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 2,500 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.