In a spectacular show of support for Rowcroft Hospice on Saturday 7 March, around 1,500 walkers took part in the Big Tackle eight-mile walk in Torquay raising an incredible £150,000 – making it the biggest and most successful event in its history. The funds raised will provide a vital boost for local hospice care at a time when funding challenges across the UK mean two in five hospices are cutting services and many are closing beds.
Starting and finishing at Torquay Rugby Club, the eight-mile route led participants along a stunning stretch of Torquay’s coastline, as people of all ages and backgrounds came together in a heartfelt show of community spirit – many walking in memory of loved ones. The walk also passed through Rowcroft Hospice’s gardens, where participants could leave a tag on the beautiful magnolia ‘Memory Tree’, honouring and celebrating those closest to their hearts. At the finish line, walkers were welcomed with a pint and a pasty in the marquee, along with the chance to watch England take on Italy in the Six Nations.
Among the walkers were William Foulds (45) from Torquay with his sons Oliver (16) and Henry (12) who together raised £200 for the hospice. William said: “We had a family friend who passed away at Rowcroft Hospice five years ago, so we thought The Big Tackle walk would be a great thing to do to raise money to support the hospice. It’s a wonderful local charity, and this is a fantastic community event. We’ve really enjoyed it.”
Walker Bruce Springett (53) walked in memory of his mum Wendy Rendle from Dartmouth. Wendy had been a life-long supporter of Rowcroft and was cared for by the hospice before she passed away in 2023 at the age of 81. Hanging a tag in her memory on Rowcroft’s stunning ‘Memory Tree’, Bruce said: ‘Magnolia was one of Mum’s favourite trees, so this is a fitting tribute to her. She really loved the gardens at Rowcroft. Today’s Big Tackle has been fantastic – there’s been a great atmosphere; we’ve enjoyed every minute. We’ll definitely be back again next year!”
Also at The Big Tackle was John Cummings-Lee-Hynes (60) who was volunteering at the event in memory of his late-husband James Cummings-Lee-Hynes. He said: “I am volunteering today because of all the support and care that James received from Rowcroft at the end of his life. The Rowcroft team were absolutely fantastic and they enabled James to be at home for his final moments.”
Alison MacMillan, Deputy Lieutenant, gave a short presentation at the event as a representative of His Majesty The King and the Lord-Leuitenant of Devon David Fursdon. Alison said: “The Big Tackle perfectly highlights the incredible work of local charities like Rowcroft Hospice and the Rapid Relief Team (who are providing the BBQ at the event) and how they work in collaboration to support those in need in our community. I know from personal experience about the work of the hospice and the compassionate care that Rowcroft provides across South Devon. We’re really fortunate to have such a world class service in our community and we must do all we can to support it.”
Rachel Haime, Events and Projects Fundraiser at Rowcroft Hospice, said: “This year’s Big Tackle has been unbelievable! It’s been a day full of fun, energy, and community spirit at its very best. It’s been incredibly moving to see so many people walking in memory of loved ones, or simply here to support the hospice. The record-breaking numbers and funds raised show just how much our community truly cares.
“We’d like to say a massive thank you to all our brilliant walkers, volunteers, supporters and donors, as well as Torquay Rugby Club for hosting us, and all the other local businesses who have got behind us, including our fabulous event sponsors: WBW Solicitors, Torbay Clearance Services and Bays Brewery – plus Caterfoods for providing the pasties. All in all, it’s been a remarkable community-wide effort for a great cause!”
It costs the hospice £11 million each year to deliver specialist palliative and end-of-life care to 2,500 patients and their loved ones across South Devon. With only 24% of funding coming from the government, Rowcroft depends on the generosity of its supporters to raise the rest and maintain its vital services. Fundraising events like The Big Tackle are an important way for the community to get involved, with many other opportunities available for people to take on a challenge and make a real difference.
To register your interest for The Big Tackle 2027, or to find out about other Rowcroft events and challenges, including the charity’s eight-mile ‘Sleep Walk’ that’s taking place on Saturday 20 June, visit: rowcrofthospice.org.uk
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