The people of east Kent remember loved ones from home this December
Pilgrims Hospices’ Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, were transformed this year into a remembrance to enjoy from the comfort and safety of home. Those remembering lost loved ones this Christmas dedicated doves to hang up at home, and watched a special filmed Remembrance Service on Saturday 5 December.
The service, which included a lights switch on at all nine venues across east Kent, festive readings and carols sung by local choirs, was produced by Sara Scriven, Individual Giving Manager at the Hospice, with help from BBC filmmaker, Kerry King – the second remembrance film to be released by the charity this year.
We’re so excited to have had Kerry onboard once again to deliver our festive remembrance, Trees of Love. It’s so important to us that we give everyone in east Kent the opportunity to remember their loved ones during the festive season, and this year was no exception.”
Sara Scriven, Individual Giving Manager at Pilgrims Hospices
Over 1,000 people tuned in to watch the Service on the charity’s YouTube Channel last weekend, and with donations still coming in they are on track to raise over £50,000 to fund hospice care. Sara added,
“The response we’ve had has been overwhelming, and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone that has dedicated a dove so far this year, your support means we are still here, still caring even during difficult times. If you’ve not had a chance yet, it’s not too late to remember your loved one with a dove in time for Christmas.”
Dove
Assorted Supporter Doves 1
Assorted Supporter Doves 2
All Souls Church Choir Cheriton
Canterbury Filming
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Thumb Nail High Sheriff Of Kent Remony Millwater (1)
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.
2nd December 2020
Bernard remembers his wife Cath at Trees of Love each year
We have been sharing messages from our wonderful Trees of Love supporters over the past few weeks. Thank you Bernard Packer, who remembers his wife Cath at Trees of Love each year.
“I’ll never forget the day I met Cath, and the tingle that went up my arm when we first shook hands.
Cath (known as Kath to her friends) was the love of my life, always lit up a room, and we were happily married with four children for 65 years.
When she first started showing signs of dementia we did our best to look after her at home, but eventually accepted that she needed more specialist care. The hospice supported Cath and our whole family throughout, and it was them who identified when it was time for her to come into the hospice for her final few days.
The minute we came into the Hospice we realised what an incredibly special place it was. It was so calm, and everyone was so kind. They allowed us to just be with her, without any pressure, and made sure she was comfortable and surrounded by our family right to the end. I can’t thank them enough for everything they did.
Even now, three years on, I still feel supported by the hospice with invitations to these remembrance events. Trees of Love gives me another way to remember Cath at this special time of year. Although there’s no actual event this year, I’m looking forward to the film as it means that the whole family can be involved; even our children who live far away and wouldn’t usually be able to attend, can watch the film and remember their unforgettable mum.”
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
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.
20th November 2020
Trees of Love has become part of Julie and her family’s Christmas
Ron, Julie’s dad, received such amazing care at Pilgrims, she and her mum thank the hospice by dedicating a dove to him
The care we all received was so amazing
Julie
We were first introduced to Pilgrims when my dad, Ron, went in to the Thanet hospice for pain management. My mum and me had been caring for him at home, but unfortunately we could no longer meet his needs, and all we wanted was for him to be comfortable. He was only supposed to be in for a few days, but he was so happy there he stayed. He especially liked that he could have a bath, which he had missed at home – it brought a smile to his face when one of the ladies there covered him in lovely smellies! It made him feel nice and clean and human again, it was wonderful. He was so relaxed and comfortable at the hospice, and so were we. We were always welcomed, nothing was too much trouble for anyone there. The ladies at the desk making us teas and coffees, the kitchen staff offering to make Dad anything he liked for dinner, it was such an amazing place.
Dad stayed three weeks at the hospice, mum, myself, my husband Dale and my daughter visiting him every day, before he died at the end of January 2009. The care we all received was so amazing. We’re only a small family but we were able to spend as much time together as we liked. This is why Mum and me take part in Trees of Love and Sunflowers every year. It’s a way for us to give back to the hospice, for the incredible care they gave my Dad and us – it’s our way of saying thank you.
It was lovely to have Sunflower Memories this year, despite everything going on, although it’s not quite the same, we appreciated the chance to still be able to remember Dad as sunflowers were his favourite. I planted his memory marker in the garden next to the plant I bought last year, and really enjoyed the film. I’m so glad that Trees of Love will be going ahead this year, it has become part of Christmas for us now, and we’ll be able to have his dove at home with us again.
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
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.
17th November 2020
Linda Lorraine and April say thank you Pilgrims each year at Trees of Love
Linda, and nieces Lorraine and April, remember their dear sister and mother, Sharon, at Trees of Love every year as their way of saying thank you for the care and support they all received
Sharon was first cared for by Pilgrims Hospices in October 2018, after a two year fight with bowel cancer. She was in and out of the Canterbury hospice, where she chose to stay for her final days, as she felt it would be easier for her young daughters than having her at home. Those last four days at the hospice were hectic with family coming to visit her often. We were all so close, and I was with her all the way along through her illness especially at the hospice. It was really hard going through it, but it was made so much easier by the care and support everyone at Pilgrims gave us. My two nieces and myself could all stay as long as we wanted – we were with her almost constantly until she died on 9th December.
We are so grateful for everything Pilgrims did for us, and that’s why we all take part in Trees of Love each year – it’s our way of saying thank you. Last year, it was just brilliant, standing together with my kids, remembering her in front of the trees in Canterbury. One of my nieces also takes part at Ashford, and it is lovely to know that we can all remember her together in that way. It was really hard, but we did it, and I know she would love me taking part each year, and supporting the place that looked after her so well. I set up a regular donation because it’s easier knowing Pilgrims will be getting my support every year, and it gives me comfort to know they will always be there for me and my family to help remember her. We all miss Sharon loads, every day we think about her, and I’m looking forward to dedicating my dove again this year.
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
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.
13th November 2020
Polly is remembering her Dad, Peter at Pilgrims Trees of Love virtual service this year
Polly tells us about the incredible care her Dad, Peter, received at Pilgrims and why remembering him with a dove is so important to her
My Dad, Peter Neaves, had been fighting cancer for several years, and after a short stay at the Thanet hospice in September 2018, he returned home to be cared for by Pilgrims’ community nurses. The care he received was just amazing, I really don’t know how Pilgrims do the job they do. In October, he went to the Canterbury hospice, where the atmosphere was so homely and warm. Dad was so much more at ease in his last few days, and I couldn’t fault the care and support they gave us. I realised how heavily Pilgrims relies on support from their community, and the possibility that they might not be here if we don’t support gives me all the more reason to take part in Trees of Love to remember my Dad.
A good friend of mine had been dedicating a dove to her husband for several years, and she told us how moving it was, and invited mum and me along with her. It was the first time Mum had been back to the hospice since Dad had died, and it was quite difficult that year – it brought back all our memories. I still can’t go alone, but going to the event with my mum and friend makes it easier. It’s hard to describe – it allows a moment for reflection at what is often a busy time of year, and being in the company of others who have been through similar experiences is comforting somehow.
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for more than 2,500 local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
10th November 2020
High Sheriff, Remony remembers her father at Pilgrims Trees of Love remembrance service
Remony Millwater holds the special position of High Sheriff of Kent for 2020/21; here she shares warm messages with the community, especially those who have been supported and care for by Pilgrims Hospices.
She will be part of the annual Trees of Love remembrance in December saying: “My father, Edward Brice received care from Pilgrims Hospices Home Care team, we were very grateful for their special care and comfort provided for Dad and our family during and after he passed away in the summer of 2011.
Both of my parents were strong Pilgrims Hospices supporters and I wish to continue to be an important part of Pilgrims too
Remony Millwater – High Sheriff of Kent
“Dad died very suddenly, his quick deterioration of about 3 weeks came after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer I remember it well; he was attending the Golf Open on 10th July then became unwell extremely quickly.”
Remony explained: “Both of my parents were strong Pilgrims Hospices supporters and I wish to continue to be an important part of Pilgrims too.
“I became part of the Sandwich fundraising group in 2012 and was secretary with them for two years.”
My father held the position of High Sheriff 40 years ago, I’m very proud to also have the role that has been an important part of our family history, as my Grandfather held the position in 1965, my Father in 1980 and now myself in 2020.
The High Sheriff is nominated for a five year term and it’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community and raise awareness for important charities such a Pilgrims Hospices.
The role is voluntary with no subsidies and appointed by The Queen as her representative for law and order.
“I will be placing a message on my Trees of Love dove and perhaps placing it on the olive tree where I had planted Dad’s sunflower marker earlier this year. Although we will not all be together in December for our annual Trees of Love remembrance services, we can share our love and some special thoughts of those we have lost when we watch the special film the Pilgrims team are putting together, which I am privileged to feature in.
“Although as High Sheriff of Kent this year has been a different and challenging time, my role will still allow me raise awareness of end-of-life care along with many other charities to our Judges and police force and official organisations who continue to provide a large network of support across the county of Kent for those who need care and support.
Trees of Love, east Kent’s largest remembrance services, will this year be transformed into a remembrance you enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
Instead of our usual remembrance events with carols, those taking part will be sent a beautiful dove to dedicate and hang on your Christmas tree, or in a special place at home.
Then on Saturday 5th December 2020 at 5pm we will release a Trees of Love 2020 remembrance service for you to watch on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel and website.
To take part click here to complete the online donation form, or contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for more than 2,500 local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
