Finding joy in memories: Sarah reflects on celebrating her dad’s life at Sunflower Memories
Sarah shares why celebrating the life of her dad, Anthony, at Sunflower Memories, is so important to her and her family.
My Dad was a total one-off. He had the most amazing sense of humour, loved to be the centre of attention, and was ridiculous, in the best way! With my brother and two sisters, we were all so close, but he and I in particular were such kindred spirits.
He loved jazz and rock and roll music, and when the time came, he decided on the music for his own funeral. In true Dad style, he chose Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls of Fire to be played on the day! As I was putting his eulogy together and talking to all of the people in his life, there was one commonality between all of their memories: laughter.
I find such comfort in coming back to the hospice to remember him, and these events are such a wonderful opportunity and excuse to do so.
Sarah
Dad had his blood cancer diagnosis in 2014, and beat the odds of his prognosis. It wasn’t until he suffered a stroke in March of 2022 that he started to deteriorate. The cruellest part was that the stroke took his voice, and for a man with such a vivacious character, it was so upsetting.
Sarah’s dad, Anthony
While Dad only spent 36 hours in the hospice, Pilgrims Wellbeing services were offered to him beforehand, although he was hesitant to utilise them. In the end, he knew that the Canterbury hospice was the place he wanted to be. Ultimately, it was his life, his death, and his choice, right to the very end.
As soon as we arrived at the hospice, we were greeted by a doctor and nurses, who were amazing. They immediately sprang into action and got his pain and anxieties under control. They created such an honest, open, and safe environment in which Dad and all of the family were so supported. We were so scared and unsure of what to expect, but the Pilgrims nurses stayed by our side throughout, providing such a steady and reassuring presence.
Two years later, and I still find it hard to believe that he isn’t here with us. Along with my siblings, I remember my dad at both Trees of Love and Sunflower Memories. I find such comfort in coming back to the hospice to remember him, and these events are such a wonderful opportunity and excuse to do so. I want to keep celebrating him and see his name written somewhere. Knowing Dad, he would want to be flashed everywhere!
Sunflower Days take place on Saturday 20 July 2024, 1pm–4pm in Pilgrims Hospices gardens in Canterbury, Thanet, and Ashford.
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.
18th March 2024
Pilgrims Hospices wins prestigious Joanna Mugridge Research Award
The announcement, made during the conference in early February, marked a significant achievement for the ‘Talk’ evaluation team at Pilgrims Hospices, working with the Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent on evaluating the pilot. The team’s poster was one of 67 at the conference, reviewed by a panel of judges.
The Joanna Mugridge Research Award, established in memory of Joanna, a dedicated nurse at the Marie Curie Hospice in Caterham, serves to honour her legacy and unwavering commitment to serving individuals and families affected by cancer. Created by her family, following Joanna’s passing in May 2000, the award aims to support the vital work of Marie Curie and its researchers in advancing palliative care.
We are delighted to have received this recognition for the poster, it will inform the development of our Talk project within our region, moving forward, which supports earlier identification and referral of patients who need our hospice services”
Charlotte Brigden – Pilgrims Hospices Research Facilitator
Presented annually at the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Conference, the award recognises outstanding contributions to research in the field of palliative care. It not only celebrates excellence but also provides recipients with resources to further their research, education, and professional development.
Doctor Andrew Thorns, Pilgrims Hospices Consultant in Palliative Care and Research Lead, expressed: “I’m so pleased for the project team, this is recognition of a great idea, lots of work, and the start of things to come—well done!”
Pilgrims Hospices extends heartfelt gratitude to Joanna Mugridge’s family for their invaluable support in perpetuating research efforts aimed at enhancing end-of-life care. The recognition received for their “Talk” pilot project underscores the team’s dedication to improving patient outcomes and fostering compassionate care practices. Pilgrims hope to share this information more widely moving forward.
For those interested in learning more about Pilgrims Hospices’ impactful work in end-of-life care, please visit www.pilgrimshospices.org.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families, the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
4th March 2024
Gear up for good: Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge returns for the 14th year!
Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce the 14th annual Cycle Challenge, set to take place on Sunday, May 5th, 2024. This renowned event continues its tradition of raising vital funds to support the skilled and compassionate care within the three hospices and across the communities of east Kent.
Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge has become a staple in the region, attracting cyclists of all levels from near and far to embark on a journey of camaraderie and support for a worthy cause. Over the years, this event has garnered immense support, with participants, sponsors, and volunteers coming together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing the last year of life.
This year, we’re cranking it up with as many as 1,200 riders ready to conquer routes that wind through scenic landscapes and charming villages in east Kent. Whether you’re an experienced rider seeking a challenging route or a novice cyclist looking for a leisurely ride, there’s something for everyone at the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge.
Ride it your way by choosing one of five ride distances and routes,
The Circuit: 30 miles
The Classic: 50 miles
The Challenge: 75 miles
The Century: 100 miles
The Epic: 125 miles
“We’re thrilled to host our 14th annual Cycle Challenge, continuing our mission to provide compassionate care and support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses,” said Sue Sharp, Director of Income Generation at Pilgrims Hospices. “The Cycle Challenge not only raises vital funds for hospice care but also brings our community together in a spirit of unity and generosity.”
Early birds get the worm, or in this case, a spot on the start line on the 5th May! Secure your saddle and start revving those fundraising engines to support hospice patients and their families. Funds raised from the Cycle Challenge will go directly towards providing essential services, including medical care, counselling, and support programs, ensuring that individuals facing a life-limiting illness receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Pilgrims Hospices extends its gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their incredible support, which enables the charity to continue its invaluable work in the community.
Join us on May 5th, 2024, as we pedal for a purpose and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
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 December 2023
Team Chocolate Orange to sweeten the spirits at Pilgrims Hospices
In a heart-warming gesture of appreciation for the dedicated staff and nurses at Pilgrims Hospices, Team Chocolate Orange delivered 300 delectable Chocolate Oranges on Friday, 15th December. This initiative is a heartfelt thank-you for their unwavering commitment to providing end-of-life care for the local people of east Kent.
Allan Pippard, along with his wife Joanne, representing the Faversham Town Walking Football group, spearheaded the delivery. The group has passionately collected the Chocolate Oranges as a token of gratitude for the compassionate care extended by the Pilgrims Hospices team. Jo’s mother, Diane Mewett was cared for at the Canterbury hospice in early 2017, and they have since been advocates of the hospice and the care provided.
The roots of this chocolaty initiative trace back to Chris Lamb, whose son Elliot received care at Alder Hey Hospital and sadly passed away in 2010. Fuelled by a desire to transform grief into positive change, Chris initiated the Chocolate Orange Challenge. This annual tradition not only commemorates Elliot’s memory but also stands as a symbol of appreciation for the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals.
Kevin Mullins, a member of Team Chocolate Orange said: “I’m delighted to hear that Faversham Town Walking Football has successfully reached the target of 300 Chocolate Oranges to thank our incredible staff under the banner of Team Chocolate Orange. This is a huge feat, as last year 300 Chocolate Oranges would have cost donors £300, but due to the price increase this year, the cost was £450. It’s an incredible show of gratitude from a small cohort of people and a true reflection of the character of the group. Praise is due to Allan for organising the collection and agreeing to make the delivery on behalf of Faversham Town Walking Football. I’m sure for both Allan and Joanne, it was a special moment.”
Kevin added, “I would also like to mention Pete Kenehan, who made an incredibly generous individual donation to our overall team Chocolate Orange collection following the passing of his wife, Sue Kenehan, at Pilgrims Hospices.”
Allan Pippard, coordinator of the Chocolate Orange collection, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming delivery, saying, “It’s a privilege to be part of this initiative that spreads joy and gratitude. The Pilgrims Hospices team does exceptional work, and this is our way of saying thank you for their dedication to our community.”
The delivery will definitely bring a touch of sweetness to the hardworking staff and nurses at Pilgrims Hospices. The Faversham Town Walking Football group looks forward to continuing this tradition of giving back and making a positive impact in the local community.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Hospices Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, said: “We really appreciate the chocolaty treats and wish to thank everyone involved for thinking of the Pilgrims team as we approach the festive season. We will be sharing the treats across all three of the Pilgrims Hospice sites in Canterbury, Ashford, and Thanet.”
About Team Chocolate Orange
Team Chocolate Orange is a community initiative that aims to express gratitude to healthcare professionals through the annual Chocolate Orange Challenge. Inspired by the memory of Elliot Lamb, the initiative seeks to turn grief into positive change by delivering sweet treats to those who provide end-of-life care.
Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims Hospices is a leading provider of hospice care in east Kent. Committed to delivering compassionate and personalised end-of-life care, the hospice charity plays a crucial role in supporting individuals and their families during challenging times.
About Faversham Town Walking Football
Faversham Town Walking Football is a local sports group dedicated to promoting health and well-being through the joy of walking football. Engaging in community initiatives like the Chocolate Orange Challenge, the group aims to make a positive impact beyond the sports field.
8th September 2023
There’s nothing quite like afternoon tea!
National Afternoon Tea Week, what a wonderful thing to celebrate! Pilgrims Hospices shared tea with their Living Well groups, and agreed it was a great opportunity to bring people together and enjoy delicious treats. It’s heart-warming to hear that Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Group recently organised a special afternoon tea for their patients at the Canterbury Ashford and Thanet hospices.
Jane Stanley, Pilgrims Wellbeing Practitioner told us: ”I just want to say, a huge thank you to Pilgrims catering teams, for putting together such a lovely afternoon tea for our service users. The chefs are always ready to help make our patients feel very special, nothing is too much trouble.
“They are normally tirelessly working behind the scenes ensuring each and every day that patients are well fed, have their strength built up, and even in their last days, patients can enjoy every moment and enjoy having tasty food to eat. During National Afternoon Tea Week, the catering teams at Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford were thrust into the spotlight, were their kindness and skills were truly recognised.
“With short notice, they prepared an afternoon tea for the patients who attended the Living Well groups across the hospice sites. They exceeded expectations, offering sausage rolls, sandwiches, dips, a cheese board, freshly made scones, cakes and a fruit platter. The standard of cooking and presentation was 5 Star, said one patient who tucked in.”
Afternoon tea is a cherished British tradition, and it can bring a lot of joy and comfort to those in hospice care. Scones and sausage rolls are classic choices for afternoon tea, and serving tea alongside these treats makes it a delightful experience for everyone involved.
Celebrations like this not only provide a chance to enjoy delicious food but also create a sense of community and support among the patients and staff. The hospice environment can be challenging, and such events can lift the spirits and foster a warm and caring atmosphere.
PHOTO 2023 08 08 16 22 55 (4)
It’s heartening to see organisations like Pilgrims Hospices making an effort to provide these special moments for their patients, ensuring they have the best possible quality of life during their time at the hospice. National Afternoon Tea Week is a perfect occasion to cherish those moments and celebrate life together.
A huge thank you to Pilgrims Catering Teams
Jane – Pilgrims
It was made extra special when patients were able to thank the chefs in person, when they delivered the trollies of tasty treats. Gasps of joy and wonder could be heard as many were rendered speechless by the standard of work, one patient said, he had been on a luxury cruise where the food was not nearly so delicious or skilfully presented. Comments from those who enjoyed the fruits of the teams’ labours included “Absolutely brilliant” “A delicious array” “Scrumptious” “Lovely Jubbly” “Most enjoyable” and “Wow so much effort, so much care and attention.”
Ian Ashton, Pilgrims Head of Catering Services said: “This shows the wonderful team spirit fostered within our catering staff, they truly value each other, this is what makes our hospice kitchens so successful.”
Alison Griffiths, a Living Well Support Volunteer said: “Part of my role each week is to help support the patients who attend the Living Well Group with their lunch requirements. In the course of my doing so, I will often go and see the kitchen staff with requests on behalf of the patients. I have always found all the catering staff who work in Pilgrims Hospices kitchens to be extremely obliging and helpful. They always do their best to meet the individual needs and requests of the patients.
“Whilst the kitchen staff are always very busy catering for the whole of the Hospice, the team are always cheerful and welcoming. As a volunteer it is clear how all the kitchen staff really make a significant contribution to the enjoyment of the patients who attend the Living Well Groups. The patients frequently ask me to pass on their compliments to everyone in the kitchen.”
The Wellbeing Teams know that without volunteers like Alison, who give their time and skills so kindly, the groups run at the hospices would not be as successful or run as smoothly. There is nowhere quite like Pilgrims with such a beautiful team spirit and genuine care of people.
Visit the Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing Programme more information on care and services. Would you like to become a hospice volunteer? Opportunities are listed on the website here:
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
18th August 2023
Rev’d Angie becomes spiritual care chaplain at Pilgrims Hospices
Recently Bishop Rose of Dover, came to the Canterbury hospice to undertake Angie Stupple’s licensing ceremony. It was a small, intimate and personal service, attended by a close party of her friends and family. To support this special celebration Karen Warden, Chair of the Trustees, Sue Sharp, Pilgrims Director, Angie’s new colleagues in the spiritual care team, and a group of staff gathered to welcome her to her role in supporting both patients, their families, staff in the hospices and within the local community.
Up until quite recently Angie was still working with her husband, Gerry, running their hair salon and barbers in Dover town centre. She said: “Many years in the salon, interacting with people from all walks of life, was a great grounding for my life in ministry”. The business continues now that they have both retired.
Angie started training in 2017 as a lay minister, which is a four year course, and then transferred to ordination training for a further two years. She was ordained two years ago by Bishop Rose. Angie explained: “My original plan was to be licensed in the diocese of Dover, but having experienced hospital chaplaincy as part of my training, I felt drawn to this role and confident that this is where my gifts would be best used.
I understand spirituality as a whole and complete concept. It’s not about pinning a belief down to a particular faith, it is outside the confines and boundaries of having a faith or no faith. In the context of palliative and end-of-life care our greatest connection, our common denominator, is our humanity, expressing our compassion, love and care for each other. Our humanity and our spirituality, particularly at the point of life and death, are inextricably interwoven.
I feel truly privileged to be a part of the multi-disciplinary team at Pilgrim’s Hospices
Angie – Pilgrims
My licensing by Bishop Rose was a very moving service, it was wonderful to share with my family, friends and new colleagues, especially in the holistic environment of the therapy centre at Canterbury hospice. It is an honour to be here and to walk alongside patients, sharing stories and being with them where they lead, hearing their needs and concerns and offering support. In the holistic environment of the hospice, quite often, when people are relieved of physical pain and symptoms, it frees their mind and spirit and that’s when the thoughts and conversations around the meaning of life start to come in. Sometimes there is simply great joy to be found in a shared silence.
Of course, we cannot help the terminally ill patients in a really meaningful way if we do not include family and loved ones. They play a significant role during a time of illness which will affect how a patient copes and responds. This can be a spiritual and emotional roller coaster for everyone involved. The dying patients pain, of course, will come to an end, but the families pain carries on. I hope that I can support loved ones and carers by showing they are not alone, and by offering hope and a sense of normality in a situation which is anything but normal.
I took up my role in late April and I’m finding my feet. Though I am based at Canterbury I will also help at the other sites in Ashford and Thanet as and when the need arises, as well as supporting hospice-at-home patients in the community.
I feel truly privileged to be a part of the multi-disciplinary team at Pilgrim’s Hospices. The staff and volunteers are quite extraordinary in their care and commitment. This is a very special place where staff remain connected to patients and their families throughout their time here and beyond if necessary. Compassionate care is at the heart of everything that happens at Pilgrims.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
