South Devon’s biggest girl’s night out, The Rowcroft Sleep Walk has been deemed another successful event for Rowcroft Hospice. On Saturday July 6, over 1600 ladies took part and it is hoped that the event has raised over £100,000 for the hospice, following the collection of all sponsorship funds.
Now in its ninth annual year, The Rowcroft Sleep Walk has grown from strength to strength in popularity since its launch in 2011. Ladies from across South Devon came together to walk five or ten miles to support the local hospice. The night walk covered routes along Paignton and Torquay seafronts, with stunning views of Torbay.
Sleep Walker Ally Vallance, 45, from Stokeinteignhead said: “It’s so important to support your local hospice. We have taken part as a group from Torbay Hospital and we have been really excited about tonight – you can never have too much glitter!”
Tara John, 28, from Paignton, who made her own light- up tutu for the walk, said: “I just love all the glitz! My uncle was cared for by Rowcroft so that’s why I am taking part tonight.”
Those taking part in the walk were blessed with a warm evening and treated to a beautiful sunset across the Bay.
Janet Legge, 52, from Brixham, said: “I am taking part in memory of a dear friend. The Sleep Walk is such a nice evening and it’s for a really good cause. ”
Stewart Molyneux, Rowcroft Events Manager, gave a special thank you to all the participants and volunteers who made the Sleepwalk possible:
, “What an incredible night! The atmosphere was fantastic from start to finish and this is down to the amazing energy of everyone involved. The women and girls who took part were bouncing from the off and our team of more than 160 volunteers made sure they carried this enthusiasm with them every step of the way.
“I want to say a MASSIVE thank you to the walkers, volunteers and staff for all of the hard work and support. It really was a night to remember and the early indications are that our ladies have done an amazing job with their fundraising this year. Rowcroft relies on the vital funds raised by the community to deliver the care our heroic healthcare team provide across 300 square miles every day of the year. Thank you for helping us make every day the best day possible for thousands of people living with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon.”
The event was supported by many local businesses as well as 160 volunteers who gave their time and worked through the night to support the much-loved charity.
Louise Bush, 41, from Paignton, volunteered for the fourth year, covering the merchandise stand at Torbay Leisure Centre. “I volunteer for Rowcroft events because my Nan was cared for by their Hospice at Home nurses. They were invaluable to us all as a family and they provided overnight care for my Nan for a week. The nurses explained the costs of running the hospice, which we were really surprised about because we thought Rowcroft only cared for people in Torbay – in actual fact Rowcroft covers 300 square miles of South Devon. The nurses were so kind and respectful and without Rowcroft Nan wouldn’t have been able to spend her last few days at home. That was her final wish and with Rowcroft’s support, we were able to give her that.”
It is hoped The Sleep Walk will raise an incredible £103,000 this year, once all the walkers have paid in their sponsorship money This impressive total does not take into account sales of merchandise and other funds raised on the night, which are set to make the amount rise again in the coming days.
Head of Fundraising, Rachael Bryett, said: “The Sleep Walk is Rowcroft’s flag ship event, raising enough in sponsorship and donations to fund our Hospice at Home service for over three months! Thanks to the funds raised by the amazing women and girls who walked through the night on 6th July, over 100 patients and their families will receive 24/7 specialist nursing care at home.”
Rachael continues: “Rowcroft is only here because of the generous support of the local community. With every pound raised, we can care for more local people facing life-limiting illnesses in South Devon. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has made this year’s Sleep Walk such a success; whether you walked, volunteered your time, sponsored a walker or are part of a local company or organisation who gave support – thank you so much!”
For more information on Rowcroft’s other exciting fundraising events such as Ride for Rowcroft on Sunday 13 October, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk.
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