Celebrating 15 years of Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
Back in 2010, Pilgrims Hospices launched a little bike ride across east Kent. Since then, Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge has not only become a much-loved staple in the charity’s annual events calendar, but it has also become one of the South East’s largest cycle rides.
A staggering total of 14,475 riders have signed up over the years, cycling an incredible 1,024,327 miles for Pilgrims. A million miles equates to in excess of 40 trips around the equator.
The ride traditionally takes place on the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, to allow cyclists to enjoy a relaxing Monday after taking on such an impressive challenge. For 2025, the ride is taking place on Sunday 4 May 2025.
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This year, the Fundraising team is aiming to cross the line with several remarkable milestones:
Since 2010, the annual event has raised an incredible £1.4 million for local hospice care. In 2025, we are hoping to surpass the cumulative £1.5 million total over the years.
Whilst contributing to £1.5 million in fundraising, the event has been exclusively opened to welcome 1,500 riders to the event this year, promising to make 2025 the most memorable year yet!
To celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary, a brand-new 15-mile route has been introduced to encourage even more participants to join in the fun. This route is open to individuals aged 12 and older, providing an exciting opportunity for families to cycle together, as well as catering to beginners or those seeking a shorter ride.
A special anniversary medal – each rider will receive a brand-new commemorative medal to mark their fantastic achievements on the finish line.
Starting and finishing at the University of Kent in Canterbury, Pilgrims Cycle Challenge offers a range of distances, including 30, 50, 75, 100 and 125 miles for participants aged 14 and over, in addition there is a new 15-mile route for those aged 12+.
Each distance offers an opportunity to experience Kent’s stunning countryside. Every year, more than 1,300 riders join the event to pedal for Pilgrims.
Together, the cyclists, their friends and family, the wonderful volunteers, bike marshals, mechanics and staff help to fund skilled and compassionate care for thousands of patients and their loved ones each year.
Mileage-worthy stats
In excess of £1.4 million has been raised via Cycle Challenge since 2010.
More than 14,475riders have taken part.
The total distance cycled by these riders equates to 1,024,327 miles.
Last year, more than 3,725 pieces of cake were consumed, and 4,300 cups of tea were enjoyed.
Together with 950 bananas and 1,550 rolls – all made in-house by our dedicated catering team.
Spoke-worthy quotes from Pilgrims’ riders
“Pilgrims Cycle Challenge is my bike challenge of the Year – fantastically well organised and such an inclusive event for all!”
“Fantastic day on the bike with wonderful volunteers”
“Best bike challenge for miles! Simply the best”
“A very enjoyable experience from start to end with added bonus of knowing we’re raising money for a truly worthwhile cause”
“It’s 3 days after the cycle ride and I’m still euphoric about the whole day.”
“Such a heart-warming, amazing event with awesome support”
“The 125 was deeply soul searching”
“A well organised event, which supports the cyclists, and all along knowing you are supporting the hospice.”
“It was a brilliant day, superb roots and immaculate organisation. Bring on 2025!!”
On the day entry and prices will be subject to capacity.
Register early to avoid disappointment.
The 15th Anniversary Special – 15 miles (£30)
The Circuit – 30 miles (£35)
The Classic – 50 miles (£45)
The Challenge – 75 miles (£45)
The Century – 100 miles (£55)
The Epic – 125 miles (£65)
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.
26th March 2025
Helping to shape ambulance services for people in the last year of life
Pilgrims Hospices is collaborating with a research team at the University of Southampton, the University of the West of England and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to invite people who have had experiences of ambulance callouts to learn about their views and help shape ambulance services in the future.
The research, called the ParAid Study and funded by Marie Curie, is evaluating how different ways of delivering services influence paramedic practice and experiences of individuals at end-of-life.
Paramedics are often important to patients in the last year of life (end- of-life). We know that 999 calls are increasing for individuals and their families at end-of-life, which may be because services in the community are under pressure e.g. those provided by family doctors and community nurses.
Little wide-scale research has been carried out to understand the contribution played by paramedics in these situations and how this might be improved.
From practice, it is known that paramedics attending patients at end-of-life face complex issues, such as:
Not knowing the patient or their family
Lack of availability of patient history
Fear of doing wrong
Issues with family conflict
A lack of healthcare professionals to handover to out-of-hours, if the patient is to remain at home.
These issues can mean people are admitted to hospital when circumstances mean they could be cared for at home.
Natasha Campling
Dr Natasha Campling (Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton), who is leading the research, said:
“We have already carried out a large-scale survey of paramedics throughout England to understand their professional practice and what factors influence this, and are now conducting in-depth case studies (collecting information from patients, carers and healthcare professionals) to examine different ways of delivering services. It is important to evaluate ambulance service delivery and understand how the best parts of service provision can be incorporated into other services to improve the quality of care and support provided to patients and their families during this crucial period of time. This may prevent unnecessary hospital admissions at end-of-life, which often leads to people dying in hospital.”
If you have had an ambulance callout in recent months, are aged 18+, living in your own home, in the last year of life, or a current or bereaved carer for someone in this situation, you may be eligible to take part in a one-off interview about your experience. A £25 voucher will be offered to those who take part.
If you are interested in taking part, please contact the Research team (and see the study poster for further information):
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.
Our fundraising activities and your generosity mean that we’re able to continue to offer our end-of-life services to our local communities when and where they need it. With your help and support, we intend to continually develop, and improve, our services so that we are still here, still caring, both now and in the future.
Please keep safe and well.
Best wishes,
The Pilgrims Hospices team
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 April 2024
Pilgrims Matters virtual edition – Spring / Summer 2024
As the weather warms, we look forward to a bustling season of events and bring you uplifting news from across Pilgrims. In this edition, we bring you stories, insights, and information that resonate with the spirit of the coming months.
Our fundraising activities and your generosity mean that we’re able to continue to offer our end-of-life services to our local communities when and where they need it. With your help and support, we intend to continually develop, and improve, our services so that we are still here, still caring, both now and in the future.
Please keep safe and well.
Best wishes,
The Pilgrims Hospices team
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent 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. 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.
As the winter approaches, we find ourselves entering a season of reflection, compassion, and connection. In this edition, we aim to bring you stories, insights, and information that resonate with the spirit of the upcoming winter months.
In this edition, you’ll find:
Give the gift of care – Know your legacy will live on for generations to come
Become a bereavement support volunteer – Pilgrims Stepping Stones Bereavement Support groups offer informal assistance to bereaved adults across east Kent.
Alan’s story – Gemma tells us about her dad, Alan, and the memories of his last weeks that she’ll keep forever.
GrowUp – Vertical farming specialists are donating fresh salad vegetables from their range of produce to Pilgrims Hospices kitchens.
Cate Gibson – Cate’s first year as a Palliative Specialist Nurse
Our fundraising activities and your generosity mean that we are able to continue to offer our end-of-life services, to our local communities when and where they need it. With your help and support, we intend to continually develop, and improve our services so that we are still here, still caring, both now and in the future.
Please keep safe and well.
Best wishes,
The Pilgrims Hospices team
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.
Spring has sprung! Here at Pilgrims Hospices, we’re enjoying the lighter days and looking forward to a summer full of exciting events. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating all things Pilgrims in the coming months.
Our fundraising activities and your generosity mean that we are able to continue to offer our end-of-life services to our local communities when and where they need it. With your help and support, we intend to continually develop and improve our services so that we are still here, still caring, both now and in the future.
Please keep safe and well.
Best wishes,
The Pilgrims Hospices team
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent 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. 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.
