Fiona’s Kilimanjaro climb raises thousands for Pilgrims Hospices
At 62, Fiona Dobson from Canterbury proved she’s no stranger to a challenge when she successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2025, raising an incredible £5,300 for Pilgrims Hospices, where she volunteers as a Ward Support Volunteer.
Fiona Dobson, Ward Support Volunteer at Pilgrims Hospices
“I paid for the trip myself because I didn’t want any of the fundraising to go towards costs – I wanted every penny raised to support the care Pilgrims offers,” Fiona said.
Fiona’s connection to Pilgrims spans nearly 40 years. She began her nursing career at the hospice in 1986 and has worked as a district nurse, practice nurse, and still does freelance vaccination work.
“I started my career here, and I’d like to finish it here too. Volunteering on the ward once a week means a lot – it’s special. I love it.”
Fiona has experienced the value of hospice care personally, having lost her dad at Pilgrims, a close friend, and her husband’s brother more recently.
“It’s more than the beds – it’s the support for families, friends, and the counselling. That makes all the difference.”
An experienced hillwalker, Fiona had already tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks, parts of the Alps and Pyrenees, and over 50 Scottish “Fionas” – lesser-known peaks once called Grahams – plus several Munros and Corbetts.
“There are often no paths on the Fionas – it’s rough terrain, but that’s what I love. Kilimanjaro took it to a new level.”
She trained hard for the challenge, running the Kent Downs, doing yoga, gym sessions, and cycling events – including Pilgrims’ Cycle Challenge.
“I did the 50-mile route a few weeks before the climb. It was windy – one of the toughest yet! I only recently found out a photo of me from the 2017 event is on a Pilgrims van!”
Fiona Dobson 2
Fiona Dobson 3
Fiona and friends fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices
Now retired and with two grown-up children, Fiona enjoys walking her dogs on the White Cliffs and embracing new adventures. She completed the Kilimanjaro trek with a friend, as part of a group of 20, capturing the experience through photos.
“It was life-changing. I made new friends, and most importantly, it was all for Pilgrims. It’s a brilliant place and I’m proud to support it however I can.”
You’ll follow in the footsteps of great mountaineers on a breathtaking 16-day journey through the Himalayas, including an 11-day trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp.
Led by an experienced UK Mountain Leader and supported by local experts, this is a pilgrimage to top all others. From spectacular sunrises over the snow-capped peaks to gazing up at the mighty summit from Kala Patthar, it’s the adventure of a lifetime – and you could be part of Team Pilgrims.
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.
31st May 2024
Introducing Niomi: A dedicated Ward Support Volunteer
Niomi is a cherished member of the Pilgrims Hospice Ashford community, where she serves as a Ward Support Volunteer.
Her journey and experiences reflect her deep commitment to providing comfort and support to both patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Embracing the role with compassion and experience
Niomi’s background is rich in caregiving and community involvement. After working as a professional nanny for ten years and raising her own children, she transitioned into teaching and later, community care. Her extensive experience, particularly with clients with dementia and those at the end of life, has equipped her with the skills and empathy needed to support hospice patients and their families effectively.
Every situation is unique. It’s about working out what’s required for each individual.
Niomi
Inspired by Dr. Kathryn Mannix’s patient-led approach to end-of-life care, Niomi joined Pilgrims Hospices. With the End in Mind, a book by Mannix, profoundly influenced her perspective, reinforcing the importance of open, honest conversations about death and dying.
Niomi with Dr. Kathryn Mannix
A day in the life of a hospice volunteer
At Pilgrims Hospices, Niomi’s days are filled with meaningful interactions. She visits patients and families, offering her presence and assistance, which often frees up time for nurses. Her role involves simple yet significant actions — listening, offering reassurance, and providing a comforting presence.
Many people have never been to a hospice before and don’t know what dying looks like. Surprisingly, many are very open about their views on death and dying. It’s about making a difference to patients and families, putting them at ease when they are ready to come to the end of their journey.
Niomi
Niomi emphasises the importance of respecting boundaries and ensuring that patients are comfortable with her company: “Every situation is unique. It’s about working out what’s required for each individual,” she says.
Supporting families and enhancing the hospice environment
Recognising a need for more activities for visiting children, Niomi took the initiative to provide bookmarks, drawing paper, and other art materials. This effort, supported by Hospice Services Manager, Wendy Kelk, helps ease the pressure on parents and creates a more welcoming environment for young visitors.
Niomi also highlights the supportive and positive atmosphere among the hospice staff: “I talk to the nurses, and they often tell me this is the happiest they’ve been in years. Annie Hogben, Expert Volunteer Project Lead, in particular, is a wonderful support to all of us. She makes you feel great, as if you are the only one in the room.”
Balancing volunteering with professional life
In addition to her volunteer work, Niomi runs her own Personal Assistant (PA) company, which allows her to manage her time effectively and keep her Wednesdays free for volunteering. Her PA role involves companionship, meal preparation, and assisting clients with organising their lives, focusing on those with dementia.
Looking ahead with gratitude
Reflecting on her role at Pilgrims Hospices, Niomi feels both lucky and blessed to be part of such an incredible team: “This environment understands how a person dies, enabling patients to remain dignified. It’s how everyone deserves to die, frankly. I’m very grateful to be, in a small way, part of this.”
Niomi and her husband at Cycle Challenge 2024
Her passion for the hospice and its mission shines through in every interaction, making a significant impact on the lives of those she serves. As Niomi continues her journey, she remains dedicated to supporting Pilgrims Hospices, hoping to inspire others to join her in this fulfilling and essential work.
In addition to offering her time and energy as a dedicated ward support volunteer, Niomi, alongside her husband, also trained diligently to participate in the fundraising event Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge in May 2024. Demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment, she undertook the 30-mile ride across the beautiful Kent countryside during the 14th annual event, contributing not only through her volunteer work, but also by actively raising funds to support the hospice’s vital services.
Join us at Pilgrims Hospices
Niomi’s story is a testament to the profound impact of volunteering. If you feel inspired by her experiences and would like to learn more about how you can make a difference, please consider joining us at Pilgrims Hospices. Together, we can provide compassionate care and support to those who need it most.
Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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.
