Volunteers come together to create a wonderful Pilgrims pamper stall

A casual purchase of a bow maker at a craft fair has led Pilgrims Hospices gardening volunteer Shirley Johnston to create some fabulous gifts for a new pamper stall at Pilgrims’ Summer Garden Party on Saturday 4 August 2018.

Joining Shirley’s creations is a whole variety of handmade drawstring bags lovingly sewn by Rosemary Stanbridge and Val Chaffer, a Pilgrims Therapy Centre volunteer, and some wonderful flannel dogs created by Annie Ware, who volunteers in the Fundraising team. Supporters will be able to purchase a wide range of gifts at the Summer Garden Party; from bags to store hairbrushes and other items to a P.E. bag for the new term. Shirley, Rosemary, Val and Annie are just a few of the many volunteers who come together each year to bake, grow, wrap and sort so many of the fabulous items on sale or to be won at the Summer Garden Party.

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated gifts or skills so far this year. Without these volunteers we would struggle to raise the £11 million needed every year in voluntary donations to enable us to offer free care to all who need it.

Victoria Friar, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford

Victoria Friar, Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated gifts or skills so far this year. Without these volunteers we would struggle to raise the £11 million needed every year in voluntary donations to enable us to offer free care to all who need it.

“There is still time to donate goods for the Summer Garden Party, whether handmade or bought from a supermarket.”

Pilgrims are delighted that Stagecoach has again offered its services to help out with a free park and ride, which will operate from the Mersham-Le-Hatch Business Village.

The Summer Garden Party will be open 12pm – 4pm on Saturday 4 August in the grounds of Pilgrims Hospice Ashford.

To find out more, check out the event listing or call the fundraising office on 01233 504 111.

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 and Social Programme.