Springfield House brings people together for Pilgrims Hospices
Two celebrations at Springfield House in Birchington gave people the chance to come together for Pilgrims Hospices: a summer party in September, followed by a Halloween fundraiser.
Through its free services, Pilgrims Hospices supports people living with an incurable illness across east Kent, helping them live well throughout their care. It also offers support to their families, with the local community’s generosity making this work possible.
A summer party in support of local hospice care
Cakes, flower stalls, a tombola and games were all part of September’s summer party, enjoyed by the people we support, team members and visitors. The event raised £368.50 for Pilgrims Hospices.
Preparations saw the people we support and team members make and put up decorations, as well as create handmade crafts to sell. On the day, the people we support managed sales, gave visitors a warm welcome and enjoyed getting to know them.
Looking back on the day, Practice Lead Leila King said:
“We had a fantastic day raising money for Pilgrims Hospices! Lots of laughs, dancing and chatting with our community. Even the rain couldn’t stop us. We put up the gazebo and danced away! So proud of everyone and all we have achieved together!”
A Springfield House support worker reflected:
“The rain certainly didn’t stop us from making a difference! It was heartwarming to see everyone coming together for such a meaningful cause. From making beautiful natural flower arrangements and preparing gifts to standing by the roadside inviting people to support us, every little effort counted. What made the day even more special was seeing the people we support getting involved, smiling, and enjoying themselves. It was a lovely reminder that kindness, teamwork and community spirit can brighten even the rainiest of days.”
Sharing their experience, one person supported at Springfield House said:
“I really enjoyed today! Even though it was raining, we had so much fun. I loved seeing all the beautiful flowers and people coming to visit us. It made me happy knowing we were helping other people. I would love to do something like this again.”
Katie Hilden, Registered Manager at Springfield House, said:
“What a wonderful day supporting Pilgrims Hospices! The people we support and our team put so much creativity and teamwork into making decorations and crafts to sell. We’re proud to support the charity’s care for individuals and families, while enjoying a day of fun and laughter together. Thank you to everyone who got involved. We’re already looking forward to more fundraising!”
A special visit to present the summer party cheque
The people we support later visited Pilgrims Hospices to hand over a cheque for the £368.50 collected at September’s summer party. A small celebration offered time to exchange stories, talk with the hospice team and build connections.
Gary, who helped with organising activities, had a personal reason for supporting. He explained:
“I’d just like to say a big thank you to you all at Pilgrims Hospices for looking after four of my friends and family who I lost over the last two years. This is my way to help you, raising money for Pilgrims Hospices. Thanks again for all you do. You are all doing a great job.”
Ahead of the Halloween fundraiser, Kate Duddell, Head of Fundraising at Pilgrims Hospices, shared her thoughts on the support so far:
“The wonderful people of Springfield House in Birchington have been going above and beyond, and their creativity, kindness and enthusiasm for fundraising have been truly inspiring. In recent months, they have worked incredibly hard to support local hospice care, using their innovative skills to create special items that raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices. Their good humour, dedication and big smiles have made a real difference. Everything we do at Pilgrims Hospices is centred on making each day as good as it can be for the people in our care, and the residents and staff of Springfield House have shown that same commitment to supporting the wider Thanet community.”
Keeping the fundraising spirit alive at Halloween
Next came a separate Halloween event, giving Springfield House another opportunity to fundraise for Pilgrims Hospices. With the people we support taking the lead, regular planning meetings helped shape the activities and explore fundraising ideas.
Alongside costumes and dressing up, the celebrations included hoop throwing, a sponge throwing game, a cakes and bakes sale, and a few stalls selling plants and creations made by the people living at Springfield House.
The people we support decorated the home inside and out, setting the scene for the Halloween celebrations. On the morning of the fundraiser, they set up the stalls and ran them throughout the day, with support when needed. They also served cakes and drinks, helping to keep the atmosphere bright and enjoyable.
From summer celebrations to Halloween fun, both events brought people together to support a cause close to their hearts. But the fundraising doesn’t end here. Springfield House is still full of energy and ideas, with the people we support and team members looking forward to more opportunities to get creative, bring people together and make a real difference.
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