NHS team get colourful for local hospice care in memory of colleague Trish
On 26 September 2021, laughter and colourful powder paint filled the air in Palm Bay, Cliftonville as hundreds walked, jogged and ran the Thanet 5k Colour Run to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. Amongst them were a team from the cardiology department at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), who took part in memory of their much-loved colleague, Trish Penman.
The team has raised almost £1,000 to help ensure that Pilgrims’ holistic, compassionate services continue to be available to people across east Kent who are living with a terminal illness.
Trish
Trish worked at the QEQM, Kent and Canterbury and William Harvey hospitals in cardiology, respiratory and A&E. She was 49 when she diagnosed with advanced cancer in November 2020, and was supported by Pilgrims at the end of her life; she died in the Thanet hospice on 31 July 2021.
Catherine Goult, Chief Cardiac Physiologist at EKHUFT, said:
“Trish was known and loved around the Trust for her smile, her twerking, her generosity of spirit and her phenomenal work ethic. When she was diagnosed, she made her wish known that she would like to spend her final days in Pilgrims Hospices; she felt it was somewhere she and her two boys could be cared for and supported at that time.”
Catherine
Catherine and her colleagues decided to enter the Thanet 5k Colour Run so that Pilgrims’ vital services can continue to be offered to those who need them in the future. They have been supported in their fundraising by many kind people, and aim to plan a few more fundraising activities to reach their £1,000 target.
She continued: “It was moving to be at the start with so many other people whose lives had also been touched by Pilgrims; reading the messages on their numbers and t-shirts made it clear that everyone was there for a reason close to their heart. It was a great way to celebrate the life of our friend because the day was filled with laughter and colour! We loved seeing people’s costumes, too.
“Trish would have loved the warm-up because she loved music and dancing and was so energetic. The atmosphere was great and everyone was just having fun. The colour cannons made sure that we all finished fully covered in powder paint!
“From the registration process through to the marshals on the day and the very welcome packet of crisps at the end (best crisps I’ve ever had!), at every point everyone was so kind. It made us feel proud that we’d achieved something together in Trish’s memory; the medals are also really unique and quirky, they’re a great souvenir of the day.”
Pilgrims means a lot to us because death is something that we will all have to face at some point. It can be a frightening time, but Pilgrims can take away some of the fear and pain; they can alleviate suffering and bring humanity, dignity and even joy into those final days.
Catherine
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “It was lovely to welcome Catherine and her colleagues to support this year’s Thanet Colour Run. This event always brings so much fun, laugher and colour to all who join it each year. It’s just wonderful to see so many people come together to support our charity in such a joyous way, and in turn help raise incredible funding for the next person who needs us. Thank you all so very much and enjoy your well-earned medals with pride; we hope to see you next year.”
Catherine added:
“Pilgrims was there for Trish and her family at the hardest time they’ve ever had to face. Trish was given comfort and dignity during the final days of her life.
“Pilgrims means a lot to us because death is something that we will all have to face at some point. It can be a frightening time, but Pilgrims can take away some of the fear and pain; they can alleviate suffering and bring humanity, dignity and even joy into those final days. The hospice is a sanctuary that helps us to focus on the present and live each moment.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
30th September 2021
Colour Run returns in Thanet for Pilgrims Hospices
The Pilgrims Hospices 5k Colour Run returned to Thanet with a blast of colour on Sunday 26 September 2021.
Over 400 adults and children attended, complete with colourful glasses and white t-shirts, all ready to run and walk through the clouds of vibrant and multi-coloured powders.
Those taking part warmed up with a fun warm-up with Bex from Zuma Margate, followed by the countdown from Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager. The sky was filled with colour as the lively crowds made their way through the colour stations and along the coastal route from The Oval, Clintonville, Margate. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of laughter as everyone set off along the coastal route down towards Palm Bay.
Karen said: “It was so lovely to see many attend and some familiar faces for the fifth year of this Colour Run in support of Pilgrims Hospices. This really is such a colourful event to be seen and be involved in, plus an incredible way to raise much needed funds to support palliative care for the next person who needs us. It was just wonderful to welcome back our supporters and to see the enjoyment it brings to all those who attend and help support the event on the day.
“A huge Pilgrims thank you to all who helped in supporting the event, our volunteers and staff who helped make the event possible and most importantly, each an everyone of you for taking part on the day.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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 Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford 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.
24th August 2021
Local solicitors Boys & Maughan join in the Colour Run fun
Many supporters have already signed up to run, jog or walk along the cliff tops of Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday 26 September to raise vital funds to support end of life care in the local area.
Participants will take part in a 5k run with locations along the route where coloured powders are thrown over the runners.
Pilgrims supporters local Boys and Maughan solicitors, will be taking part again in this fun-packed event by entering their staff team. Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “It’s great to have the Boys and Maughan team with us again, they’ve taken part in the event in previous years and have been regular supporters of Pilgrims Hospices for some time now. Thank you so much for your continued support.”
“We really like how people of all ages and fitness levels can join in. Some of our staff plan to walk part or all of the way, or jog very slowly, and they know that this doesn’t matter.
Ian Priston, Boys & Maughan Solicitors
Ian Priston from Boys and Maughan Solicitors said: “Taking part in the Colour Run means a lot to us at Boys and Maughan. There are 13 of our staff taking part, and we hope to increase our sponsorship total we achieved when we last joined in back in 2018.
“Our team is thoroughly looking forward to being part of the day and getting covered in powdered coloured paints from head to toe. Adding colour to the run makes it a lot more fun and is sure to provide some great photo opportunities for families and friends who are planning to watch.
“We really like how people of all ages and fitness levels can join in. Some of our staff plan to walk part or all of the way, or jog very slowly, and they know that this doesn’t matter.
“Most people in east Kent have had some personal experience of the support Pilgrims Hospices provides to individuals and families. There can be no doubt that it makes a huge contribution to the community, so we are always on the lookout for ways in which we can raise money for the hospice or lend a helping hand.”
This spectacular family fun event has raised over £159,500 for the charity since it began in 2016.
Karen continued: “The event was so popular, we simply had to offer our supporters an opportunity to take part again. What a great fun way to restart the roll out of our fundraising events here in Thanet, raising important funds for hospice care locally.
Everyone will receive a running number, white t-shirt, funky colourful glasses and a colour sachet on the day. Be prepared to get messy. You can purchase extra powdered colour sachets at the event for even more spectacular paint clouds. And… what’s more, you will receive a thank you medal from Pilgrims when you cross the finish line.
The Pilgrims staff and volunteers will be ready and waiting for everyone from 9:00am on Sunday 26 September, with the fun starting at 11.30am.
Registration is open and will cost £20 for adults and £15 for under 11s until Sunday 5 September, thereafter on the day prices will apply.
Photo (left to right): Ian Priston, Emma Moor, Chloe Louca, Mollie Telford, Beverley Thomas, Kelly Ashton and Paula Patton.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
7th August 2020
Plantlet in Broadstairs raises £1,450 for Pilgrims Hospices
Izzi Brown the owner of Plantlet in Broadstairs has supported Pilgrims Hospices by making face coverings and selling a staggering 290 to her regular customers.
Izzi said; “After making myself a plant themed face covering, customers began asking where they could get them. So I decided to make some to sell in the shop and raise funds for Pilgrims Hospices.
“I couldn’t believe the demand! In just under 2 weeks, I have made and sold 290 face covering, selling them at £5 each and therefore raising £1,450. This involved many very late nights and early mornings! I only intended on making a few masks in the hope of raising a little bit of money.
Thank you Izzi for being so creative and thinking of us at such difficult times for all.
Karen – Pilgrims
“I have been blown away by the support of my wonderful customers. Unfortunately as I also run the business, I have now made the decision that 290 masks is where I am going to have to stop!
“I have had family members cared for by the hospice; I am so pleased to have done something to help support them during these difficult times for charities.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager said: “Izzi and our local community provide ongoing donations that enable us to continue to provide daily palliative care throughout east Kent to those who need us most. We really need them more than ever now in these challenging times.
“We cannot thank you all enough for every penny donated to support our care. £1,400 would cover the cost of our community care teams at one of our sites for 24 hours. Thank you Izzi for being so creative and thinking of us at such difficult times for all.”
If you would like to take on a challenge in support of our charity, please contact: Fundraisingto find your local area Pilgrims Hospices fundraising manager, or look at our new virtual site for ideas: StayHomeHospiceHero.
We need you more than ever, Thank you.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patient’s to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford 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.
10th March 2020
Where’s Wally?
The annual Paws 4 Pilgrims fundraising dog walk will take place on Sunday 29 March in Deal. Tara Baltera from Margate with her daughter Lily are taking part, they will be walking Wally, the 5-year-old Dalmatian on the 5km walk along Deal’s beautiful coastline.
The gorgeous spotty dog is a rescue dog from Dalmatian Welfare and belongs to Tara’s friend Paul who will be joining them for their Sunday morning stroll to support end-of-life care within the local community.
By supporting our event you are helping to raise important funds and to help people to live well in every moment.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices
Tara said: “We don’t have a dog ourselves and Lily loves dogs; we often take Wally out for walks, she’s wonderful company and enjoys lots of exercise, so it’s good for all of us.
Lily and Wally
“We enjoy supporting local good causes and this particular event is always such a lovely day. We always stay for the dog show after the walk and have a number of rosettes to show for it! Lily enjoyed winning dog most like its owner.”
Lily and Wally at Paws 4 Pilgrims
The walk takes the dogs and their walking buddies along the Deal coastline towards Walmer before returning. After the walk, there’s a fun dog show with lots of classes for furry friends to take part in. Could your dog be the ‘fastest sausage catcher’?
Come along and watch, there will be refreshments and stalls to enjoy too, it’s a great day out for the whole family.
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager at the Thanet hospice said: “It will be great to see Wally and her friends again this year. There are lots of our regular Paws 4 Pilgrims supporters registered and many new to the event too.
“By supporting our event you are helping to raise important funds and to help people to live well in every moment.”
You can register to take part here or come along and register on the day.
Event information
8.30am: Registration opens
10.30am – 12pm: 5k walk along the Deal coastal route
12pm – 3.30pm: Fun dog and agility shows
Entry prices
Early bird entry (closes 15/03/2020)
12 years and over: £8 / 11 years and under: £4 / Family: £20*
Standard entry (closes 22/03/2020) and on the day entry
12 years and over: £10 / 11 years and under: £6 / Family: £30*
* Family entry includes two people of 12 years and over plus two people of 11 years and under.
Fun dog and agility shows
There will be a fun dog and agility show after the walk, which dogs can be entered into for £2 per class or £1 per class for those who have entered the walk.
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 care on its wards, in people’s own homes and through the Wellbeing Programme held in Pilgrims Therapy Centres.
5th March 2020
Early referral to hospice care helps Hamid to live well
When Hamid Hajilou from Broomfield near Herne Bay was diagnosed with stomach cancer, little things that most people take for granted – including walking, sleeping and cooking – became a struggle. Thankfully, an early referral to Pilgrims Hospices helped him get back on his feet and resume the active lifestyle he has always enjoyed.
Hamid worked as a car sales manager for more than 20 years, with previous experience in the retail trade and catering industry. He retired in April 2019, but after returning from a family holiday later that year he began to feel unwell. Hamid started experiencing sciatica-like leg pain in October 2019. It became difficult for him to stand and impacted his ability to cook, a hobby he loves: “I’m a big Rick Stein fan, I could watch his shows for hours!” The pain was so debilitating that he didn’t know where to turn.
I can’t speak highly enough about Pilgrims, not only of the staff but of the concept – they just listen to you. My life changed when I got to know the hospice team. They asked about my wellbeing and mental health, including my spirituality, everything. I’m not religious but I really appreciated it, just the fact they cared enough to check.
Hamid
Hamid’s wife Peyma is a Maternity Matron at East Kent Hospitals. She said: “I had my medical head on and I knew that his pain wasn’t being managed. We didn’t know what to do, but because I have an NHS background I was able to navigate and help us access the care he needed. Once Pilgrims was involved, everything changed within two weeks.”
Hamid added: “The Pilgrims care team are angels, particularly the hospice nurse who saw me initially and the consultant Dominique who prescribed me the correct pain relief – she spent two hours with Peyma and I in between her already full day.”
Hamid was diagnosed with stomach cancer in December 2019, which has spread to his back. He had radiotherapy treatment at Kent and Canterbury Hospital on 31 December 2019 then transferred to the Canterbury hospice as an inpatient, before being discharged nine days later. His pain was managed so successfully by Pilgrims that he could stand up out of a wheelchair, something which hadn’t seemed possible before his referral. He was anxious about going home in case things took a downward turn again, but Pilgrims is continuing to support him.
Hamid and Peyma with their son Ashcaan
Hamid said: “I’d been in so much pain that I didn’t even care about the cancer, I just wanted the pain to stop. When I was offered a room in the hospice, that seemed dreamy. I sobbed with relief.”
Peyma added: “I couldn’t believe my eyes; it was like five-star accommodation.”
Hamid continued: “I can’t speak highly enough about Pilgrims, not only of the staff but of the concept – they just listen to you. My life changed when I got to know the hospice team. They asked about my wellbeing and mental health, including my spirituality, everything. I’m not religious but I really appreciated it, just the fact they cared enough to check. Any food I wanted was cooked to order and hospice nurses would come and talk to me. One nurse, Seema, gave me a foot massage in the early hours of the morning. That humanitarian aspect blew me away. The hospice staff are always so accommodating, saying with a smile, “Just call us if you need anything.” That means so much.”
Pilgrims has shown us so much kindness and compassion. If I won the lottery, I would make a large donation to the charity because it has made such a difference to my life. Thanks to the hospice team, I’m pain-free.
Hamid
Hamid and Peyma
Pilgrims got Hamid’s symptoms under control, ensured he was on the correct medication and facilitated a smooth return home. Social workers helped him secure a disabled badge and the occupational therapy team arranged home aids including a bed, chair cushion and stool for cooking in the kitchen. Hamid has also accessed physiotherapy services. At a recent hospital appointment, his consultant was amazed at how well he is doing since his referral to Pilgrims care.
Peyma said: “We need to change the perception of hospice care, because it can affect prognosis and quality of life in such a positive way. There is so much to be offered; even little things you take for granted like being able to shower or being made a cup of tea. It feels like home.
“When you’re not in pain, you’re not thinking about cancer; it’s not shadowing our lives anymore. Who knows what’s around the corner? We just take each day as it comes.”
Hamid added: “Pilgrims has shown us so much kindness and compassion. If I won the lottery, I would make a large donation to the charity because it has made such a difference to my life. Thanks to the hospice team, I’m pain-free and that’s the most important thing. With their support, I hope this means that I can have a few years of good quality life with my beautiful wife and lovely son.”
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
