30 November 2022

Trees of Love return to Pilgrims Hospices

Pilgrims Hospices’ Trees of Love remembrance services have seen over 1,000 local people join together each year in memory of their loved ones to raise vital funds to support the incredible services that Pilgrims offers.


Trees of Love is an important event for many families who come together with others who may have shared similar experiences, to remember their loved ones. Guests are invited to come along to see their dedicated dove on one of the Trees of Love, listen to festive and remembrance readings and sing carols, whilst enjoying a warm mince pie, hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Ellie Cane, Pilgrims Hospices Individual Giving Officer, explains:

“Christmas is a special time of year for families and friends to come together, but losing a loved one can make celebrating this time of year very difficult.

“Trees of love is a place for all to come together in remembering their loved ones during the festive season. We are thrilled to be able to invite everyone back to our hospices for our remembrance services, which we have been unable to host due to the restrictions in place during the pandemic.

“We will also be releasing a Trees of Love film again as we understand how important this has become for those who choose to remember at home.”

Trees of Love has been an important fundraiser for the hospice for more than 25 years, helping to care for those living with life-limiting illnesses and support their families after they are gone.

It offers a space for anyone throughout east Kent who has lost someone special to join together, to reflect and remember their loved ones year on year.  


Trees of Love events will take place at our hospices in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet at 5pm on Saturday 3 December 2022.

There will be a filmed service released on the Pilgrims Hospices YouTube channel at midday on Saturday 3 December.

We also offer indoor services with seating across our east Kent community:

  • Firmager, St Nicholas Church, New Romney, 1:30pm on Saturday 3 December 2022
  • St Peter and St Paul Church, River, Dover, 4pm on Sunday 4 December 2022
  • All Souls Church, Cheriton, Folkestone, 5pm on Sunday 4 December 2022
  • Barham Crematorium, Barham, 4.30pm on Thursday 15 December 2022
  • Charing Crematorium, Charing, 4.30pm on Friday 16 December 2022

You can also post a message and a photo in memory of your loved one on our online Trees of Love memory wall.


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.