Pilgrims Hospices patients get creative with Hamlet writing project
Pilgrims Hospices has been working with the Marlowe Theatre to offer patients the opportunity to get involved with various creative projects, with the aim of improving wellbeing through engaging in something meaningful.
Beginning with a Hamlet-inspired musical theatre project in 2024/25, the collaboration continued with a Hamlet-themed creative writing project in Spring 2026. Over four weeks, patients came together at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury Therapy Centre. Icebreaker activities in the first session helped them feel at ease and get to know each other; they chatted about their favourite biscuits, with one patient expressing outrage at the “betrayal” of smaller-sized biscuits these days!
Patients then began their journey to becoming storytellers, starting with a game; taking turns in a circle, each person said one word in order to build a collective story. The group also had fun experimenting with words and rhyme, creating a song inspired by Hamlet and What’s Up Pussycat by Tom Jones.
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Winston the Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog also visited the workshops with Trina, his helper. The project culminated in a final session where patients showcased their creative writing to friends and family, followed by a delicious lunch, lovingly prepared by the Pilgrims catering team.
The sessions were delivered and facilitated by Margate-based creatives, Tom Adams and Ellie Ward. Tom is a socially-engaged composer, making music and sound for theatre, installations, workshops, and film; his work connects directly with real social issues like community, education, and justice. Ellie is a comedian, cabaret performer and theatre-maker.
They said:
“We aimed to inspire participants to access their creative side, using Hamlet as a springboard to empower them to write creatively. We were led by the group, so the sessions were very much directed by them and what they wanted to achieve.”
Elizabeth Goodwin, Wellbeing Practitioner, with Tom Adams and Ellie Ward
Paul Mount from East Studdal, a village in between Dover and Deal, has been attending Pilgrims Wellbeing groups for several months:
“I’ve particularly enjoyed the Shakespeare projects – I didn’t do this stuff at school! I’ve learned so much just by listening, and it’s had such a positive impact on my everyday life.
“I look forward to coming; it gets me out of the house and I enjoy spending time with people I can talk to. No one judges you here, we’re all the same.”
Paul, who attends Wellbeing groups at Pilgrims Hospices
The Hamlet projects are funded by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC); Shakespeare Nation is a collaboration between the Marlowe Theatre and the RSC to celebrate the works of Shakespeare and explore their relevance to modern-day Kent.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
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.
26th March 2026
Pilgrims Hospices Canterbury Modernisation: Update on our progress
We’re pleased to share that at the end of January 2026, we reached an important milestone: our full planning application for the modernisation and redevelopment of our London Road hospice was submitted to Canterbury City Council.
This follows months of careful design work, conversations with staff and volunteers, and feedback from patients, families, and our local community. It’s been a real team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and ideas along the way.
What the modernisation will bring?
Modernising our site will ensure that the facilities for patients, families, staff and volunteers at Canterbury will meet the future needs of our community.
Your support is helping us shape a hospice that feels welcoming, calm and fit for the future. Our plans include:
A brighter, more accessible hospice environment, with spaces that feel comfortable and private for everyone who walks through our doors
A brand-new Inpatient Unit (IPU), with better access to the gardens, designed to meet the needs of people who rely on our care now and in the years ahead
Modernised Victorian buildings, keeping the character of our much-loved site while improving how the space works day to day
A new therapy centre, gym, sanctuary space and landscaped gardens, giving patients and families more places for gentle activity, reflection, and wellbeing
Environmentally responsible features, such as air-source heat pumps, solar panels and improvements to biodiversity
Better movement around the whole site, making it easier for visitors, staff and volunteers to get where they need to go
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These changes will help ensure that the high-quality care we’re known for is matched by the setting in which it is delivered.
We’ll keep you posted as the planning process continues, and there will be plenty of opportunities for supporters to follow our progress and stay involved.
Looking ahead together
Pilgrims has been caring for local people from our Canterbury site for more than 40 years. This modernisation is an important step in ensuring we continue to offer specialist end-of-life care to our patients, and their families, in buildings that fully support the work of our teams.
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.
23rd March 2026
Living well in each moment: Lawrence’s journey with Pilgrims Hospices
Lawrence Fox, a Londoner and former construction manager who has lived in Canterbury for 27 years, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024.
After beginning chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, he was referred by his specialist nurse to Pilgrims Hospices for additional support.
Lawrence has experienced the holistic benefits of hospice care through wellbeing groups, physiotherapy and complementary therapy:
“I do guided mindfulness sessions at Pilgrims, which I love; they help me stay present in the moment and not get so anxious about the future – that’s the secret. I’m interested in psychology and being mentally strong. And I love being around people; there are some things you can’t tell your family, but you can share them with strangers, which is so helpful.”
Lawrence also attends Living Well groups, which offer talks by speakers on a range of topics, and has had reflexology treatment: “I’d never tried that, so I thought I’d have a go! I found it very relaxing.”
Most recently, he has joined Time to Create, a therapeutic art group where patients can try various artistic activities and processes, and is currently making a memory book:
“It’s nice coming to the hospice and catching up with some friendly faces.”
Lawrence values his physical fitness and says that being active helps him manage his illness; he does Pilates and, thanks to the support he is receiving from Pilgrims, hopes to begin swimming again in the near future, having previously swam for his native London Borough of Islington – “It’s like therapy for me.”
Lawrence continued:
“Without Pilgrims, I wouldn’t have known what to do or where to go after my diagnosis. They’re always here if you need them, and having that back-up is reassuring. The groups get me out of the house and into a routine, and I’ve met so many people – including partners and carers, who are welcome at the hospice groups, as it gives them a break as well.
“I didn’t realise until now that the hospice relies so much on donations, so I want to give back in any way I can, and sharing my story is one way I can do that.”
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 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.
17th February 2026
Zoo comes to hospice for Lorenzo’s 8th birthday
Pilgrims Hospices helped make one little boy’s birthday wish come true when a zoo experience was brought to his mum’s bedside.
Lorenzo with his birthday balloons
Rosanna, who is receiving care at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, had hoped to take her son, Lorenzo, to the zoo for his 8th birthday on Sunday 15 February 2026.
Sadly, due to her poor health, a family day out wasn’t possible. Instead, the hospice team decided to bring the zoo to them.
Lorenzo, his brother Luca (10), and cousin Mischa (2) gathered at the hospice alongside their dad, Rob, grandparents Claire and Gero, aunties and uncles, and close family members from Herne Bay and Whitstable.
The Pilgrims catering team prepared a lovely traditional birthday tea, complete with freshly made sandwiches and colourful jelly and cake, creating a warm and joyful party atmosphere.
Lorenzo excitedly opened presents, including a cuddly dinosaur, Lego, and plenty of sweets, some of his favourite things.
To ensure Rosanna could be at the heart of the celebration, nurses carefully brought her bed into the hospice Therapy Centre, creating space for everyone to be together.
After lunch, a special surprise arrived courtesy of Creepy Claws Animal Encounters in Teynham, who kindly volunteered their time to bring along a selection of fascinating creatures.
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From reptiles to other “creepy crawlies,” the experience delighted the children, and Rosanna bravely joined in, holding the animals and sharing laughter with her family. Being able to take part together created precious memories at a time that matters most.
Rosanna’s husband Rob said:
“We can’t thank everyone enough for the special kindness we have been given here at Pilgrims. You have all been part of making Rosanna’s time here warm, comfortable, and peaceful, not just for her, but for all of us.”
Claire, Rosanna’s mum, added: “Thank you all so much; we now have a really precious memory for the family to share.”
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Hospice Services Manager, Sam Churchyard, reflected:
“It’s wonderful to help this lovely family share such a special moment. The team was determined to make the birthday truly memorable, and everyone pulled together to make it happen. We’re also incredibly grateful to Michael at Creepy Claws Animal Encounters for bringing along these fascinating creatures for the family to enjoy.”
Shirley Clark, from the Marketing and Communications team at Pilgrims, photographed the day:
“It was a privilege to capture these moments for the family. Those natural smiles, the laughter, and the little in-between moments, will become treasured memories for years to come.”
At Pilgrims Hospices, care extends beyond clinical support; it’s about helping families live well together, right to the end, and creating moments of joy when they’re needed most.
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.
10th February 2026
Hannah takes on London Marathon for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of brother
Hannah Brazier from Herne Bay will run the London Marathon on 26 April 2026 in memory of her brother, Kyran, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices.
With more than £2,000 raised in sponsorship, Hannah is helping to ensure that other families can continue to benefit from local hospice care.
Hannah with her brother, Kyran
After receiving a Stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis, Kyran spent his final week in Pilgrims’ care; he died at the Canterbury hospice in September 2024, aged 36.
Hannah said: “Our experience as a family was overwhelmingly positive. During Kyran’s stay at the hospice, staff and volunteers gave him exceptional care filled with comfort, dignity and compassion. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and every need was met with kindness, patience and warmth.
“Kyran took great joy in the delicious meals he was served, the friendly jokes he shared with everyone, and the massages that helped ease his pain.
“Knowing he was so well cared for brought our family a great sense of peace.”
Inspired to give back and to say thank you, Hannah signed up to run London Marathon 2026 for Pilgrims. With the support of family and friends, she has already raised over £2,000, and with a few months still to go until the big day, she hopes to raise even more:
“Running the London Marathon in Kyran’s memory is an honour, and a chance to give something back to the organisation that gave so much to us when we needed it most. Pilgrims offered compassion, dignity, and unwavering support during the most difficult time of our lives. They didn’t just care for my brother, they cared for our entire family. We were welcomed at any hour, day or night. Staff provided toys for Kyran’s children to play with during visits, and they made space for family meals in the shared dining area. To his children, the hospice became affectionately known as the “house-pital” because it felt like a second home.
“Through fundraising, I’d like to help ensure that everyone has access to dignified end-of-life care in a comfortable setting with excellent support. While many of us shy away from talking about dying, my experience showed me how vital it is that people are able to die with dignity, compassion, and comfort. I want to help make this level of care available to all families who may need it.”
Pilgrims Hospices charity places for London Marathon 2026 are full, but if you’ve been inspired by Hannah and would like to fundraise for Pilgrims, visit our events page or contact our Fundraising team to find out more:
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.
29th January 2026
Local family-run hairdressing business raise over £100k for Pilgrims Hospices
Each year, Steven James Hairdressing in Canterbury and Faversham hold a Christmas raffle in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
With a range of prizes on offer to win, it is always eagerly anticipated by their customers, and everyone gets into the festive spirit.
2025 was a bumper year, and the team raised £5,735 for Pilgrims, bringing their fundraising total to date to £102,521.
Steven Flower, who runs the hair salon on Castle Street, Canterbury said:
“Our association with Pilgrims began more than 40 years ago when a family friend was admitted. The love and care he received was outstanding, as was the support shown to his family.”
The prizes on offer include restaurant meals, the use of a brand-new car for the weekend, as well as donation of an iPad by one generous customer, and much more.
Tickets are always on sale in the barbers, run by Jason, the salon, run by Steven on Castle Street, Canterbury and the salon in Faversham, which is run by James.
Steven James Hairdressing has had a long presence in the Canterbury and Faversham business community.
The dynasty began in 1908 with Henry Flower, who opened up a barbers in Palace Street, Canterbury. Historically, Henry’s wife became established as the first female barber in the country, and after having two sons, Ernest and Bertram, the business expanded, with each opening up their own shops in Canterbury.
Five generations of hairdressers have worked at the helm of the salons, including Jim, who followed in his father’s footsteps in 1962, opening up his own shop in 1985, naming it Steven James after his two sons, who now own the Canterbury and Faversham shops respectively.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager at Pilgrims, said:
“We are so proud to have the support of Steven James Hairdressing who have been part of the hospice for almost as long as we have opened our doors. Thank you to Steven, James, Jim and Jason and to all of their wonderful customers who each year raise this incredible sum of money for the hospice.”
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.
