When Barry Cobb looks back on his 59 years of marriage to Pat, he remembers a lifetime of love, laughter, adventures and treasured memories.
He also remembers the care Pat received at Pilgrims Canterbury hospice during the final weeks of her life, care that, in her own words, gave her “a little bit of peace”.
Pat and Barry
From his home in Margate, Barry recalls the woman he first fell in love with as a teenager, and the remarkable life they shared together.
Their story began with a friendship that started from afar in 1962. Introduced by a friend, the young couple became pen pals. Pat was working in the offices at Euston Station in London, while Barry was serving with the Army in the Outer Hebrides.
“We sort of got close from afar, sending letters every day,” Barry remembers.
When Barry came home to Harrow on leave at Christmas, they finally met face-to-face. He travelled straight to Euston Station to meet Pat, and from that moment, the two were almost inseparable.
It wasn’t long before Pat followed Barry back to the Outer Hebrides. It was a huge journey for the 17-year-old, who had never travelled by train before, but it was the beginning of many adventures together.
They married soon afterwards, and as a military wife, Pat travelled far and wide with Barry. When he later left the Army and became a police officer, their life together continued to take them around the country, living in many different counties across the UK.
For almost six decades, they shared a life filled with experiences, changes and, above all, each other.
They also became parents to two sons, Paul, born in 1965, and Tony, born in 1967, who became an important part of the life Barry and Pat built together.
Barry Pat Cobb 8
Barry Pat Cobb 7
Barry Pat Cobb 6
Barry Pat Cobb 5
Barry Pat Cobb 4
Barry Pat Cobb 3
When Pat became ill, Barry remained by her side.
Pat was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2021. She had previously undergone two mastectomies, but sadly her health continued to deteriorate. She spent two weeks at Pilgrims Canterbury hospice, where the team cared for her and worked to ensure she was comfortable and, most importantly, free from pain.
Pat had a view of the hospice garden from her room, a detail Barry remembers fondly.
For him, those final weeks also hold precious memories of being able to spend time together as a family:
“They could visit, sit beside her and be together until the very end.”
Barry remembers Pat at Trees of Love
Pat was 78 when she died, sadly, on the couple’s 59th wedding anniversary.
For Barry, the memories of their life together remain incredibly important. And now, he has found a special way to remember Pat while helping other families who may one day face a similar journey.
At this time of year, Barry dedicates a special dove to Pat as part of Pilgrims’ Trees of Love.
For him, the dedication is more than a tribute. It is a way of keeping those happy memories close and turning his experience of Pilgrims’ care into something that can help others.
“Remembering Pat this way helps me to keep those lovely thoughts close to my heart,” he says.
Barry’s dedication is a lasting tribute to a much-loved wife and to 59 years of a life shared together.
And as the Trees of Love shine brightly in memory of loved ones, Pat’s dove will carry her memory forward; helping to ensure that other people and their families can receive the compassionate care, comfort and “little bit of peace” that meant so much to Pat and Barry.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
13th August 2026
Tiles of Joy, creativity, connection and moments of happiness at Pilgrims Hospices
Photograph: Palak Sharma, Wellbeing Practitioner with Kavita Sodhi, Wellbeing Practioner Lead
A beautiful community art project, kindly funded by the Cantiacorum Foundation, is bringing colour, creativity and connection to Pilgrims Hospices, as patients, carers, staff and volunteers come together to take part in Tiles of Joy.
Led by ceramic artist Jayne Wright of JAW Ceramics CIC, Tiles of Joy began in 2023 in partnership with Power of Women (POW) Thanet, with an inspiring workshop at the Margate Caves.
Since then, the project has grown into something truly special, with more than 2,000 handcrafted tiles created by people across Thanet and beyond.
The project has united a wide range of community groups, from local schools and heritage organisations to social inclusion initiatives and arts groups, nurturing creativity and connection across the area.
More recently, Pilgrims’ Wellbeing groups have been taking part in the inspiring Tiles of Joy project. Patients, carers, Stepping Stones bereavement groups, staff and volunteers were invited to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting what brings them happiness. During the sessions, participants explored clay by scraping, indenting and shaping their designs, supported throughout by Jayne, who then carefully fired each piece before returning them ready for display.
Now proudly displayed at the hospices in Ashford and Thanet, these unique artworks form beautiful, fixed installations, each tile telling its own story and together creating a lasting celebration of community, creativity and care.
The experience has been both thought-provoking and uplifting. Participants have not only enjoyed the hands-on creative process, but also the special experience of seeing their work become part of a shared piece of art, something that will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who visit.
The project has also inspired Pilgrims’ Wellbeing team to explore how clay and creative therapies could play a bigger role in future sessions, opening up new opportunities to support patients and families through creativity and wellbeing activities.
Ann with the Tiles of Joy mural at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
As the Wellbeing team shared:
“It has been such a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Seeing people relax into the process, express themselves so freely, and then light up when they see their finished tile on display, has been incredibly special.”
Ann Mapley, a Wellbeing patient at Pilgrims Hospices who took part in the sessions, said:
“The brief was to design tiles that meant something to us, and for me that was my grandchildren. One of them loves George’s Dragon and the other loves snails, so I created a dragon and a snail on my tiles. It was such a fun afternoon, there were lots of laughs and giggles as we all tried to get everything just right with help from the lovely ladies running the session.
“Seeing the mural come together has been wonderful; it looks so lovely now. I first found out about the project through a leaflet that had been brought in, and I’m really glad I took part.”
Tiles of Joy is a reminder that even small moments of creativity can have a lasting impact, bringing people together, sparking reflection, and creating something truly meaningful.
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 2
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 1
Ann’s tiles
Follow Tiles of Joy on Instagram to find out more:@tilesofjoy
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
7th August 2026
Will you support Pilgrims?
Isabel Smith, Senior Trusts Fundraiser, with Ryan Crown and Adrian Button from the Hospital Saturday Fund
Supporting a charity through your business is a sustainable way to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices whilst increasing brand visibility at the same time.
A commercial partnership simply means raising money for a charity through product sales or service delivery, and is an easy way to embed fundraising into your daily activity. Whether you are a big corporate or a small family-run business, this is a partnership that can work for you.
Our Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, Leila Ilkhan, will guide you every step of the way, ensuring the partnership is tailored to suit your business needs and putting in place the necessary agreements. All you have to do is share how your business is making a difference in the community by doing what you do best.
Could Pilgrims Hospices be your 2027 Charity of the Year?
£30,000 for 300 years
Earlier this year, we were delighted to celebrate an extraordinary year of fundraising support from Furley Page Solicitors. The law firm marked a very special anniversary and chose Pilgrims as their 2026 Charity of the Year. From climbing the Three Peaks to hosting in-house events, the team raised a staggering amount of money. Through this support, a number of projects have been made possible, including equipment for Pilgrims’ community nurses, complementary therapy teams, and furniture to make our family lounge in the Canterbury hospice feel extra homely.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, with Aaron Spencer, Partner and Head of Private Client and Chair of the Furley Page Foundation
See more ways that your business can support Pilgrims:
Sarah and Danny from Injection Development Garage Services in Hersden have been committed supporters of the hospice for many years. Each year, the team sit down with our partnerships team to decide on the year’s fundraising activities.
Driving forward hospice care
This year, Sarah and Danny decided to make a donation for every engine service completed during the summer months. This is a great way for clients to feel part of supporting a charity, boost business revenue, and requires little time to run.
The team at SGS Energy based in Thanet has recently come on board as a Pilgrims Partner by pledging to make a donation for every domestic solar installation carried out.
What we’ve funded recently
Our Trusts fundraising team work closely with departments across the charity, creating a wish list of projects and items needed to deliver our services. Many of the pieces of equipment used in our hospices are funded through donations, and we would like to say thank you to the Trusts and Foundations that have supported our work.
Earlier this year, the Hospital Saturday Fund donated £2,000 to fund a bladder scanner. This piece of equipment means our nurses can preserve patient dignity and manage their pain non-invasively.
A donation of £30,000 from the Albert Hunt Trust also helped our team to buy 25 syringe drivers, which are used on our inpatient units, providing continuous medication to help manage symptoms and provide comfort to patients.
The Cantiacorum Foundation funded our Tiles of Joy project, which welcomed patients, carers and people who attend our bereavement groups to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting on what brings them happiness. This project helped participants to relax and be part of a wider meaningful experience.
Find out more about the support we receive from Trusts and Foundations:
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to talk to our fundraising team about how you can get involved with supporting the hospice, email [email protected].
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
14th May 2026
Pilgrims patients’ artwork features in Beaney exhibition
Pilgrims Hospices is proud to offer a range of wellbeing groups for patients, supporting them to feel empowered and live well in the time they have left.
Rachelle Francis
In February 2026, Margate-based textile artist, Rachelle Francis, led a series of workshops – Mind to Stitch – at the Thanet hospice Therapy Centre, supporting patients’ wellbeing through creativity and connection. Patients collaborated to create cloth books inspired by the hidden work of Rachelle’s late mother and fellow artist, Diana Francis, whose creative practice became a vital outlet while living with anxiety, depression, and life-limiting illness.
The Mind to Stitch workshop programme was part of a wider project called With & Without Diana: Stitching for Mental Health, supported through funding from Arts Council England. The project was developed with project partner Olivia Schelts-Harris and delivered with the skills, care and creativity of an incredible team across Thanet.
Rachelle said: “It was especially poignant to introduce the Mind to Stitch project to Pilgrims patients. Sharing both my own and my late mother’s artworks, alongside Diana’s experiences of anxiety, depression, and life-limiting illness, created a deeply moving connection within the group. Participants felt inspired to express themselves creatively, just as Diana had done, and many embraced the opportunity to create artworks that would form part of their own legacy. This made the Mind to Stitch cloth books deeply personal and significant.
“The Wellbeing team at Pilgrims were incredibly supportive throughout the process. I was stunned by the detail, imagination, and individuality in each participant’s creations; it was wonderful to see not only artistic confidence grow, but also the connections within the group blossom. The two Mind to Stitch cloth books created by Pilgrims participants are truly bursting at the seams with life.”
Mind To Stitch Book 7
Mind To Stitch Book 6
Mind To Stitch Book 5
Mind To Stitch Book 4
Mind To Stitch Book 3
Mind To Stitch Book 2
Mind To Stitch Book 1
The project culminated in an exhibition – My Hands Are My Voice – at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury, which featured artwork by Diana, Rachelle, and hundreds of community participants. Blooming with Diana’s patterns and repurposed materials, these collaborative works celebrate the expressive, connective and therapeutic power of textiles; the tactile pages invite visitors to touch and listen closely to the stories shared in stitch.
Shaped by pattern, repetition and gesture, the exhibition traces a shared visual language across generations, where making becomes a means of expression beyond words – and so the conversation expands outward, revealing how hands can hold memory, connection and voice.
Rachelle continued: “At the exhibition opening, it was an absolute joy to see patients and their families visiting the artworks on display. The group lit up the room with their collective energy, and we all shared in the excitement of knowing their work would be seen by thousands of people over the coming weeks.”
Cloth books at the My Hands Are My Voice exhibition
Peney’s story
Peney at the exhibition
Peney Reynolds lives in Margate and was referred to Pilgrims Hospices in 2025 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lung cancer caused by asbestos. After the initial shock, she has found hope and positivity through attending Pilgrims’ wellbeing groups; meeting Rachelle and being involved with My Hands Are My Voice has been a particular highlight:
“My journey began in a dark, scary tunnel, and I saw no light at the end of it; despite having a loving, caring family, I felt very alone.
“When the oncology nurses at the hospital suggested Pilgrims to me, I thought: “God, they think I’m going to die soon”, but Pilgrims put me right – “No, Peney, you’re not coming here to die – you are coming here to live.” I soon found out that the hospice helps people like me to live with dignity, empowers us to have faith in ourselves, and encourages quality of life.”
“I was attracted to the Living Well group immediately and joined a wonderful group of people in the same position as me; people I could talk to (without upsetting close family with my inner thoughts). I met Katie Brewer and Jane Stanley, two amazing Wellbeing Practitioners who have been my rocks. They’ve inspired and encouraged me to explore myself and I haven’t looked back since; a wonderful experience of love and kindness that turned my darkness into bright sunshine.
Mind to Stitch workshop at the Thanet hospice Therapy Centre
“Taking part in the Mind to Stitch workshops with Rachelle was a real joy; I have a deep regard for her and Diana. I chose to make my page about my little dog, Jodie, who sadly passed on 23 December 2025 – I called it “My Paws Are My Voice”. As a group, we’re so proud of each other, and I was honoured to attend the opening day of the exhibition at The Beaney.
“Thanks to all the Wellbeing staff and volunteers who have made me realise life is an amazing gift, I can now embrace my journey with hope and faith. With their continued support, I’m planning to make four memory boxes for loved ones, for when my time comes. I have some prints of Diana’s work from Rachelle, which I will write personal messages on, and I’m recording fond memories via The Blackbird Project. All will have one message in common – my proudest moment, which is having a bit of me live on in those textile books.
“Thanks to Pilgrims, I’m living well. The hospice is the most beautiful place I’ve had the pleasure to be, and I’m so grateful for each and every person there.”
Rachelle added: “I am very proud to share in the exhibition the incredible power of Diana’s once hidden artworks – not just their personal impact on me as her daughter, but also their ability to inspire the 222 people in the community through the Mind to Stitch workshops.
“The public response to the exhibition has been overwhelming. Visitors have been deeply moved and inspired by the exhibits, and hundreds of personal reflections have been left on the interactive wall. I still don’t think I’ve fully taken it all in.
“It has been especially beautiful to see young children animatedly exploring the cloth books created by Pilgrims participants, while parents and carers explain who stitched each page and the story behind the Pilgrims books. Hearing those conversations is a real reminder of how creativity, care, and shared stories can connect strangers and people across generations.”
A selection of works from the exhibition have been acquired by the Wellcome Collection and are due to enter the collection in 2027.
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
16th April 2026
From gigs to generosity: Neon Rush raises more than £11,700 for Pilgrims Hospices
Neon Rush, a popular Thanet-based cover band, has raised an incredible £11,742.45 for Pilgrims Hospices through a year of community fundraising under their Thanet Rocks campaign.
The idea began when the band were challenged to give something back to the community that has supported them for so many years. Rather than choosing a charity themselves, they asked their followers to decide, and the response was clear, with Pilgrims Hospices chosen as the beneficiary.
What started as a single charity gig quickly grew into a full programme of fundraising events across Thanet. Throughout 2025, the band hosted quiz nights, organised raffles with generous support from local businesses, and sold merchandise with all profits donated.
A standout moment included the “Golden Ticket” raffle, where one lucky winner received a live performance from the band.
The campaign reached its peak in September 2025 with the Thanet Rocks Charity Music Festival at the Broadstairs Pavilion. Hundreds of people attended the sold-out event, which featured local bands, solo artists and a 100-strong Rock Choir, all donating their time to support the cause.
Additional fundraising highlights included a 3 Peaks Challenge, a sponsored head shave, and craft sales, all contributing to the final total.
Neon Rush 6
Neon Rush 4
Neon Rush 5 2
Andy Bolger from Neon Rush said:
“We wanted to give something back, and by involving our community we’ve been able to achieve something really special. It shows the power of music to bring people together and make a difference.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, added:
“This incredible total reflects the passion and dedication of everyone involved. Every pound raised helps us provide vital care for patients and their families across east Kent.”
Neon Rush with Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
With their first year complete, Neon Rush has already confirmed plans to continue fundraising in 2026, including another Thanet Rocks music festival in September.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
11th March 2026
How creativity, friendship and love come to life at Pilgrims Hospices
When Kevin Carter first heard about Pilgrims Hospices’ 12-week Time to Create group, he wasn’t convinced it was for him.
“I thought it would all be drawing,” he admits. “I really wasn’t sure what to expect.”
Now, the 58-year-old from Ramsgate wouldn’t miss a Thursday for the world.
Kevin’s teddy bear, Wonky, with Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Moe
Kevin attends the Wellbeing and Therapy Centre at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, having been referred by King’s College Hospital in London following a diagnosis of liver cancer. After being introduced to the range of wellbeing support available at Pilgrims, he decided to give Time to Create a try, and quickly discovered something special.
“Well, it’s been amazing,” Kevin says. “This is how I spend my Thursdays now. I’ve made such good friends, tried lots of different crafts, and created keepsakes and cards for my family to treasure forever.”
One creation in particular has captured hearts across the group: a soft, handmade teddy bear Kevin proudly named Wonky.
Wonky is stitched together with care, his slightly uneven seams and gentle smile giving him real character. Made in warm, neutral fabric and small enough to be held close, he’s far from perfect, and that’s exactly why Kevin loves him.
“I’m especially pleased with my teddy bear,” Kevin says. “I named him Wonky because he’s not perfect, just like all of us. But he’s full of love.”
Wonky is a gift for Kevin’s nine-year-old daughter, Bonnie, and a symbol of something much deeper.
“It matters to me to leave something behind that’s been made with love,” Kevin explains. “I hope when Bonnie holds Wonky, she feels how much she means to me. I also have a 13-year-old son, Logan, I’ve yet to make something for him… however, I am responding well to treatment, so there will be time.”
The teddy-making didn’t stop with Wonky. Inspired by Kevin, several other members of the group began making bears of their own.
One fellow participant even created a set of tiny bears in tins for Kevin, keepsakes he treasures just as much.
“They’ve truly captured my heart,” Kevin says with a smile. “I’ve named them Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Moe. One’s for Bonnie and one’s for me. They live in their own special tins.”
For Kevin, creativity was never part of his life before joining Pilgrims.
Having spent his career in the building industry and lived in Thanet for 30 years, originally hailing from the Rhondda Valley in Wales, sewing and crafting were entirely new experiences.
“I never imagined I’d be doing this,” he says.
“But the group brings me to life. We laugh a lot, we share stories, and there’s always tea, cake, friendship and care here.”
The Time to Create group is facilitated by Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing team and offers patients a relaxed, supportive space to explore creativity, whether through sewing, crafting, card-making or other hands-on activities.
It’s open to people living with a life-limiting illness and focuses on emotional, psychological and social wellbeing.
Kate Brewer, Wellbeing Practitioner at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, has seen first-hand the impact the group has had on Kevin:
“Kevin’s idea to make a teddy didn’t just result in one bear, it inspired the whole group,” she says. “Creativity gives people a sense of purpose, connection and joy. We’ve seen Kevin grow in confidence, build friendships and create something that will carry his love forward.”
During sessions, the room is often filled with laughter, gentle concentration and conversation,hands busy with needles and fabric, stories shared over cups of tea, and moments of quiet pride as projects come together.
“At Pilgrims, we support the whole person, not just their medical needs,” Katie adds. “Creative activities like Time to Create allow people to express themselves, form meaningful connections and leave a legacy for those they love. That legacy might be a teddy bear, a card, or simply the memories made together.”
As Kevin reflects on Wonky and the time he’s spent at Pilgrims, one thing stands out above all else:
“Even imperfect things can be the most treasured,” he says. “I hope when my family see these teddies, they remember the love behind them, and the laughter that helped make them.”
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
