Pilgrims supporters add colour to the coastline of Thanet
The Thanet 5K Colour Run returned to Margate with a blast of colour on Sunday 20 October, raising valuable funds for Pilgrims Hospices care. More than 800 adults and children were on a mission to add colour to the coastline of Thanet. Complete with colourful glasses and white t-shirts, excited Pilgrims supporters got ready to run, jog and walk through the clouds of vibrant and multi-coloured paints.
Those taking part warmed up with a fun work out from 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 toward Palm Bay.
The atmosphere this event creates is just incredible.
Karen, Pilgrims Hospices
Karen said: “This is Pilgrims Hospices fourth Colour Run and, again we’ve exceeded our expectations.
“We were delighted to welcome Pilgrims Chair of Trustees, Richard Davis, who came to watch the spectacle and cheer our runners on their way. Richard also handed out the colourful sunglasses to everyone taking part in the event.”
Richard said: “I went to help and support at the Colour Run last year and, put my name down to get involved again this year.
“The colours and the number of supporters are just overwhelming, such a wonderful and enjoyable event for the whole family.”
Karen went on to say: “The atmosphere this event creates is just incredible; you really have to be there to see it, colour and laughter all the way.
“What an amazing way to raise much needed funds to support palliative care for the next person who needs us.”
A huge Pilgrims thank you to Your Leisure, Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, Margate Ambulance, Stagecoach, Copy Shop, Academy Radio, Matt & Vino from Mini Stores in Deal, Bex for our warm up, all the staff and volunteers who helped make the event possible and most importantly, each and everyone of you for taking part. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did, see you all next year.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 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.
14th October 2019
Successful fundraising year for St. Anthony’s School
There were lots of smiles and a big cheer when pupils and staff at St. Anthony’s School in Margate learned how successful their fundraising year had been by raising an incredible £2092.27 for the school’s charity of choice, Pilgrims Hospices.
Over the year they held cake sales, a colouring competition, did a Christmas card fundraiser and took part in sponsored walks, they raised an amazing £2092.27 for the charity.
Caroline Dixon, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Officer, said: “I really can’t thank everyone at the school enough for their amazing support. It’s been so lovely to be part of their fundraising activities over the year, especially when I have been invited along to their cake sales. This wonderful amount has been raised by both the pupils and staff, a great team effort.”
We are proud to contribute to our community in this way and we are already planning further exciting fundraisers for this coming year.
Antony Curry, St. Anthony’s School
St. Anthony’s Assistant Head Teacher Antony Curry is incredibly proud of what everyone at the school has achieved, he said: “Pupils at St. Anthony’s take great pride in supporting Pilgrims Hospices. Through our friendship with Caroline, we have gained an understanding of the importance and outstanding work the charity does.
“This association has allowed our students to show their caring and generous nature. This remarkable amount of money has been raised through a variety of events that have been hugely enjoyed by all.
“We are proud to contribute to our community in this way and we are already planning further exciting fundraisers for this coming year.”
The pupils sponsored walk took place on Monday 15th July and Head Teacher Rob Page joined them on their 20 laps of the school field. Each person who took part received a special medal from Caroline as a thank you from the charity and a well-deserved ice lolly from Antony which went down very well with everyone.
I am made to feel so welcome by everyone, it’s always a pleasure to visit St. Anthony’s School.
Caroline, Pilgrims
Caroline added: “I am looking forward to my next visit, every time I go to the school I am made to feel so welcome by everyone, it’s always a pleasure to visit St Anthony’s.”
If your school would like to support Pilgrims Hospices and would like more information on the many ways you can do this please contact [email protected].
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
30th September 2019
Ramsgate firefighters support Pilgrims Colour Run
The Ramsgate firefighters are supporting this year’s 5K Colour Run in memory of their friend and work colleague Dave Halls, who was a watch manager for many years.
Brett Andrews, friend and work colleague said: “We want to give something back to Pilgrims Hospices in support of the wonderful palliative care Dave received this year. We feel this fun and colourful event is a perfect way to reflect Dave’s memory and raise funds and awareness for the charity that cared for him and his family.
This family-friendly 5K event is an explosion of colour fun
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager and organiser of the event said: “This really is a fun event; with a Zumba warm-up, followed by an amazing colour blast prior to the start and even more colour as you run, walk or jog through colour stations along the coastal route. Everyone receives a colour sachet, white tee shirt and funky glasses on the day and a stunning Colour Run medal at the finish.
If you would like to join this event; waste no time and sign up today! You will have fun and laughter all the way and knowing that you will be helping provide care for the next person that needs us, will make this even more special.”
This family-friendly 5K event is an explosion of colour fun. Take in amazing coastal views as you run, walk or jog through clouds of brightly coloured powder paint around the route.
Standard entry price until 14 October, you can also sign up on the day, registration desks open at 9.30am.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
30th May 2019
It’s a Knockout came to Ramsgate
Supporters enjoyed Pilgrims Hospices It’s a Knockout event at Government Acre, Ramsgate on Sunday 19 May 2019.
The Thanet hospice fundraising team has run this much-loved event for the past seven years; generating vital funds for hospice care and an opportunity for friends, families and local businesses to take on some crazy antics and compete against each team for that most important winner’s medal.
Teams took part in the hilarious bouncy obstacle courses, wet and dry challenges as well as fancy dress, each team taking a chance and playing their joker cards to win top points. The laughter was infectious as the teams competed to win while supporting the much-loved local charity.
You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
Teams from around the area took part including SPH Charity Team (Spencer Private Hospitals) from Margate. They supported the event again because each member of the team has known someone who has been supported by Pilgrims Hospices.
The English Roses team said: “We took part to help raise vital funds to help support the amazing care provided at Pilgrims Hospices; one of our team members, Maxine White, is a Health Care Assistant (HCA) at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, what a brilliant day we’ve had.”
Nicola Williams, team captain of Nic’s Knockouts from Ramsgate, said: “We love this event and so want to win this year; I have also made a joker this year of Donald Trump.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager and organiser of the event, said: “This really is a fun event with many supporters returning each year, some of the jokers are hilarious.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended either by taking part, sponsoring their team members, spectators who came along to cheer the teams, the staff and volunteers for helping run our fun stalls, Margate ambulance, catering teams and our very own Knockout team members, and to those who made or dressed up as mascots to help their teams double points.
“Your wonderful support will enable us to continue to provide palliative care for the next person who needs it, both within the hospice and at home. Last year the event raised an incredible £16,400. Early indications show that this year’s event has raised around £5,000 with further sponsorship still to come in.”
Karen added: “It costs just over £6,800 a day to run each of our three hospice inpatient units, so community support from events like this makes a huge difference to our charity.
The winning team was Nic’s Knockouts (they did it, so competitive) and runners up were Broadstairs Business Club and The Wibbly Wobbly Marauders, with team English Roses coming in the last place and receiving wooden spoons.
“Everyone who supported the event received a medal from Pilgrims Hospices, whatever place they finished, as a huge thank you for taking part. You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.”
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 and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
21st May 2019
Matt’s TransAtlantic Way cycle challenge
On Thursday 6 June 2019, Matt Seward will join 200 other cyclists as he attempts to ride the TransAtlantic Way; a solo self-supported 2,500km route along the western coast of Ireland. Starting in Dublin, riders head to Derry and follow the coast all the way to Kinsale near Cork.
Matt from Broadstairs, who works at his local family printing business, Seaward Copy Shop, is keen to support Pilgrims Hospices. He told us: “I am doing this ride in memory of my dad Roger who passed away last September after his year-long battle with cancer. Dad was 75 years old; he’d always been a fighter, overcoming many illnesses during his life and before he lost his sight he was a keen cyclist himself, raising money for charity.
This is my biggest challenge yet!
Matt Seward
“Pilgrims Hospices were so supportive, they really helped to comfort my dad and the whole family. They respected his wishes and maintained his dignity right to the end so that he could be at home where he passed away with his family by his side. Their support was invaluable.
“You don’t truly realise the positive impact and the great work that they do until you need them.”
On the ride, Matt is aiming to cycle around 325km each day, sleeping under the stars on some nights and staying at bed and breakfasts on others to catch up with a good night’s sleep.
“I have wild camped around the Lake District and Snowdonia, therefore have some experiences to draw down upon. I find that when I am tired every bench, bus shelter or bush looks appealing.”
Matt sporting his Pilgrims Hospices cycling jersey
Matt began seriously training for his challenge in January this year, increasing his cycling hours by using an indoor trainer during the winter months. He has completed some overnight rides of around 300km and has been to Ireland to do a training ride around the Ring of Kerry.
Matt told us: “I am a member of Thanet Road Club and I’ve been doing long distance cycling challenges for the past few years. This is my biggest challenge yet!
“I am cycling around the entire route on my own and unsupported; carrying all of my clothes, sleeping bag and tools with me. I must find places to buy food on the route. In this wild part of Ireland, it can sometimes be 80km between shops!
“Although there is no official cut off time for finishing, there is a finishers party on Saturday 15 June; I hope to make it to the finish by then in time for a Guinness!”
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 and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
29th November 2018
Afternoon high tea at Pilgrims
Students from Broadstairs College treated hospice patients, Therapy Centre users, staff and guests to a scrumptious afternoon high tea last week.
The students aged 16 – 18 years who are studying level 2 and 3 Catering and Hospitality arrived in chefs whites for cooking and black and whites for the front of house team.
Roger Phillips, Head of Catering for East Kent College, said: “The students take part in events within the community as part of their curriculum. Many of the group have only recently started their course in September and are progressing really well.
“The college is keen to expose trainees to a diverse range of opportunities to broaden their skills and offer them opportunities to enhance their progress into employment. Training at Pilgrims’ hospice in Margate, is just one of the many ways we are helping our young people to engage with their community.”
Training at Pilgrims’ hospice in Margate, is just one of the many ways we are helping our young people to engage with the community.
Roger Phillips, East Kent College
The students prepared and cooked cakes, pastries, and sandwiches; all beautifully presented and served.
Georgina Braithwaite, Head Chef for Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, said: “It’s lovely to have the support from our local community and not just with financial donations. The students had the opportunity to find out more about what happens here and discover we are much more than a hospice ward.
“I would like to thank Roger, his colleague Rob Allsworth and the students for offering us such a lovely treat.”
Ian Ashton, Head of Catering for Pilgrims Hospices, is working with Broadstairs College to identify opportunities to offer some work experience placements for students next year.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims’ support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit How we Help for more information.
The students prepared and cooked cakes, pastries, and sandwiches; all beautifully presented and served.