Sian fundraised in memory of her mum, Denise, who received Pilgrims care in 2022.
Sian and Denise
Sian felt so supported by Pilgrims during her mum’s illness that she wanted to give back.
She said: “Pilgrims regularly checked in, ensuring she was comfortable with the huge changes in her life that she was about to face. They fitted aids throughout our home to support her as her physical strength gradually worsened.
“In the days leading up to her passing, she got sick. We phoned Pilgrims for advice, and they informed our GP and requested a scan. On the morning of the scan, Mum struggled to get up. I called Pilgrims and they told me to phone the hospital. This became one of the last days we spent with Mum; without Pilgrims’ guidance, we wouldn’t have had that extra time with her before she passed.
“During this period when Mum was unwell, I was on my own caring for her whilst trying to balance working a full-time job as well as making time for myself. Pilgrims acted as a friend, offering advice and support.
“No one can prepare you to lose a parent. Life is short, and although I would’ve loved to spend the rest of my life with Mum, having those extra days with her made me eternally grateful – and it’s all thanks to Pilgrims for listening to me on the other end of that phone call.
Sian took on The Big Half on Sunday 1 September 2024.
Sian at The Big Half 2024
Her friends, family and local gym – Muscle Hut in Ashford – helped her to raise more than £1,000 for Pilgrims.
She added:
“I’m so grateful for the support Pilgrims provided throughout a very difficult time on our family. They were always within arm’s reach, and I’m extremely excited to be giving back to them in any way I can.”
Pilgrims has a limited number of charity places in The Big Half 2025, you can secure your spot on the start line today, for free, with a pledge to raise at least £350 sponsorship for hospice care.
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
29th August 2024
Cheers to the tea-rrific Pilgrims Hospices teams: Celebrating Afternoon Tea Week 2024 with love, laughter, and a feast of flavours!
A huge round of applause to the wonderful Pilgrims Hospices Therapy Centre teams from Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet for treating our patients to the most delightful afternoon teas across all three sites!
Afternoon Tea Week took place nationally from 12 – 18 August 2024; the dedication, warmth, and creativity truly shone through, making the experience unforgettable for everyone involved.
Robyn Moore, Healthcare Assistant
The events were enjoyed by patients who are currently attending Wellbeing groups at each hospice, which provide an opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. The therapy teams organise visits from guest speakers, who deliver talks and interactive workshops on a variety of topics, helping patients to open up and share their own interests. Importantly, the groups also offer a space to relax and switch off for a few hours.
Patients at the Canterbury hospice welcomed visitors from Retreat into Wonderland, an animal rescue charity based in Herne Bay, to their afternoon tea event. Shetland ponies greeted everyone in the hospice gardens, contributing to a calm and comforting atmosphere.
The Thanet hospice enjoyed an interesting and informative talk from the Kent Police fraud team, and Ashford patients were entertained by a classical guitarist.
Sharon Smith, Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader, said: “Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the great British tradition of afternoon tea and is the perfect excuse to catch up with loved ones over a cup of tea and some delicacies.”
A special shout-out to our amazing catering team, whose planning and passion turned these afternoon teas into a feast of flavours and joy. Every bite was a reminder of the love and care that goes into everything you do. The smiles on everyone’s faces said it all!
Let’s raise our teacups high in celebration of this cherished tradition and the incredible efforts of our teams who make moments like these so special. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our community!
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
20th May 2024
Pilgrims Hospices care team steps up for Pilgrims Way Challenge fundraiser
The compassionate nurses and caregivers of Pilgrims Hospices are lacing up their trainers and gearing up for a remarkable endeavour — the Pilgrims Way Challenge. On Saturday, June 15, 2024, they will embark on a journey across east Kent, joining hundreds of supporters in a fundraising effort that promises not only to be physically demanding yet also incredibly rewarding.
A team comprising 9 nurses and carers is taking on the 25-kilometer route that will traverse the picturesque route from Canterbury to Wye. Their presence among the throngs of supporters is a testament to their deep appreciation for hospice care and their recognition of the vital role fundraising plays in sustaining these crucial services.
Lorna Moss, Pilgrims Health Care Assistant (HCA), said: “We are so pleased to be taking part in the fundraising event to support hospice care. We are looking forward to spending some time together, not just as nurses but as friends in a social environment. It’s sometimes a challenge to find time off as a group, although some of our colleagues will be unable to take part due to being on shift, we will be taking the time to enjoy some fresh air and wonderful countryside together, and it’s a chance to keep up with our fitness and raise some important funds for Pilgrims all at the same time.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge is a monumental fundraising event, and the participation of the Pilgrims Hospices nursing team underscores their unwavering dedication to their patients’ well-being, both inside and outside the hospice walls. By swapping their ward shoes for trainers, these dedicated professionals are not only supporting the patients under their care, but also embracing the opportunity for Saturday afternoon exercise and fun.
We are so pleased to be taking part in the fundraising event to support hospice care.
Lorna – Pilgrims
Throughout the course of the Pilgrims Way Challenge, the Pilgrims Hospices nursing team aims to cover around 275-kilometres collectively, or about 420,000 steps, as they stride through the stunning Kent countryside. Their dedication is matched only by their determination to make every step count, knowing that each stride brings them closer to their fundraising goal and, more importantly, closer to enhancing the quality of life for hospice patients.
London Marathon runner, nurse Simone Royer
Reflecting on their preparations for the challenge, the team shares, “We are a mix of abilities, some regular sporty types, with marathon runners within our midst, others less energetic, but we know by pacing ourselves, we will achieve our goal of raising funds for hospice care for the people of east Kent and having a jolly good time! Every kilometre we walk is a testament to our commitment to our patients and our community.”
As the Pilgrims Hospices nursing team embarks on this inspiring journey, they invite the community to join them in support of their noble cause. Together, they are proving that with every step, they are making a difference in the lives of those in need.
I can’t wait to share some time with my colleagues on the Pilgrims Way Challenge, fundraising with friends and having a great time, what more could I ask!
With three distances to choose from, the Pilgrims Way Challenge is perfect for people of varying fitness levels.
Stroll through a charming village of oast houses and period cottages, and soak in an immense sky while surrounded by endless green fields. Rolling hillside views, quiet country lanes, historic buildings and ancient woodland all await you. Walking, or running, the Pilgrims Way between Dover and Wye really has it all.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are 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.
