Rowcroft Hospice’s unstoppable supporters have once again gone above and beyond, raising an incredible £50,000 and counting through a series of fantastical challenges and events. From defying stormy weather to quite literally walking on fire, the charity’s devoted fundraisers have let nothing stand in their way when it comes to supporting the hospice.
When high winds forced the cancellation of the Torbay Half Marathon and 10K on 29
September, it could have been a major blow. But in true Rowcroft spirit, the dedicated
runners didn’t let this stop them! Dozens of participants took to the streets over the
coming days and weeks to complete their own race, showing resilience and heart as they
powered through to raise vital funds for the hospice.
“Our runners were simply amazing,” said Alexia Croft, Rowcroft’s Events Manager. “Even when the official event was cancelled, they took to the streets on their own! Their passion and commitment are truly inspiring, and we can’t thank them enough. All funds raised will provide specialist care to local patients living with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon.”
On Saturday 12 October, the heat was turned up with Rowcroft’s daring Fire and LEGO Walks! In an unforgettable day of drama and fun, participants gathered in the hospice grounds in Avenue Road, Torquay, to take on a courageous challenge: walking barefoot across glowing embers in the Fire Walk; or braving the LEGO Walk – where younger fundraisers navigated a path of sharp and colourful bricks!
One of the Fire Walk’s sparkling stars was Carole Burke from Paignton who lit the way on the 6th anniversary of the death of her late husband Shaun David Burke, by raising £625 for the hospice. Earning the title of the event’s top fundraiser, Carole walked barefoot on scorching embers in memory of Shaun who had been cared for in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit.
Carole works for Barclays and has applied for match-funding for her sponsorship to bring the total to £1250.
“Taking part in the Fire Walk was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a way for me to honour my husband while giving back to the hospice that cared for him so wonderfully,” said Carole. “It was a day that I’ll never forget, and I’m so proud of myself for giving it a go!”
“Our Fire and LEGO Walkers were awesome!” Alexia Croft shared. “The energy and determination from participants were simply off the chart. It just shows the lengths our community will go to in supporting our care – they’ll even walk on fire for us! It’s thanks to fabulous fundraisers like these that we can continue providing vital care for those in need.”
With a stunning £50,000 raised across these events, Rowcroft Hospice extends a huge,
heartfelt thank you to every runner, fire walker, LEGO walker and supporter who made it all possible. At a time when hospices across the UK are struggling with financial challenges, this remarkable total will help Rowcroft continue its crucial work of providing compassionate care to patients and their loved ones across South Devon.
To register your interest in running for Rowcroft in next year’s Torbay Half Marathon or 10k on Sunday 21 September 2025, please contact Rowcroft’s Fundraising Team on 01803 217450. For details of other Rowcroft fundraising events, please go to:
www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk
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