Returning for 2018, the Pilgrims Hospice rallied volunteers from companies from all over Ashford.
Countrystyle’s very own Birendra and Jolene kindly volunteered as part of the 19 stong fleet of vans, making their rounds to collect real trees after the Christmas season for recycling – and raise money for a fantastic cause in the process!
Richard Foulger, volunteer coordinator for the campaign, commented: “This is the sixth year we have collected trees from people’s homes and each year we have seen more and more residents taking advantage of the scheme. We started in 2011 with just a crew of six vans and have seen this grow year on year”.
Reaching over 1500 homes including those in Rolvenden, Wittersham, Charing, Chilham and Smeeth, as well as the towns of Ashford and Tenterden, the campaign was a huge success. Last year the scheme generated an outstanding £17,000 towards the vital work of the hospice. This year, the Pilgrims Hospice saw record breaking registrations and funds raised, with an estimated figure of around £18,000. This will make a huge difference to patients and help fund over a month of free expert end of life care.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new wellbeing and social programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
For the official Pilgrims hospice press release – click here
To see more about the work Pilgrims Hospice do – click here