At 62, Fiona Dobson from Canterbury proved she’s no stranger to a challenge when she successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2025, raising an incredible £5,300 for Pilgrims Hospices, where she volunteers as a Ward Support Volunteer.

“I paid for the trip myself because I didn’t want any of the fundraising to go towards costs – I wanted every penny raised to support the care Pilgrims offers,” Fiona said.

Fiona’s connection to Pilgrims spans nearly 40 years. She began her nursing career at the hospice in 1986 and has worked as a district nurse, practice nurse, and still does freelance vaccination work.

“I started my career here, and I’d like to finish it here too. Volunteering on the ward once a week means a lot – it’s special. I love it.”

Fiona has experienced the value of hospice care personally, having lost her dad at Pilgrims, a close friend, and her husband’s brother more recently.

“It’s more than the beds – it’s the support for families, friends, and the counselling. That makes all the difference.”

An experienced hillwalker, Fiona had already tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks, parts of the Alps and Pyrenees, and over 50 Scottish “Fionas” – lesser-known peaks once called Grahams – plus several Munros and Corbetts.

“There are often no paths on the Fionas – it’s rough terrain, but that’s what I love. Kilimanjaro took it to a new level.”

She trained hard for the challenge, running the Kent Downs, doing yoga, gym sessions, and cycling events – including Pilgrims’ Cycle Challenge.

“I did the 50-mile route a few weeks before the climb. It was windy – one of the toughest yet! I only recently found out a photo of me from the 2017 event is on a Pilgrims van!”

Fiona Dobson 2

Fiona Dobson 3

Fiona and friends fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices

Now retired and with two grown-up children, Fiona enjoys walking her dogs on the White Cliffs and embracing new adventures. She completed the Kilimanjaro trek with a friend, as part of a group of 20, capturing the experience through photos.

“It was life-changing. I made new friends, and most importantly, it was all for Pilgrims. It’s a brilliant place and I’m proud to support it however I can.”

Feeling inspired?

If Fiona’s story has sparked your sense of adventure, why not join our next incredible challenge – the Pilgrims Hospices Everest Base Camp Trek in 2026.

You’ll follow in the footsteps of great mountaineers on a breathtaking 16-day journey through the Himalayas, including an 11-day trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp.

Led by an experienced UK Mountain Leader and supported by local experts, this is a pilgrimage to top all others. From spectacular sunrises over the snow-capped peaks to gazing up at the mighty summit from Kala Patthar, it’s the adventure of a lifetime – and you could be part of Team Pilgrims.

Find out more and register your interest at pilgrimshospices.org/everest.

Visit pilgrimshospices.org/volunteer to find out how you can volunteer for Pilgrims Hospices.

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.