26th February 2018

    Ella and Pal stroll out for Pilgrims

    Ella Williams from Canterbury and her gorgeous two-year-old black Labrador, Pal, will join Pilgrims Hospices Paws 4 Pilgrims fun 5K dog walk on Sunday 25 March. Ella and her puppy friend are taking part in loving memory of three very special people who all spent time in the care of nurses at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury. The pair have already raised more than £250 to help others who need Pilgrims care in the local area.

    Hundreds of supporters and their canine buddies have already signed up to raise important funds for Pilgrims by walking the beautiful coastal route in Deal, followed by a fun dog show.

    The hospice exceeded our family expectations; we could not have asked for anything more. We received such high quality care before, during and after all three experiences and will always be grateful.

    Ella

    Ella is remembering:

    John Michael Choules

    After being diagnosed with COPD, Grandpa Mike sadly passed away on 20 March 2017 and spent his last few hours at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury. The staff at the hospice spent time with my nan and helped a lot with aftercare, which was much appreciated.

    Kenneth George Williams

    After a long battle with kidney cancer, Grandpa Ken passed away on 18 August 2017 and spent his final week in the care of the lovely nurses at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury. A special mention to the nurse who my nan fondly remembers as ‘Mrs Chatter Box’ who helped all of us, but especially my nan, through this time.

    Susan Clare Garcia-Rodriguez

    Sue sadly passed away due to breast cancer on 9 September 2012 and spent time in Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, where the nurses provided amazing care and support. Our much loved and very close family friend is still dearly missed and fondly remembered six years on.

    Ella said: “I really didn’t know much about hospice care until our close family friend, Sue, spent time there; I then found out more when my grandads also received Pilgrims care.

    “The hospice exceeded our family expectations, we could not have asked for anything more. We received such high quality care before, during and after all three experiences and will always be grateful.”

    Ella is hoping to raise at least £360 for Pilgrims. She explained: “Pal is just full of energy and will love sharing a Sunday walk with lots of other dogs and their families. We will be walking with my partner Andrew, my brother Josh and my sisters Tas and Tasha – and hopefully my mum Steph, too.

    “Pal especially loves a tennis ball and I’m sure she’s going to enjoy taking part in the fun dog events after the sponsored walk.”

    Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Fundraising Manager said: “We hope even more people will join us for our special Sunday stroll;  you can even join in the walk without a dog. Why not come along and have your face painted as a doggy character and sponsor yourself for a few pounds?

    “The dog show starts at 12pm, and a variety of stalls and catering will be available. It will be great fun to watch the dogs doing their best to impress the judges in the Best Sausage Catcher competition, amongst others.”

    Ella told us this is her first Pilgrims fundraising event and hopes it will be one of many to help such a worthy local charity. Sign up here to join Ella and Pal on the day. If you’d like to sponsor Ella and Pal visit Ella’s Just Giving page. Any donations, big or small, will be much appreciated.

    For more information about Paws 4 Pilgrims email karen.kenward@pilgrimshospices.org or call 01843 233 934.


    Pilgrims is a charity providing palliative care free of charge to people in east Kent. For people with a range of life-limiting illnesses, specialist services are provided from our three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, in patients’ homes and in the community.  We offer a range of services, from end of life care given on our wards to our new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent. Only 25% of the funding we receive comes from the government.

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