Folkestone Downs Challenge raises £33,000 for Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims Hospices extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in the Folkestone Downs Challenge on Saturday 31 August 2024.
This year’s event was a tremendous success, bringing together hundreds of dedicated participants who walked the stunning 36-kilometre route across the picturesque Folkestone Downs. The day was filled with energy, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to supporting end-of-life care in our community.
Starting from the Folkestone Harbour Arm, supporters climbed Kent’s famous white cliffs, and enjoyed breath-taking views over the English channel, Folkestone and Romney Marsh. Walkers even spotted some exotic animals as they passed by Port Lympne Safari Park, before making their way along the canal paths and promenade of Hythe to return to the Folkestone Harbour finish line.
The event, now a beloved fixture in the fundraising calendar, saw walkers of all ages and abilities take on the challenging terrain of the Folkestone Downs. With perfect weather — neither too hot nor too sunny — participants were able to fully appreciate the breath-taking scenery while raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices.
Billy Williams, Pilgrims’ event organiser, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We were blessed with such wonderful walking weather — the very best conditions to enjoy such amazing scenery. The support we received from the community was overwhelming, and it’s thanks to our incredible participants and volunteers that this event continues to be such a success.”
This much-loved event has raised an impressive £33,000, all of which will provide compassionate end-of-life care for patients and their families across the area.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our volunteers, whose unwavering dedication and hard work behind the scenes made this event possible. Without their incredible support, we simply could not run the Folkestone Downs Challenge. Your commitment ensures that Pilgrims Hospices can continue to offer essential care to those in need.
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.
9th August 2024
Therapy team takes the plunge to support Pilgrims Hospices!
In September 2024, three brave members of the Pilgrims Hospices therapy team will conquer their fears and soar through the skies in a daring tandem skydive at Headcorn.
Their mission? To raise essential funds for Pilgrims Hospices, a charity dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care.
The team, comprised of physiotherapist assistant, Louise Jordan from Herne Bay, wellbeing practitioner team leader, Sharon Smith from Margate, and physiotherapy volunteer, Viera Howsam from Canterbury, is aiming to raise essential funds to support the life-changing work of Pilgrims Hospices.
Pilgrims Hospices, a charity providing compassionate and skilled end-of-life care to over 2,500 patients annually across its three inpatient units in Canterbury, Thanet, and Ashford, its Wellbeing centres and within patients homes, relies on voluntary contributions for 80% of its funding. Community support is vital to enabling the charity to continue its mission of helping people with life-limiting illnesses live well in both mind and body, making the most of the time they have.
I dream of raising enough for a minibus, many of our patients struggle with limited transport facilities in rural areas. It would be wonderful to make a huge difference in helping more patients access our therapy sessions, which are so important for their wellbeing.
Sharon Smith, Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader
The inspiration for the skydive came from Viera, whose dedication as a volunteer supporting the Pilgrims therapy team with seated exercise groups fuelled her desire to do even more for those in their care.
“When Viera, our lovely volunteer, suggested the skydive, I was hesitant at first,” said Louise. “But as we talked about it, we realised we all had different goals — whether it was funding for the hospice patients’ gym or raising funds to purchase a minibus to help patients travel to therapy groups.
“We decided to take on the challenge together.”
Sharon said, “Honestly, Viera’s the wild one! She suggested it one afternoon, and the next thing we knew, we were all in! We are very excited and wish to thank everyone who has donated to our fundraising page and been so supportive of our slight moment of madness!”
The funds raised from the skydive will go towards improving services for patients.
Sharon said: “I dream of raising enough for a minibus, many of our patients struggle with limited transport facilities in rural areas. It would be wonderful to make a huge difference in helping more patients access our therapy sessions, which are so important for their wellbeing.”
Justine Robinson, Therapy and Wellbeing Services Manager, said:
“I know my team won’t keep their feet on the ground this time! They’ve been amazing, sharing their upcoming challenge with patients and keeping spirits high. Engaging patients with these stories is such an important part of our work, and it’s been a joy to hear patients share their own experiences. I wish the girls the very best on their high-flying adventure this September!”
The Therapy team’s skydive has already gathered significant support, with more than £3,000 raised so far. They hope to raise even more as the big day approaches. The event promises to be thrilling, with friends, family, and supporters cheering them on as they free-fall from 12,000 feet—all for a great cause.
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.
6th August 2024
Pilgrims Hospices Summer Fair raises over £15,000 at Sandyacres
On Sunday 28 July 2024, hundreds of community members gathered at Sandyacres Sports and Social Club for the annual Pilgrims Hospices Summer Fair, raising over £15,000 for our charity.
Visitors delighted in browsing a variety of stalls offering puzzles, crafts, children’s toys, and gifts. The children’s craft area was particularly popular, with youngsters creating beautiful artwork using various media.
Delicious treats, including cream teas and cakes, were served at our refreshment stall, while the BBQ was a hit among visitors.
Music filled the air with lively performances by Where’s My Thing, alongside a set by Radio Ashford’s very own Sam Griffin and Webbo.
Faversham Ices generously sold ice creams donated by Consort, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds went to the hospice. We extend a special thanks to Richard, who donated his time and van to make this possible.
We are deeply grateful to the many local companies and our media partners who supported the event by donating prizes for the Grand Draw, tombolas, and stalls.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our wonderful community. Your generosity enables us to continue making a difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses, ensuring that they and their families remain at the heart of everything we do.
Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford, Louise Newman, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to all our wonderful supporters and volunteers for making our ‘sunny’ Summer Fair a success. As a local hospice, we are continually moved by the generosity of our community. Every donated item, every helping hand — together, they make a significant difference to our patients and their families.”
Special thanks to AnnMarie Fuggle from Sandyacres Sports and Social Club who donated the use of the venue and supported the event from start to finish.
Over 90 volunteers came together before, during, and after the event to ensure its success. We are especially grateful for their continued support.
From one community to another, thank you. Your support ensures that our families continue to receive the care, compassion, and dignity they deserve during challenging times.
Pilgrims Christmas Fair Saturday 16 November 2024 at Grosvenor Hall, Ashford
Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients and their families across East Kent. Through their various programs and events, they strive to create a supportive and caring environment for all those they serve.
18th July 2024
Get ready to glow at Thanet’s 8th annual 5k Colour Run!
Prepare for a burst of colour and excitement on Sunday October 6, as Pilgrims Hospices hosts the Thanet 5k Colour Run at Palm Bay Green, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 3NR.
This family-friendly 5k event promises to be an explosion of vibrant fun, where participants of all ages can enjoy an invigorating run or walk while being showered with brightly coloured powder.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Thanet’s spectacular seafront, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Since its inception, the Thanet 5k Colour Run has united friends, families, and the community in a joyous celebration of life, colour, and giving. Now in its 8th successful year, the event has welcomed over 3,000 participants and raised more than £225,000 for Pilgrims Hospices’ end-of-life care. Every step taken and every splash of colour helps support people in east Kent facing life-limiting illnesses.
The Thanet 5k Colour Run is not just a run; it’s a vibrant festival of fun and camaraderie. Picture this: Hundreds of participants all dressed in their white t-shirts, ready to be transformed into a moving rainbow as they navigate the picturesque coastal route. As you make your way through the 5k, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking coastal views and enveloped in clouds of coloured powder, creating unforgettable memories and picture-perfect moments.
“We’re back to sustainably brighten the coast!” says Pilgrims Hospices. “The Thanet 5k Colour Run is a fantastic way to enjoy a day out with loved ones while supporting a meaningful cause. The funds raised play a crucial role in allowing us to continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most.”
Whether you prefer to run, jog, or walk, the Thanet 5k Colour Run welcomes participants of all fitness levels. It’s a day of high-energy entertainment, laughter, and plenty of colour, making it the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Feel the electric atmosphere as you join hundreds of others, all united by the common goal of supporting Pilgrims Hospices.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices’ Community Fundraising Manager and event organiser, said: “I’m so proud of the supporters who have made this event such an amazing success over the past eight years. We have collectively travelled over 8,700 miles together. It’s a staggering achievement, and the money raised is making an incredible difference to the lives of those who need Pilgrims care right now, and to those who will need our support in the future as well.”
Getting involved is easy!
Gather your friends and family, and register now to be part of this incredible event. To find out more about the Thanet 5k Colour Run, visit pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun. On the day, you will be presented with a brilliant white t-shirt, a coloured powder sachet, and fun protective specs – then let the fun begin!
New for this year’s event, participants will receive an environmentally friendly wristband containing wildflower seeds. Take it home, plant it in your garden, and wait for another splash of colour that will remind you of the super fun day that you had supporting Pilgrims Hospices. And don’t forget your fabulous finishing medal to celebrate your wonderful achievement!
Don’t miss out on this spectacular event that blends fitness, fun, and philanthropy in a truly unique way. Let’s come together to celebrate, run, and support a worthy cause.
See you at Palm Bay Green on October 6 — ready, set, colour!
For more information, please contact Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager:
Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses across east Kent. Our compassionate team works tirelessly to ensure patients and their families receive the best possible care, both in our hospices and within the community.
21st June 2024
Stepping in Style: Hundreds hike the Pilgrims Way Challenge, raising thousands for Pilgrims Hospices!
On Saturday, 15 June 2024, Pilgrims Hospices hosted the annual Pilgrims Way Challenge, an event that gathered enthusiastic participation and support. Despite the weather misbehaving, spirits weren’t dampened as supporters bravely tackled the rain, wind and mud to put their best foot forward for local hospice care.
The turnout was remarkable, with over 700 supporters, one dinosaur and one teddy bear in a wheelbarrow stepping up to take on the mighty Pilgrims Way Challenge, and this year in reverse! We’re thrilled to announce that from early estimations, their collective effort has raised an impressive £95,000, with the figure still rising!
Participants had the option to choose from three scenic routes, each offering a unique challenge and breathtaking views. The event covered three distance options, including 55 kilometres from Dover to Wye via Canterbury. For those seeking a shorter journey, alternative routes included Canterbury to Wye at 25 kilometres and Dover to Canterbury at 35 kilometres. Every step taken by the participants helped raise vital funds for end-of-life care at Pilgrims Hospices.
The overwhelming positive feedback from participants highlighted the event’s success. Supporters praised the meticulous organisation and the dedication of the volunteers, “The marshals were incredible, guiding us every step of the way,” one participant noted. Another shared, “The volunteers’ enthusiasm and support made the challenge even more enjoyable.”
The heroes of the day were undoubtedly the volunteers, from crossing marshals, registration volunteers, refreshment teams and our signage volunteers, who also gave warming encouragement and thanks to everyone who took part in this important Pilgrims Hospices fundraising event. Their commitment ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Billy Williams, Pilgrims EventsManager, expressed his gratitude, emphasising the importance of such events, “Events like these are a vital part of our fundraising activity,” he commented. “They offer a variety of ways for people to get involved and support Pilgrims in providing essential end-of-life care to the community of east Kent.”
The Pilgrims Way Challenge hike was not just a testament to the community’s generosity but also a celebration of the spirit and dedication of everyone who supports Pilgrims Hospices. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a resounding success.
If you’re looking to put your best foot forward for local hospice care, you can sign up for our next challenge event – the Folkestone Downs Challenge – on Saturday 31 August 2024.
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.
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.
