed up with a fun warm-up with Bex from Zuma Margate, followed by the countdown from Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager. The sky was filled with colour as the lively crowds made their way through the colour stations and along the coastal route from The Oval, Clintonville, Margate. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of laughter as everyone set off along the coastal route down towards Palm Bay.
Karen said: “It was so lovely to see many attend and some familiar faces for the fifth year of this Colour Run in support of Pilgrims Hospices. This really is such a colourful event to be seen and be involved in, plus an incredible way to raise much needed funds to support palliative care for the next person who needs us. It was just wonderful to welcome back our supporters and to see the enjoyment it brings to all those who attend and help support the event on the day.
“A huge Pilgrims thank you to all who helped in supporting the event, our volunteers and staff who helped make the event possible and most importantly, each an everyone of you for taking part on the day.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford 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.
12th August 2020
Head shave raises £2,000 for Pilgrims Hospices
Sally Gibbs has supported Pilgrims Hospices with a spontaneous head shave to help raise vital funds to support end of life care. To make this challenge even more memorable Sally’s head was shaved by her mother- in-law, Sylvia Gibbs who is currently receiving care in Margate.
Sally said; “I would just like to thank everyone that supported me and donated towards this amazing charity.
“Pilgrims Hospices go above and beyond to help and care for loved ones. I just wanted to show my appreciation for everything they do.
“By shaving my head, together we raised £2,000, which was a great effort. Thank you and everyone and stay safe.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said; “Having incredible people like Sally and Sylvia supporting our charity helps us to continue to provide daily palliative care throughout east Kent to the next person that needs us.
“£25 would pay for one hour of specialist nursing care in one of our inpatient units. Sally, Sylvia, family and friends have helped provide 80 hours to the next person that needs us.
“Thank you to each and everyone of you that made a donation to make this possible, and most of all thank you Sally for taking on this courageous challenge.”
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford 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.
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of our charity, please contact:
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patient’s to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
7th August 2020
Plantlet in Broadstairs raises £1,450 for Pilgrims Hospices
Izzi Brown the owner of Plantlet in Broadstairs has supported Pilgrims Hospices by making face coverings and selling a staggering 290 to her regular customers.
Izzi said; “After making myself a plant themed face covering, customers began asking where they could get them. So I decided to make some to sell in the shop and raise funds for Pilgrims Hospices.
“I couldn’t believe the demand! In just under 2 weeks, I have made and sold 290 face covering, selling them at £5 each and therefore raising £1,450. This involved many very late nights and early mornings! I only intended on making a few masks in the hope of raising a little bit of money.
Thank you Izzi for being so creative and thinking of us at such difficult times for all.
Karen – Pilgrims
“I have been blown away by the support of my wonderful customers. Unfortunately as I also run the business, I have now made the decision that 290 masks is where I am going to have to stop!
“I have had family members cared for by the hospice; I am so pleased to have done something to help support them during these difficult times for charities.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said: “Izzi and our local community provide ongoing donations that enable us to continue to provide daily palliative care throughout east Kent to those who need us most. We really need them more than ever now in these challenging times.
“We cannot thank you all enough for every penny donated to support our care. £1,400 would cover the cost of our community care teams at one of our sites for 24 hours. Thank you Izzi for being so creative and thinking of us at such difficult times for all.”
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of our charity, please contact: Fundraisingto find your local area Pilgrims Hospices fundraising manager, or look at our new virtual site for ideas: StayHomeHospiceHero.
We need you more than ever, Thank you.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patient’s to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford 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.
3rd July 2020
Thanet Sunrise Rotary Club annual Big Knit
The Thanet Sunrise Rotary Club’s generous £1,000 donation comes at a time when Pilgrims Hospices really needs the support of the community of east Kent. The money has been raised through the annual community ‘Rotary Big Knit’.
Caroline Winzer from Thanet Sunrise Rotary Club said: “Each year Thanet Sunrise Rotary Club organise a very special community event; the ‘Rotary Big Knit’ which takes place in April raising thousands of pounds in just one afternoon and attended by over 150 knitters.
“Four charities are nominated each year to benefit from this one event and Pilgrims Hospice, Thanet had been one of those charities this year.
“The Club were devastated to cancel the event due to the COVID-19 crisis, but a small handful of knitters still donated or knitted in isolation and collected almost £1000.
“This generosity together with other funds already raised during the previous months enabled the club to still donate £1000. Thanet Sunrise Rotary Club meet weekly for breakfast and are pictured here at their Christmas breakfast meeting” (photo taken prior to the Covid 19 outbreak in the UK).
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager for Pilgrims Hospice Thanet said: “Our charity is facing challenging times during the COVID-19 outbreak; the Rotary Club’s very generous donation of £1,000 couldn’t have come at a better time. The past few months have been unexpectedly difficult for Pilgrims Hospices, despite this our vital work has not stopped and we still continue to provide compassionate care and support at our hospices and in the community to ensure our patients, their families and our staff are all remaining safe.”
Pilgrims has launched the Still Here; Still Caring Appeal, where the local community and businesses are making donations to support the hospices whilst the normal fundraising activities are postponed. www.pilgrimshospices.org/still-caring
In order to keep the core of event supporters interested during these difficult times, the fundraising team has launched a new virtual campaign called #StayHomeHospiceHero. This is helping our team remain engaged with our wonderful local community and offers opportunities to continue to help us from home, such as a virtual hike around the Isle of Wight in July and a Virtual Pet Show.
Karen continued: “Our care team has developed and implemented lots of change to adapt and respond to our patients needs during lockdown, they continue to deliver end-of-life services both within our inpatient units and in the community by telephone and online facilities.”
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of our charity, please contact Karen Kenward call 01843 233934 or email: karen.kenward@pilgrimshospices.org or look at Pilgrims new virtual site for ideas.
We need you more than ever, thank you.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patient’s to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
27th April 2020
The Rotary Club of Thanet support Pilgrims Hospices
The Rotary Club of Thanet are unable to meet at the Royal Temple Yacht Club for their regular Monday evenings, during the coronavirus lockdown. They have generously donated their weekly meal money to local charities who are being affected within the community.
Neal Elliott from the Rotary Club said: “We are donating £1,000 to Pilgrims Hospices who are short of funds due to the current crisis, along with donations to other charities.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said: “With the charity facing challenging times, together with everyone in the UK due to the COVID-19 outbreak this generous donation of £1,000 couldn’t have come at a better time.
“The past few weeks have been unexpectedly difficult for Pilgrims Hospices. Sadly, we recently had to ask most of our incredible 1,500 volunteers to stay safely at home, close our shops, cancel or postpone many of our fundraising activities.
“Despite this, our vital work has not stopped. We still continue to provide compassionate care and support at our hospices and in the community to ensure our patients, their families and our staff are all remaining safe.
The charity has developed and implemented lots of changes to adapt and respond at this time for the community that needs its services. It has been creative about how it can continue to deliver services both within its inpatient units and to those it cares for and supports in the community by telephone and online facilities.
It costs £14 million per year to run the full range of Pilgrims clinical services. To do this, the charity relies heavily on the support and generosity of the local community. It has to raise 80% of the £14 million and these costs are generated through fundraising and donations. The coming months will be an extremely challenging time for Pilgrims and it remains positive, creative and innovative to aim to be there for the next family that needs its clinical care.
Karen added: “I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for thinking of Pilgrims Hospices in such difficult times; we are so very humbled and grateful.”
Please note: All photos featured were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are so many ways you can continue to support Pilgrims, even from your homes. Visit the Pilgrims website for some virtual challenges and become a #StayHomeHospiceHero, helping to make a difference from your home.
We need you more than ever; our local community means everything to us.
Thank you.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 people in east Kent, who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.