Remembering Elspeth: “The hospice became her sanctuary”
Elspeth Ogilvie from Ashford was a bright, creative and joyful young woman.
She enjoyed her job working with babies at a local nursery, having previously been a nanny to twins in London, and had dreams of writing and illustrating children’s books.
In 2023, aged 23, Elspeth was sadly diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. She underwent surgery and received radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
When her treatment ended in April 2024, she was referred to Pilgrims Hospices for palliative care. Elspeth died at home on 16 December 2024, aged 25.
Elspeth’s parents, Jacky and Mark, share their story, remembering Elspeth and how Pilgrims helped her to make the most of the time she had.
Time to Create groups and Wellbeing events
Elspeth was a talented artist, and she loved music. During her illness, Pilgrims helped Elspeth to continue with creative pursuits. She attended Time to Create, therapeutic art groups held at the hospice Therapy Centre, with her dad.
Although she lost the use of her dominant hand and developed a tremor in her other hand, she was still able to enjoy making art.
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Elspeth’s artwork
Jacky: “She was very disparaging about what she created (given she had to use her non-dominant hand, which was affected by a significant tremor due to her medication). However, she looked forward immensely to going; it was definitely the highlight of her week.”
Mark and Jacky with Elspeth’s artwork at the Dead Good Artists exhibition
Time to Create was one of the last things Elspeth left her house for; “she was determined to go”, Mark says.
In 2025, Elspeth’s artwork was featured in Dead Good Artists, an exhibition at The Wooden Box Gallery in Ramsgate, which was a collaborative project with Pilgrims. Relatives and close friends were invited to attend a workshop to talk about the artistic sides of their loved one’s lives; Mark and Jacky took great comfort in this, as it happened just four months after Elspeth’s death, when they were newly bereaved.
Elspeth also loved Living Well sessions at the hospice – the entertainment (especially if music was involved), fun quizzes, food and chats with others. Jacky often accompanied her to help with her care, and Pilgrims provided a wheelchair for Elspeth to get around more easily.
In August 2024, Pilgrims patients enjoyed a dance performance at the Canterbury hospice by Doorstep Duets, a project created by New Adventures and Farnham Maltings as a response to social isolation.
Elspeth attended with her parents; afterwards, they had a picnic lunch prepared by the catering team and took a walk in the gardens.
Care and support
Elspeth was supported by teams across Pilgrims; occupational therapists sourced specialist equipment that enabled her to live independently at home and aid her mobility – including commodes, handrails, a hospital-style bed, a reclining chair and a hoist – and trained Mark and Jacky in how to use it.
A CAMEL inflatable device to help Elspeth off the floor when she fell was invaluable on multiple occasions, as were gadgets to help her get in and out of the car.
Pilgrims also organised carers and district nurses to visit Elspeth at home, and the family were invited to visit the Ashford hospice so that Elspeth would feel comfortable if she needed to stay there.
Jacky: “They were so helpful and kind, always asking what more they could do and how they could empower Elspeth to achieve things that were important to her.
“When I confessed that our cat had been on her inflated mattress at home, whilst Elspeth was staying at the hospice (and I suspected it now wasn’t working, courtesy of little claws!), a replacement arrived swiftly without issue.”
Mark and Elspeth during a trip to Edinburgh in 2024
Mark and Jacky fondly recall Pal, a Wellbeing Practitioner, visiting Elspeth at home when she was unable to leave the house. Pal gave Elspeth a henna decoration on her hand; a little gesture that made a big difference.
Jacky: “Pal stroked her hand and chatted away to her. Elspeth really enjoyed the company of another young person, especially as she knew Pal from her sessions at the hospice. By that point, Elspeth could barely speak, but you could see the pleasure in her eyes.”
When a family friend who was studying photography offered to do a photoshoot with Jacky and Elspeth in the Ashford hospice gardens, Pal was on hand to do Elspeth’s make-up.
Elspeth and Jacky in the Ashford hospice gardens
During the times Elspeth needed extra care, she was able to have a bed at the Ashford hospice; Pilgrims contacted Mark and Jacky daily with updates and to let them know when a place would be available, something they really appreciated.
They were able to visit whenever they wanted, which gave Elspeth great comfort, and food and refreshments were always available.
Jacky:“We could get nutritious inexpensive meals at the hospice; we had no time or energy to shop or cook, so we really appreciated this and it made a big difference.”
Other loved ones were welcomed, too, including Elspeth’s niece, Lola, who enjoyed spending time in the family lounge. With toys, games and books provided for younger family members, it made a difficult time a little easier.
Mark and Jacky were even able to bring the family dog, Rosie, for a visit.
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Elspeth Ogilvie Family Photo 1
Elspeth with her niece, Lola, and her parents and their dog, Rosie
Jacky: “When Elspeth’s world reduced, and particularly when she couldn’t go out for day trips anymore because it was too tiring, the hospice became her sanctuary, it helped her so much.
“She loved having a bath at Pilgrims; the care teams made it such a lovely experience for her, taking their time, washing her hair and helping her feel relaxed.
“She also appreciated the massages she received at Pilgrims, and revelled in those sessions. I was offered these and adored them, too, and felt so calm afterwards.”
As Elspeth’s ability to communicate deteriorated due to the brain tumour and medication, her parents valued the extra time and care Pilgrims’ teams took with her.
Mark: “The staff are so friendly and welcoming; from healthcare assistants, to nurses, to the kitchen team, everyone attuned very quickly to Elspeth’s needs. They understood that firing suggestions at her was counter-productive, so they gave her space to get her message across.”
Jacky: “When I’d eventually figured out what she wanted to eat, I’d pop my head into the kitchen and ask; it never seemed to phase them. It was just so nice, they were so patient.
“Due to her medication, she needed lots of condiments to satisfy her tastebuds, so they made sure she had her own basket, which was regularly topped up.
“We never felt like we were in the way. When I had my airbed beside Elspeth’s hospice bed, the cleaners just worked around us, it was no problem.”
Towards the end of Elspeth’s life, Pilgrims was available by phone 24/7; when anything changed in her condition, her parents could speak to a nurse immediately for advice and support.
Jacky:“This reduced our stress levels immensely, especially during the night and at weekends when our regular GP surgery was unavailable.”
Sunflower Memories and Trees of Love
Mark and Jacky attended Sunflower Memories and Trees of Love for the first time in 2025, during the first year after Elspeth’s death. They enjoyed being in the gardens and seeing some staff they knew.
Mark: “Elspeth adored sunflowers, so when we heard that they were “Pilgrims’ flower”, that made Sunflower Memories extra special for us. She had a pair of Lucy & Yak trousers with a sunflower print, which she loved.
“When she had open cranial surgery in preparation for chemotherapy, she didn’t know how much hair she’d lose, so she bought lots of wooly hats and one of them had sunflowers on.”
Trees of Love was particularly poignant, as it took place close to Elspeth’s first anniversary.
Jacky: “Christmas was Elspeth’s favourite time of year. We didn’t know quite what to expect, but attending a service at the hospice was important to us, as we’d been so often with Elspeth during her illness – for short stays, therapy sessions and wellbeing groups – and we’d spent time in the gardens, too, so being here meant a lot.
“It was beautiful; seeing Elspeth’s dove, the lights and the singing made it very special. Mark didn’t know what I’d written on the dove until he saw it on the day, so that was very sweet. It was lovely coming together with others and having the chance to fundraise for Pilgrims.”
Mark:“It was emotional as it was very close to Elspeth’s first anniversary, but we did well. We had so much help from everybody at the hospice, so it’s our way of giving back.”
Jacky: “Pilgrims offered us support and sanity, and we will forever remember the endless kind faces, caring words and thoughtful gestures. They are incredibly outstanding in all they do.”
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.
23rd March 2026
Living well in each moment: Lawrence’s journey with Pilgrims Hospices
Lawrence Fox, a Londoner and former construction manager who has lived in Canterbury for 27 years, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024.
After beginning chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, he was referred by his specialist nurse to Pilgrims Hospices for additional support.
Lawrence has experienced the holistic benefits of hospice care through wellbeing groups, physiotherapy and complementary therapy:
“I do guided mindfulness sessions at Pilgrims, which I love; they help me stay present in the moment and not get so anxious about the future – that’s the secret. I’m interested in psychology and being mentally strong. And I love being around people; there are some things you can’t tell your family, but you can share them with strangers, which is so helpful.”
Lawrence also attends Living Well groups, which offer talks by speakers on a range of topics, and has had reflexology treatment: “I’d never tried that, so I thought I’d have a go! I found it very relaxing.”
Most recently, he has joined Time to Create, a therapeutic art group where patients can try various artistic activities and processes, and is currently making a memory book:
“It’s nice coming to the hospice and catching up with some friendly faces.”
Lawrence values his physical fitness and says that being active helps him manage his illness; he does Pilates and, thanks to the support he is receiving from Pilgrims, hopes to begin swimming again in the near future, having previously swam for his native London Borough of Islington – “It’s like therapy for me.”
Lawrence continued:
“Without Pilgrims, I wouldn’t have known what to do or where to go after my diagnosis. They’re always here if you need them, and having that back-up is reassuring. The groups get me out of the house and into a routine, and I’ve met so many people – including partners and carers, who are welcome at the hospice groups, as it gives them a break as well.
“I didn’t realise until now that the hospice relies so much on donations, so I want to give back in any way I can, and sharing my story is one way I can do that.”
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.
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.
19th December 2025
Festive creativity brings comfort and connection at our Therapy Centres
Across Pilgrims Hospices’ Therapy Centres in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, our hospice Wellbeing services continue to support patients and their loved ones with opportunities to relax, connect, and enjoy meaningful time together.
At Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, our Time to Create group has been embracing the festive spirit. Patients recently spent a joyful session making Christmas cards, decorating pine cones, and glass painting – all while sharing friendship, laughter, and a warming cup of tea in the safe, welcoming space of the Therapy Centre.
The group was supported by Wellbeing Practitioners, Kate Brewer and Jane Stanley, who were on hand to encourage, guide and help keep spirits high.
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Kevin PHT Time To Create
Hillary Time To Create Glass Painting
Graham And Lesley Time To Create PHT
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Kate explained:
“The Time to Create group at Pilgrims Hospices is a regular, weekly art and craft therapy session for patients – and sometimes a family member. It offers a chance to develop new skills, create lasting memories, and connect with others in a supportive, calm environment designed to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.”
The benefits of creative wellbeing activities
Art and craft sessions offer much more than just a finished piece to take home; they support patients emotionally, socially and psychologically:
Skill development: Learn something new or rediscover past creative interests
Stress relief: A soothing activity that reduces anxiety, encourages mindfulness, and creates space to relax
Social connection: Build friendships and chat with others who understand similar experiences
Legacy building: Create meaningful, personal items to share with loved ones
Voices from the group
Regular attendee, Lesley, shared:
“I really enjoy the company. We always find lots to talk about, and I’ve got a wicked sense of humour – I love making people laugh.”
Graham was delighted with his festive crafting:
“I’ve enjoyed making Christmas cards today. I’ve made one especially for my sister with a penguin theme because I know she loves them.”
Jane added:
“We theme our activities around what’s happening in the world – whether it’s Christmas or another seasonal moment – to make sessions feel uplifting and meaningful.”
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.
27th October 2025
Pilgrims Hospices helps Margaret to realise musical theatre dreams
Margaret Grand from Wingham grew up in Canterbury. With a keen interest in singing and theatre, she did choral singing at school and sang in choirs later in life – including with Ann Robertson, Pilgrims Hospices’ founder, who Margaret knew from her village community.
John and Margaret on their wedding day
As a teenager, Margaret was offered the opportunity to study at the prestigious Italia Conti performing arts institution, but her mother wouldn’t let her go; Margaret was an only child, and her mother was afraid she would move away and not return home.
Margaret instead began working at Boots in Canterbury city centre, where she met her husband, John, who was also a musician. Together, they played in bands and performed locally.
In 2021, Margaret was diagnosed with cancer and received a life-limiting prognosis. Since being referred to Pilgrims Hospices, she has had a second chance to flex her theatrical prowess through a project with the Marlowe Theatre – showing how hospice care is not only for those at the end-of-life, but also empowers people to live well, and fully, in the time they have left.
Margaret said:
“I’d had problems with my leg, I kept getting cellulitis; I was going to the GP surgery regularly to have dressings on. The nurse noticed a spot on my leg, which started to change colour, so she asked the doctor to check it and he did an urgent referral. A biopsy at Kent & Canterbury hospital showed that I had Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of skin cancer. The nurses explained that I’d need to go to Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead for treatment, and have scans for five years.
“In 2022, I started to get large tumours on my leg, and I got upset every time I had it dressed. I remember the nurse, Bonnie, saying: “Margaret, I can understand why you get upset, because most people don’t see their tumours.” They just got worse and worse. I was sleeping on the sofa at home because I was so uncomfortable.
“Later that year, I went to see Les Miserables at the Marlowe Theatre with my daughter, Michelle. During the interval, I had to leave because I felt so unwell. A week later, I collapsed at home – I was just like a puppet. I called out to John, but he couldn’t get me up, so he phoned for an ambulance. I asked the paramedic to put me on the sofa and assured them I’d be OK, but they took my temperature and it was sky high, so they had to admit me to hospital, where I was diagnosed with sepsis. I was there for about a month, and I also caught COVID!”
Michelle added:
“Mum was discharged shortly before Christmas and was due to see her consultant around this time, but as she had been so unwell, I attended on her behalf. I explained what had happened, and the consultant was concerned. She said: “I can tell how ill your mum must be. I really think she needs palliative care, so I’m going to do a referral.” That was a massive shock; I came out of the appointment shaking. To me, palliative care meant Mum was at the end of life, on a downward spiral. But then things turned around very quickly; she was quite stable, and she started chemotherapy in January 2023.”
Margaret with her daughter, Michelle
Margaret continued: “They told me the chemo would be potent, could potentially make me very ill, and would cause me to lose my hair. On the whole, I was actually quite lucky; l didn’t feel sick at all and I pretty much sailed through the treatment. When I came out of hospital, they gave me a hospital bed at home, which made things a little easier. It was around this time that Pilgrims got in touch with me.”
Alongside pain management and symptom control, Margaret has benefitted from a range of wellbeing services at Pilgrims, including acupuncture and Wellbeing groups, through which she and other patients were involved in a musical theatre project with the Marlowe Theatre.
She also joins regular virtual meet-ups via Zoom, which offer an opportunity to connect with other patients from the comfort of their own homes.
In November 2023, John lost his balance and fell backwards at home, hit the back of his neck, severed his spinal cord and died within a week:
“Just like that. I couldn’t believe it; he’d been out cutting the grass that afternoon. He was 80. Since I’d been diagnosed, we’d always thought it was going to be me who went first – exactly a year before, when I was hospitalised with sepsis, it certainly looked that way.”
Pilgrims supported Margaret’s family through this very difficult time; her granddaughter, Holly, was offered counselling support as she struggled to cope with John’s sudden death.
Margaret was also invited for a Christmas meal at the Ashford hospice, where she could experience the environment in a relaxed, informal way.
She said: “I feel like everyone at Pilgrims is a friend, it’s a lovely community.
“I’ve got nothing but praise for the staff; they must see so many people, but they still know your name.
“Chatting with Palak from the Wellbeing team, I mentioned my love of singing and my interest in theatre, and she told me about a Hamlet-inspired project for patients that Pilgrims was facilitating with the Marlowe.
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Margaret took part in Hamlet workshops with the Marlowe Theatre at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury
“When I was at high school, I had a marvellous music teacher – Mr Sellers – who saw my potential. He put me in every single play, and I even sung in Canterbury Cathedral. I was also part of the Young Marlowe Theatre Playgoers; we’d do readings and put on the odd play, but it was more of a training programme. It was completely free to attend, but in return, we would go to the Marlowe and give out refreshments to the actors.
“My best friend, Catherine, was also into the theatre. Her father offered to pay for both of us to go to the Italia Conti performing arts school in London, but my mum wouldn’t let me go. And because I couldn’t go, Catherine wouldn’t go – I messed up her chances, too! I still feel guilty about that!
“We used to have village shows in Wingham, and I always took part in those. I also sang in a band with John on guitar and our friend, Dick; we’d go out gigging round the local pubs, we had so much fun. Whenever Michelle and I go to the Marlowe now, I always say to her: “I wish that was me on the stage”.”
Margaret’s husband, John (second from left), playing with the band
In 2024/25, Pilgrims organised a musical theatre project with the Marlowe, open to patients, families, staff and volunteers, which helped Margaret to realise her dream. Workshops were held at the Canterbury hospice Therapy Centre, facilitated by local performers Tom Adams and Lillian Henry, with guest speakers from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).
This culminated in the group writing and performing a song based around Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and a special event at the Marlowe in April 2025.
Margaret read a sonnet on stage and was invited to talk about her history with the theatre. She was also delighted to sit with an RSC representative during the event.
Margaret performing at the Marlowe Theatre in April 2025
She said: “I’m so touched that the RSC, and people like Tom and Lillian, will give their time to Pilgrims to create experiences like this for patients.”
Pilgrims continue to work closely with the Marlowe, and are planning another creative project in the near future.
Margaret added:
“Before I got involved with Pilgrims, I thought a hospice was a place you go to die. Now I know it’s so much more than that, and I tell everyone!
“I remember sitting in the Thanet hospice reception waiting for my acupuncture appointment. It wasn’t until my last session that I spotted the wards, which goes to show that hospices aren’t just beds on a ward.
“It’s totally different to what people think.
“Pilgrims don’t just offer end-of-life care, but also a whole range of wellbeing services and groups. It’s really opened my eyes.”
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
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.
7th October 2025
Michael: “Pilgrims care makes me feel at ease”
Michael Taylor was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2015. Initially given a 5-year prognosis, he exceeded this, and continues to live well at home in Herne Bay with support from Pilgrims Hospices.
Born in Bromley, Michael was raised by his mother, Winifred, and many doting aunts and uncles. His father, John James Taylor, was a firefighter, but sadly died aged 28, when Michael was just three days old.
After marrying his wife, Brenda, the couple moved to Faversham and started their own family, welcoming three children – Helen, Paul, who sadly died of cot death aged 14 months, and Rachel – and now have five grandchildren.
Michael and Brenda on their 50th wedding anniversary
Michael was referred to Pilgrims in 2021 and attended Time to Create, therapeutic art groups that run at the Therapy Centres on each hospice site, offering relief from the challenges of living with a terminal illness. By then, Brenda had Alzheimer’s disease, but she was able to accompany Michael to the groups.
Michael said: “The Pilgrims team was extremely good; they sat and chatted with Brenda while I got on and did my own thing. I enjoyed it very much.
“The food was so lovely too, beautiful! Especially the cheese omelettes. We attended Time to Create for quite a long time, but it eventually got too much for Brenda, so I stopped for a few years.”
Michael enjoyed a long career as an architectural technician. Initially working in London and Kent, he eventually ran his own practice – Rowlett and Taylor – in Broadstairs with his colleague, Malcolm. He continued to draw, paint and build models into his retirement, so Time to Create appealed to his natural artistic flair. He credits Pilgrims with getting him back into his creative hobbies:
“After Brenda went into a nursing home, I had a phone call from Elizabeth in the Pilgrims Wellbeing team asking if I’d like to re-join Time to Create.
“Pilgrims provided a taxi for me, which was amazing. I hadn’t done any art or drawing, hadn’t touched a paintbrush or pencil or anything, in those two years since I’d stopped going. That phone call from Elizabeth got me right back into it; making art at Pilgrims again got me completely turned around.
“I’m a bit of a loner, so I had just been sitting in a chair for two years doing absolutely nothing, and now I can’t stop painting and drawing!”
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Michael’s artwork
Michael has been so well supported that he no longer feels he needs to attend the hospice Wellbeing groups, as Pilgrims has helped enable him to live comfortably at home. He does his own cooking, and has carers and a cleaner for extra support. He also enjoys visits from his children and grandchildren.
Michael now plans to attend his local Age UK group, which meets on Tuesdays, offering the chance to socialise with others and enjoy lunch together.
Michael continues to paint and draw, which is helping him to live as well and independently as possible. He recently sketched Herne Bay train station for his local model railway club, and is also a talented pianist; a church organist for 60 years, he now plays for his own pleasure.
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Michael’s artwork
Although Michael doesn’t feel he needs Pilgrims at the moment, he knows he can access their support in the future:
“I’m not worried about death (can’t say I’m looking forward to it or wishing it was tomorrow!), but it doesn’t bother me because I have a strong Christian faith. I feel at ease, because if my health deteriorates, I can contact the hospice and go back into their care. Everybody I’ve met at Pilgrims is so kind – from the receptionists, to the catering and care teams, and everyone in between. They always make the time to sit and talk to me, even if they’re rushed off their feet.
“I would say to anybody who is in my situation – who is lonely and has lost interest – to ask Pilgrims about their Wellbeing groups, because I have found them really worthwhile. They get you out of yourself, and I’m so grateful to Pilgrims for inviting me to get involved.”
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
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.
