Conor runs from Thanet to Belfast in epic journey for Pilgrims Hospices
On 22 October 2025, 33-year-old plumber Conor Bird from Ramsgate will set out on an epic journey for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of his mum, Barbara Bird, who was cared for by the charity.
Beginning at the Thanet hospice in Margate, Conor will run more than 30 miles per day to reach Barbara’s childhood home in Belfast on 2 November 2025, which will be the 10-year anniversary of her death.
In total, Conor will cover an incredible 330 miles.
Conor said: “Mum was just 51 when she died. Pilgrims Hospices played a huge role in keeping our family life as normal as possible during the worst period in our lives. The care they gave Mum was second to none. On several occasions, she went into the hospice for three or four days for pain management; she always came home a different person, ready to battle on.
“Nothing was too big or small for the Pilgrims team to accommodate during Mum’s care, it truly was inspirational to see.”
Conor has already raised over £800 towards his fundraising challenge, with donations from family and friends steadily rolling in.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said:
“When I received the call from Conor, I could not believe my ears; my reply was, “Wow, that’s some challenge you’re setting yourself!” Conor is so determined and passionate about supporting our services. I take my hat off to him, and wish him every success along the way to Belfast. We will certainly be watching his running from a distance and look forward to regular updates!
“As always, we are only able to provide our services, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our family of supporters, of which Conor is an important part. Thank you for your incredible support of Pilgrims Hospices.”
Alongside raising vital funds for Pilgrims, Conor hopes to increase awareness about hospice care and help to challenge common misconceptions about it.
He added: “People often have a fear about what hospices represent, but I know from my own experience that they aren’t always sad places – they’re inspirational places that help people, too.
“Pilgrims offer relief to families going through an awful chapter in life – and somehow, through the care they give, it doesn’t feel quite so awful.
“Nothing I can do will ever repay Pilgrims for the extra time they gave us to spend with Mum. But by fundraising, I hope to bring attention to Pilgrims’ services so that other families can benefit, and that’s definitely worth doing.”
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.
3rd September 2018
Miles 4 Maurice half marathons challenge for Rodger
Rodger Baker took on the August Bank Holiday Canterbury Half Marathon in the first of six 13.1-mile challenges he plans to undertake to raise £1,000 for Pilgrims Hospices’ care. Over 600 runners took part in this much-loved annual event.
Rodger’s father-in-law, Maurice Collingwood, who was 73 and lived in Sturry, sadly passed away in January of this year after a battle with pancreatic cancer. During his final weeks Pilgrims Hospices supported his care, which enabled him to remain at home in surroundings that made him more comfortable and in the company of those who loved him.
Rodger said: “The Pilgrims team were amazing. They took care of Maurice’s needs and were present when he passed away. My wife, Rachel, and myself have drawn great comfort in the knowledge that everything possible was in place for him to live well until the end.”
Rodger at the Canterbury Half Marathon
Project Manager Rodger, who is 45 and lives in Paddock Wood, started to run a few years ago with a 5km challenge at his local gym. Since then he’s completed several half marathons and four full marathons.
Rodger added: “I wanted to do more than just thank Pilgrims Hospices for the care and support the charity offered Maurice and my family.
“I’m a keen runner and decided to challenge myself. I will be running six half marathons to raise funds to enable them to continue their work. The Canterbury run went really well and I’ve already raised more than £500 toward my target.”
The Pilgrims team were amazing. They took care of Maurice’s needs and were present when he passed away. My wife, Rachel, and myself have drawn great comfort in the knowledge that everything possible was in place for him to live well until the end.
Rodger
Rodger follows a training programme to keep him on track with his half marathon schedule. He will take part in the Reading and London Landmarks half marathons in March and the Windsor, Cardiff and Maidstone half marathons on consecutive Sundays in September and October.
“My family are really pleased and fully supportive. It’s a great way to help out the people who helped us at a very difficult time.
“The Canterbury Half was a tough run, the hilliest I’ve ever done but I made it round in one piece”, Rodger added.
Robert Grew, Pilgrims Hospices Events Fundraiser, said: “We had almost 20 runners taking part in the Canterbury Half Marathon and raising vital funds for those suffering terminal illness. It’s a tough and challenging event but worth the commitment with such wonderful scenery and views across Kent. The weather was really quite congenial for running and many personal bests and targets were smashed on the day. It was great to meet Rodger in person and wish him well. He is so generous of his time, efforts and spirit; we thank him and wish him well as he undertakes a further five events.
We anticipate our runners will raise as much as £6,500 for Pilgrims Hospices’ care.”
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.
