Kentish Express Ashford & District
Milestone birthday marked with rides, runs and a skydive
HELPING
A woman from Ashford is challenging herself for charity to mark her 40th birthday.
Sarah Martins, senior ward sister for Pilgrims Hospices, will be taking on a number of tasks starting with the women’s cycle ride Divas on Wheels, on Sunday, June 18, from Graveney, near Faversham.
She said: “I will be 40 next year and I’ve been thinking ‘lets live life to the full’ and push myself to achieve some amazing goals.”
Sarah joined Pilgrims Hospices three and a half years ago as the ward sister at the Ashford hospice and is now based in Canterbury as senior ward sister.
She said: “I have personal experience of the patient care offered at Pilgrims as my mum was cared for here 10 years ago.
“I feel very privileged as a Pilgrims nurse to be part of the precious care offered to patients and families when they need it most.”
Sarah’s husband David rode the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge in April and she joined him on some of his training rides.
She said: “My first ride was about 10 to 15 miles.
“With the support of the family I’ve decided to take on the Divas on Wheels 50 mile ride. Everyone is being so supportive and generous with my fundraising, I know I’m capable of completing the ride and enjoying it too.”
Sarah is also planning a skydive for the hospice and well as taking on the Canterbury Half Marathon and the new Pilgrims Santas on the Run in Herne Bay.
Deborah Kellond, Pilgrims Hospices community fundraising manager, said: “We are really proud of Sarah for undertaking these amazing tasks throughout the year.