Cycling for a cause: Honouring memories, creating legacies
Join us on Sunday, May 5 2024, for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, where we’ll come together not just as cyclists, but as a community united in the spirit of love, remembrance, and supporters for those in need.
Team Cynthia and Steven consists of Katie Li, the daughter of Cynthia and Steven, along with Raymond, Nick, Tim and Mark, who are taking part in loving memory of Cynthia (1961-2017), Steven (1952-2023) and loved ones.
Katie with her friend, Ellen, and her siblings Amy, Ray and Cindy, cycling 50-miles in 2019
In 2019, Team Cynthia embarked on their first fundraising cycling journey, raising over £2,800 for Pilgrims Hospices. Now, Katie with her family and friends, will once again pedal forth with purpose, raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices’ end-of-life care and continuing to raise awareness around local hospice care and services.
Between them, the team will participate in the 30-mile, and others will participate in the 50-mile; in memory of Cynthia and Steven, two beloved souls who touched the lives of many, and in honour of countless others who have embarked on their final journey.
For Katie and her siblings, this cause is deeply personal. Losing her parents, Cynthia and Steven, to the relentless battle of cancer was a heart-wrenching journey. Yet, amidst the pain, there was solace in the compassionate care provided by Pilgrims Hospices. Their expertise not only ensured comfort for Cynthia and Steven but also brought peace and dignity to their final moments.
Cynthia and Steven at their daughter's wedding in 2016, the last photo taken of them together
Cynthia and Steven on a day out in Kent, 2015
Cynthia and Steven's wedding day in Hong Kong, 1980
With gratitude in their hearts and determination in their pedals, Team Cynthia and Steven, along with cherished friends and family, embark on this cycling challenge once more. They carry not only the memories of loved ones but also the mission to continue the legacy of compassion and support.
Every mile pedalled, every hill conquered, and every donation received is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. Together, we pave the way for compassionate end-of-life care for those who most need it.
Katie’s friend, Matt, and her brother-in-law, Nick, completed the 100-mile Cycle Challenge in 2019
Join us on this journey of hope and remembrance. Whether you choose the 30-mile Circuit, the scenic 50-mile Classic, dare to conquer the 100-mile Century, or the ultimate test of strength and endurance, 125 miles, The Epic! Every pedal stroke brings us closer to our goal of supporting our patients and their families to live well in every moment.
Together, let’s turn grief into action, memories into legacies, and pain into purpose. Thank you to Katie and Team Cynthia and Steven for their unwavering dedication, and to all supporters for their generosity and kindness.
Let’s make Sunday, May 5 2024, a day to remember. A day where every turn of the wheel brings us closer to a future where compassionate care knows no bounds.
For more information on how you can support Team Cynthia and Steven, please visit their JustGiving page.
And remember, every mile matters, every donation counts, and together, we can make a difference.
Pilgrims Hospices is a registered charity providing specialist palliative care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses across East Kent. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Pilgrims Hospices is committed to delivering compassionate care and support to patients and their families, ensuring dignity, comfort, and quality of life.
18th January 2024
Pilgrims Hospices Tree Recycling initiative a resounding success
Tree-mendous news! Pilgrims Hospices’ tree recycling initiative has achieved a tree-rific success! Over two weekends, from January 6th to 8th and January 13th to 15th, 2024, doorstep collections of Christmas trees took place, resulting in the collection of more than 3,270 real Christmas trees in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet. These trees were then recycled by dedicated volunteers and representatives of Pilgrims Hospices. The estimated funds raised from this initiative are an incredible £60,000, all of which will contribute to local hospice care.
This environmentally friendly fundraising initiative, which has been running for 12 years in Ashford and three years in Canterbury and Thanet, has been made possible through the generous donations of the community. Supporters of Pilgrims Hospices have been actively contributing to the care of the planet and hospice patients, one tree at a time.
Pilgrims Hospices would like to convey their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported this charity fundraising scheme. The collective support received enables the hospices to continue providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care to individuals living with a life-limiting illness across east Kent.
Kate Duddell, the Head of Fundraising at Pilgrims Hospices, expressed her appreciation for the invaluable support provided by the dedicated volunteers, who generously donate their time, vehicles, and services for local hospice care. She emphasised that without their contribution, the tree recycling service could not be provided to the local community. Kate also extended her gratitude to all those who registered their trees for collection, indicating that each donation plays a vital role in helping Pilgrims Hospices meet their annual fundraising goal of £11 million.
Pilgrims Hospices would also like to thank their campaign partners, Kent County Council and FCC Environment, as well as the staff at the recycling centres, for their support. Additionally, a special thanks goes out to Canterbury City Council, Ashford Borough Council, and Thanet District Council for their dedicated years of support. These efforts were further bolstered by the contributions of numerous organisations, including A. Bird Trees and Gardens Ltd, Cordès Horticultural Ltd., Countrystyle Recycling Ltd, David Glew and Sons Garden Maintenance, David Parr Tree Surgeons, Givaudan, Harvey Waste Management, Jenner Contractors, Lord Mayor of Canterbury & Lady Mayoress, Macknade, Martin Fagg Garden Maintenance, MW Cave Ltd, Menzies, Practical Van Hire, Old Dairy Brewery, Pneuma Church, PSR Lighting & Signs Ltd, RE Tanner And Sons, Royal Mail, Select Plant Hire, Shadoxhurst Village Hall, Silent Gliss UK, Streetspace Group, Tree and Grounds Maintenance Ltd, Waitrose & Partners, and WW Martin. Their significant contribution greatly assisted in the success and expansion of the campaign.
Pilgrims Hospices remains committed to providing care and comfort to thousands of individuals in east Kent who are facing incurable illnesses. The organisation strives to enhance their quality of life, ensuring that they are free from pain and distress until the end.
About Pilgrims Hospices: Each year, Pilgrims Hospices provides care and support to thousands of individuals in east Kent who are grappling with incurable illnesses. Their mission is to help patients live their lives as fully as possible, free from pain and distress.
