Charlotte’s story: “Pilgrims treated my grandma like royalty”
Charlotte Ridley, an editor and artist from Smarden, ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon for Pilgrims Hospices in October 2026 in memory of her grandma, Jean Ridley.
She raised more than £1,200 for the hospice charity to say thank you for the care Jean received in her final weeks.
Charlotte with her grandma, Jean
Jean lived in Smarden her whole life, and was well-loved within her local community. In 2023, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer; after two years of chemotherapy treatment, she was referred to Pilgrims Hospices, and died at the Ashford hospice in January 2025, aged 87.
Charlotte said: “My grandma and I were very close; we lived together for most of my life. She always supported me and was the strongest woman in my entire family.
“She said yes to every possible treatment offered and went through chemo like an absolute boss, hardly ever complaining, simply playing the cards she was dealt. From the minute she was diagnosed, she unequivocally said she wanted to go into the Ashford hospice when the time came; she’d volunteered in Pilgrims’ Tenterden shop for more than 10 years when she was younger, so was familiar with the charity.
“Her wishes were upheld; in January 2025, upon needing a bed, the Ashford team did everything they could to get her in quickly and with no fuss. They treated her like royalty whilst supporting our family through the toughest weeks. She received the best care, and she fought for those final weeks with everything she had, under the incredible care of the Ashford hospice staff. They were always on hand to help and nothing was too much trouble. They even visited my grandma at home and called daily to offer support before she was officially in their care.
Charlotte and her grandma at an art exhibition in April 2024
“After she passed, it was her wish that donations be made in her name to Pilgrims; from the church service and donations via the funeral directors, over £1,000 was raised in her memory! I wanted to carry this forward through my own fundraising.”
Charlotte completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 11 October 2026, raising £1,288.99 for Pilgrims. Many donations came from her local community, who knew and loved Jean. Charlotte also runs a print club – Pelican Post (@charlotteridleyart) – which is a monthly subscription service where members receive original artwork designed and created by her, through the post. Charlotte advertised that all profits from the months before the half marathon would go towards her fundraising goal, something that contributed massively to her total:
Charlotte at the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026
“I woke up on the day of the Royal Parks Half Marathon super excited for the event and the day ahead. I crossed the start line at about 09:00am kitted out in Pilgrims blue, with blue hairclips and blue jewelry to match!
“The atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic races was absolutely amazing; it was such a privilege to run through the streets lined with supporters and see famous landmarks as I made my way round. It started to get really tough around 18km, but as I remembered why I was running, I pushed through to get a time I was really proud of. I crossed the finish line knowing I had given it my best shot and feeling really proud to represent the people I was running for.
“The rest of the day was dedicated to eating a copious amount of pastries and reuniting with my supporters, who were definitely the loudest ones cheering at the 15km checkpoint! I’m so grateful to Pilgrims for enabling me to represent them, and I hope that all the amazing people who have donated to me know that they’ve made such a difference.”
Charlotte continued:
“I thought it would be fitting to draw attention to a charity very close to home, not only emotionally due to the personal connection, but literally! I personally wanted to be able to know that my fundraising efforts and donations contributed to the great work Pilgrims do in east Kent.
“Our community were incredible in supporting my fundraising, and they also shared their favourite memories of my grandma, which was lovely. In addition, my mum, Alison, is an artist and arts events organiser, and has been instrumental in helping me build and run my print club, to ensure the largest percentage of profits could go towards my goal.
“I hope that through my fundraising, more people learn about the great work Pilgrims does, and that the money raised helps to give others the same care my family received at the most critical time; I hope more families are lucky enough to be cared for by Pilgrims when they need it most.”
Feeling inspired to take on your next running challenge for Pilgrims?
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of 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.
6th October 2026
Forty years of kindness: Pilgrims nurse reflects on a lifetime of care
A Pilgrims Hospices nurse is celebrating an incredible 40 years with the charity, marking a lifetime dedicated to supporting patients and families during some of their most difficult moments.
Tricia in her early nursing career
Tricia Ash joined Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in September 1986, following a nursing career that began six years earlier at King’s College Hospital in London. Now, after 46 years in nursing, she continues to feel the same passion and sense of purpose that inspired her at the beginning of her journey.
“I always thought I would go into some sort of medical profession,” says Tricia. “My mother was a nurse and my father was a doctor, so it felt like a natural path for me. Looking back, it was definitely the right decision.”
During her nursing training, Tricia attended a lecture by Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement, which inspired her to pursue a career in hospice care.
“I remember sitting there thinking, ‘This is the type of nursing that I want to do.’ I wanted to work somewhere where there was no drama, where you could spend time with patients and where care was truly centred around the individual.”
After gaining experience at St Christopher’s Hospice in London, Tricia moved to Kent and began her career with Pilgrims, where she has cared for countless patients and families over four decades.
For Tricia, hospice nursing remains a privilege.
“Being able to walk alongside a patient and their family when they are facing some of the hardest times of their lives is something I never take for granted. As part of the community team, I also feel incredibly privileged to go into people’s homes and support them there.”
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Tricia enjoyed a tea party with colleagues to celebrate her anniversary
Sarah Martins, Pilgrims Hospices Deputy Head of Nursing, said:
“For 40 years, Tricia has supported countless patients and their loved ones across her various roles. Always kind, patient and thorough, she has truly embodied the principles of hospice care, keeping our core values at the heart of all she does.
“Guiding and supporting colleagues throughout their professional journeys at Pilgrims has been an important part of helping to develop the next generation of our team. I know they have greatly appreciated Tricia’s calm and methodical approach, alongside the wealth of wisdom and experience she has always been so generous in sharing.
“Tricia has evolved alongside the hospice, witnessing many changes within our service and the wider healthcare system. Throughout this time, she has kept her practice up to date while ensuring that care, compassion and dignity remain at the heart of her nursing.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside her, and I know she has the utmost respect of the wider team for her knowledge, understanding and steady approach. Whether supporting patients over the phone or face to face, Tricia ensures they feel heard, valued and cared for, particularly at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
“Congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone, Tricia. It’s a huge achievement.”
Tricia
Throughout her career, Tricia has witnessed many changes in nursing, but believes the most important qualities remain the same:
“Being organised, listening well and appearing calm and unrushed, even when you are very busy, are all important qualities of a great nurse.”
She says one of the things she values most about Pilgrims is the shared commitment across the organisation:
“I love the fact that everyone in the Pilgrims team has the patient and their family at the centre of everything they do. Everyone has the same focus and supports each other so much.”
After 46 years in nursing, Tricia still finds every day rewarding:
“No two days are the same. I genuinely feel that I learn something new every day, which is one of the things I love about the job. It is incredibly rewarding looking after people.”
Reflecting on what reaching 40 years with Pilgrims means to her, Tricia says:
“It has given me a wonderful insight into different people’s lives, and this has given me more than I have given.”
Tricia’s family describe her as patient, kind, calm and caring, qualities that have undoubtedly touched the lives of many patients, families and colleagues throughout her remarkable nursing journey.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of 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.
5th October 2026
Remembering our dads with love: Yat and Claire’s story
Yat and Claire Lee from Herne Bay support Pilgrims Hospices in memory of their fathers, Wai Lung Lee and David Ingrey, who were cared for at the Canterbury hospice within 12 months of each other – Wai Lung in December 2024, and David in September-October 2025.
The family felt so supported by Pilgrims, both during Wai Lung and David’s illnesses and after their deaths, that they are keen to give back; they want to help ensure that other local families can receive the same compassionate care.
Yat’s father, Wai Lung
Yat, Claire and their 3-year-old daughter, April, attended Sunflower Memories at the Canterbury hospice in July 2026. The event provides an opportunity to dedicate memory markers to Wai Lung and David, which are planted in the hospice gardens, and spend a summer’s afternoon reflecting and remembering with love.
Yat said:
“It was such a lovely and poignant day for us. As April is still so young, she doesn’t yet fully understand the significance of the day or how much it means to both of us.
“The support that my mother, my four siblings, and I received during Dad’s time at the hospice was truly indescribable. The team at Pilgrims, along with the support from their Stepping Stones services, helped us through one of the most difficult periods of our lives.
Claire’s father, David
“When my father-in-law, David, was referred to the hospice, we experienced the same outstanding level of care, compassion, and support that I had witnessed a year earlier.
“With both bereavements happening less than a year apart, it was very difficult. Without Pilgrims’ help, we don’t know how we would have coped.
“We feel we owe so much to the staff at Pilgrims. They made the remaining time both our fathers had as comfortable and dignified as possible, and that is something our families will never forget.
“It’s so important to raise awareness of the incredible work Pilgrims does, which is why we want to share our story.”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of 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.
11th September 2026
Doorstep Duets returns to Pilgrims Hospices
Doorstep Duets, a project created by New Adventures and Farnham Maltings as a response to social isolation, returned to Pilgrims Hospices for a third time in July 2026.
These performances bring joy to patients, carers and staff; with audience participation and reflection encouraged, they offer an opportunity for creativity and imagination to thrive.
This year’s performance, The Bench, created by choreographer Glenn Graham, and performed by dancers of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, tells the story of three people whose lives overlap in unexpected ways. It’s a poetic and moving exploration of memory, connection, and the quiet moments that shape us.
The park bench brings together characters from vastly different time periods. As they explore the possessions they carry with them, objects they hold dear, they find new connection and support in this chance encounter.
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Elizabeth Hollywood, Wellbeing Practitioner, said:
“Patients and carers really enjoyed the dance performance, and the buffet supplied by our hospice catering team added to a very special day. The dancers spent time talking to everyone afterwards, and were thanked by staff and patients for a brilliant performance.”
Paul Mount, a patient, added: “The dancers were good and did very well; I loved it.”
After the performance, the audience was encouraged to talk about what they’d seen or take some time to quietly think about it on their own, reflecting on how the story might mean something different to them than it does to other people.
You can keep up to date with New Adventures’ work on social media:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of 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.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices support thousands of people across east Kent who are living with life-limiting conditions.
Although hospice care is often associated with beds on in-patient wards, much of Pilgrims’ care takes place in the community – in people’s own homes, and in care homes.
Thanks to skilled, compassionate and dedicated community teams, Pilgrims is able to bring hospice care directly to patients who wish to remain at home, or in familiar surroundings, rather than be on a ward. This includes Hospice at Home, a team of Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) who attend to patients who are at the very end of their life and/or who have suddenly, rapidly deteriorated.
Jo Cottam, a retired NHS Senior Manager turned holiday let owner from Tenterden, experienced Pilgrims’ community care after her mum, Patricia Edwards, was diagnosed with vascular dementia. She shares how Pilgrims supported her mum and their family at the end of Patricia’s life.
Jo shares her story:
“In 2019, my mother was diagnosed with vascular dementia. She lived in a charming cottage on our property, spending her days with us in the main house and returning to her cottage at night.
In early July 2025, Mum’s health took a concerning turn. She stopped eating for about a week, drank less than we hoped, and lost her mobility, making walking (especially navigating steps between our house and her cottage) extremely difficult and distressing for her. My husband, Simon, and her carer, Steve, provided essential support, but we grew increasingly worried.
We decided to keep Mum in her cottage full-time, as moving her was too challenging. This meant constant supervision, as she couldn’t be left alone. Encouraging her to take fluids was a slow, painstaking process of syringing small amounts into her mouth. On 10 July, we called our GP, who visited promptly. He prescribed antibiotics for a possible UTI, end-of-life medications, and arranged a referral to Pilgrims’ Hospice at Home team.
Jo’s mum, Patricia
After a three-day course of antibiotics, Mum began to improve, slowly resuming eating and drinking.
Soon after, I received a call offering additional care support, which we desperately needed. Mum required physical assistance to move between her bed and sofa, constant prompting to eat and drink, and round-the-clock supervision.
Unfortunately, the caller later informed us that no additional care could be arranged immediately, though an equipment assessment was scheduled for the next day.
To our surprise and relief, that evening, two wonderful Hospice at Home carers, Jo and Sandra, arrived and said they would visit Mum twice daily. I was initially apprehensive, as Mum was used to familiar faces, but Jo and Sandra’s warmth and gentle introductions put her at ease. Mum smiled and co-operated fully, a testament to their kind and professional approach.
Over the next few weeks, every pair of hospice carers who visited showed the same compassion, treating Mum with dignity and respect.
They also supported our family, offering practical advice and emotional reassurance in overwhelming moments.
As a former Senior NHS Manager with over 25 years of experience, and with my husband, a retired Consultant Anaesthetist, we both recognise exceptional care when we see it. The hospice carers delivered first-class service.
We were astonished to learn they travelled significant distances to reach us in Tenterden, covering a vast geographical area. The team, led by the remarkable Mandy Hilden, exemplified dedication. Mandy’s hands-on leadership was inspiring – she never asked her team to do anything she wouldn’t do herself.
The carers went above and beyond, ensuring Mum was clean, dressed in her preferred clothes, and had her hair washed and styled. They made her laugh and calmed her anxieties, especially when she became distressed during repositioning, gently reassuring her even when she grabbed them in fear.
The rapport we built with the hospice carers in such a short time was extraordinary.
On 24 July 2025, Caitlin, a Palliative Specialist Care Nurse from Pilgrims, visited to assess Mum for potential future hospice care. Caitlin’s professional yet friendly demeanour brought smiles to Mum’s face. She patiently explained everything and answered our questions thoroughly. At the time, Caitlin was optimistic about Mum’s condition, believing hospice care wouldn’t be needed soon.
Tragically, on 29 July 2025, Mum passed away suddenly and peacefully at home, with us by her side, holding her hand. Caitlin, upon hearing the news, called to offer her condolences and support. Her kindness, taking the time to listen and guide me toward the hospice’s counselling services, meant the world during such a shocking and painful moment.
Pilgrims is an exceptional organisation, dedicated to supporting individuals with terminal illnesses, offering compassionate care in both community settings and specialised units. They prioritise the needs and dignity of each person, ensuring the highest quality of care during their final days.
Additionally, Pilgrims provides a nurturing environment for families, fostering support and understanding throughout the process.
The hospice team’s communication, care, and support for both Mum and our family were exceptional. We are immensely grateful for this vital service, which relies so heavily on charitable donations. Their compassion and professionalism made an unbearable time more bearable, and we cannot thank them enough.”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of 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.
8th October 2025
Caring in the community: Stephen and Heather’s Hospice at Home story
When Stephen Coles looks back on the care his wife, Heather, received in her final months, he speaks with deep gratitude for the compassion and tenderness shown by the Pilgrims Hospices Hospice at Home team.
Heather, aged 64, had been living with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. She died peacefully at home on 29 July 2025, with her husband by her side.
Heather
Heather had enjoyed a long and dedicated career at Benenden Hospital, where she worked for more than 25 years, most recently as Director of Infection Control, before retiring early due to ill health.
Stephen, who also worked at Benenden, cared for Heather at home in Ashford throughout her last year of life. As Heather became more frail and her needs increased, they were supported first by the Pilgrims community team, and later by the Pilgrims Hospice at Home carers.
Stephen and Heather met online in 2011, and their love story began soon after. They shared their first date at The Tickled Trout in Wye and, as Stephen fondly recalls, they both ordered the same meal of liver and bacon.
“I knew straight away she was the one for me,” he said.
As Heather’s condition progressed, their home was adapted to make caring for her easier, with a hospital bed moved into the downstairs room. Stephen stayed close by her side, sleeping nearby to offer reassurance and comfort.
Stephen and Hannah
Heather’s daughter, Hannah, was also a great support to both her mum and stepdad.
When the Hospice at Home team began visiting, Stephen immediately felt the difference their presence made:
“They didn’t just wash and care for Heather,” he explained. “They did so much more than I expected – washing her hair, tending to her so gently and with such kindness. I found their support really helpful for me, too. The level of care and commitment they showed was exceptional.”
The Hospice at Home team specialises in supporting patients and families at the very end of life, providing comfort, dignity, and peace at home.
Mandy Hilden, Team Lead, said:
“We know this is such a difficult time for those we visit, so we make sure we arrive with the right mindset to help both our patient and their family. We can’t make them better, so let’s make it the best end of life that we can.”
Hannah, a yoga teacher, added her own reflections:
“At first, there was an element of disappointment when we realised Mum was too poorly to be moved to the hospice. But we soon saw what the Hospice at Home team could achieve at home – it was extraordinary. The personalised, gentle care made such a difference. We all felt safe, like a weight had been lifted. There was no rush, just calm, attentive support.”
For Stephen, having the Hospice at Home team alongside them made Heather’s wish to remain in her own home possible, surrounded by love.
“After a difficult and tiring year, we were so pleased to have their support,” he said. “They cared for Heather so tenderly and were there until the very end. It gave us the chance to be with her at home, just as she wanted.”
He added: “Both Heather’s and my own children have been a tower of strength during these early weeks after Heather died. It has been a difficult time for us all, but I’ve felt it important to share the message about this very special element of Pilgrims Hospices care. The Hospice at Home team made Heather’s end-of-life journey as comfortable as possible, and we will always be grateful.”
Heather’s family chose a green burial with close family and friends, followed by a celebration of her life at Eastwell Manor, where Hannah teaches yoga. Almost 200 family, friends and colleagues came together that day to remember Heather and celebrate the life of a much-loved wife, mum and friend.
“It was a joy to be surrounded by so much love,” Stephen shared.
In Heather’s memory, the family set up a Facebook fundraising page, which has raised more than £1,400 so far, to be shared between Pilgrims Hospices and the Lewy Body Dementia support group – a lasting tribute to Heather’s life and legacy.
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.
