1st November 2021

    Charity shop team are proud to be recognised with Civic Pride Award

    The staff and volunteers at Pilgrims Hospices shop, on the High Street Ramsgate, have been awarded with a local Civic Pride Award from Thanet District Council.

    Not only do they bring an important shopping solution to the local community whilst driving funds for local hospice care, they ensure the store boundaries are as well maintained as their store and its contents.


    Alex Hancock, Pilgrims Retail Manager, said: “We are very proud to have been awarded the Civic Pride Award, we like our customers to feel that the Pilgrims store is truly part of the community shopping experience and that means everything from glancing into our windows as they pass by to browsing for a bargain inside.

    Alex added: “The appearance of our shop is really important to my team, we make regular checks around our perimeters to keep the building weed and litter free, we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

    The Ramsgate discount shop carries an extensive range of pre-loved ladies, gents and children’s clothing, along with furniture, electrical and household goods, books, games, DVDs and so much more. It’s difficult to leave the shop without a purchase!

    Alex has been the shop manager for the past two and a half years, and faced the challenges of lock-down due to the Covid pandemic followed by the staged re-opening for shoppers.

    We are very proud to have been awarded the Civic Pride Award, we like our customers to feel that the Pilgrims store is truly part of the community shopping experience

    Alex, Retail Manager

    “It was a tough time whilst our Pilgrims stores were closed, however, we took advantage of the time and refurbished a number of our shops and updated many others. It’s been wonderful to see people shopping again; about 20% of our customers are regulars, they know our names and we get to know what purchases they like to make.”

    Holly Brankin, shop supervisor told us: “The shop is busy currently with winter stock, we have a fantastic range of jackets and coats all at bargain prices. It’s great to see the college students coming in to purchase their winter woollies, hats, scarfs and accessories. As people become more conscious of climate change and environmental issues, recycling and upcycling clothing is more important than ever. The students are embracing change and getting really creative in our shop with their styling. We are here to help them do just that!

    “Our Christmas jumpers, party wear, gifts and decorations are selling fast, if you have items to donate to boost our stock, we would love to receive them.”

    When asked what was the strangest donation received? Alex told us they had been donated a brand new bath tub, which was sold almost immediately!

    The shop is busy currently with winter stock, we have a fantastic range of jackets and coats all at bargain prices.

    Holly, Supervisor

    “We are supported with donations from our wonderful local community, for which we would like to say a huge thank you, you are truly helping to make a difference to those people locally who need our help the most. There’s never a dull moment here, and I don’t need a gym membership, it really keeps me fit!” Alex added.

    You can support Pilgrims Hospices this season by purchasing from a range of Christmas cards in store or by purchasing a Charity Shop Gift Card. Pilgrims is the first charity in the country to accept a new multi-retailer gift card that can be used exclusively in charity shops.

    The Charity Shop Gift Card is backed by the Charity Retail Association (CRA), and is sold and accepted in Pilgrims Hospices’ 30 shops, helping to raise valuable funds for end of life care for thousands of people in east Kent.

    As well as boosting charity funds, money spent by cardholders will have a positive effect on the environment by supporting the growing second-hand revolution.

    If you have items that you would like to donate to Pilgrims Hospices shops, there’s a full list of shop details here.

    Pictured above:

    David Poole – Driver, Adrian Shale – Warehouse Operative, Norman – Volunteer, Holly Brankin – Supervisor, Alex Hancock – Retail Manager and Janet – Volunteer


    Pilgrims Hospices’ 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.

    30th May 2019

    It’s a Knockout came to Ramsgate

    Supporters enjoyed Pilgrims Hospices It’s a Knockout event at Government Acre, Ramsgate on Sunday 19 May 2019.

    The Thanet hospice fundraising team has run this much-loved event for the past seven years; generating vital funds for hospice care and an opportunity for friends, families and local businesses to take on some crazy antics and compete against each team for that most important winner’s medal.


    Teams took part in the hilarious bouncy obstacle courses, wet and dry challenges as well as fancy dress, each team taking a chance and playing their joker cards to win top points. The laughter was infectious as the teams competed to win while supporting the much-loved local charity.

    You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.

    Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager

    Teams from around the area took part including SPH Charity Team (Spencer Private Hospitals) from Margate. They supported the event again because each member of the team has known someone who has been supported by Pilgrims Hospices.

    The English Roses team said: “We took part to help raise vital funds to help support the amazing care provided at Pilgrims Hospices; one of our team members, Maxine White, is a Health Care Assistant (HCA) at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, what a brilliant day we’ve had.”

    Nicola Williams, team captain of Nic’s Knockouts from Ramsgate, said: “We love this event and so want to win this year; I have also made a joker this year of Donald Trump.”

    Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager and organiser of the event, said: “This really is a fun event with many supporters returning each year, some of the jokers are hilarious.

    “I would like to thank everyone who attended either by taking part, sponsoring their team members, spectators who came along to cheer the teams, the staff and volunteers for helping run our fun stalls, Margate ambulance, catering teams and our very own Knockout team members, and to those who made or dressed up as mascots to help their teams double points.

    “Your wonderful support will enable us to continue to provide palliative care for the next person who needs it, both within the hospice and at home. Last year the event raised an incredible £16,400. Early indications show that this year’s event has raised around £5,000 with further sponsorship still to come in.”

    Karen added: “It costs just over £6,800 a day to run each of our three hospice inpatient units, so community support from events like this makes a huge difference to our charity.

    The winning team was Nic’s Knockouts (they did it, so competitive) and runners up were Broadstairs Business Club and The Wibbly Wobbly Marauders, with team English Roses coming in the last place and receiving wooden spoons.

    “Everyone who supported the event received a medal from Pilgrims Hospices, whatever place they finished, as a huge thank you for taking part. You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.”

    Check out Pilgrims Hospices Facebook page to see the photos of the day.

    If you’re interested in Pilgrims fundraising events, click here to find out more and how you can get involved.


    Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.

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