Hundreds of people gathered on The Den on Teignmouth seafront this weekend to celebrate and raise money for local hospice, Rowcroft, as the hospice held two events; new family fun day Sound Waves and multi-coloured sponsored 5k, The Colour Rush Teignmouth.
On Saturday local bands including Harbour, Three Bags Full, The Kaizens and The Mogs united for Rowcroft’s first music festival-style family fun day in Teignmouth, Sound Waves.
Among those who braved Saturday’s increment weather to enjoy Sound Waves was Maitena Goitia from Torquay. She said: “It was a great day! Despite the bad weather the rain didn’t stop us having fun and dancing around with our umbrellas!
“The music was good; I really enjoyed Celine Dos Santos. I will definitely be going back next year!”
Meanwhile Sunday saw Teignmouth Beach turn rainbow-coloured as hundreds of people completed South Devon’s brightest 5k, The Colour Rush Teignmouth.
Jade Hingston from Kingsteignton, said: “I’m taking part in The Colour Rush because of my Grandma. She was cared for by Rowcroft and they were really friendly. Every time you went in, anything you wanted they would get for you. They really cared about you, and the person you were there for.
“I’m doing The Colour Rush with most of my family – my Mum, Dad, boyfriend, cousins – it’s a great laugh!”
Emily Lands from Newton Abbot added: “The Colour Rush is a great opportunity to do something for Rowcroft with your friends. My Auntie died and was looked after by Rowcroft so I wanted to support them.
“The run was good – the paint throwing was good and it felt really light hearted with lots of enthusiasm and music!”
Together, it is hoped the two events will have raised in excess of £50,000 for Rowcroft.
Every pound raised will help to support thousands of local people and families who are living with life-limiting illnesses in Teignbridge, and across South Devon.
Daniel Robson, Events Manager at Rowcroft Hospice, explained: “In 2016 Rowcroft supported 758 people living with life-limiting illnesses in Teignbridge which, together with their friends and family, means we supported more than 2,000 people in this area alone.
“To all those who came along to Sound Waves, despite the bad weather, or took part in The Colour Rush Teignmouth this weekend we would like to say an enormous thank you.
“Together you helped to turn Teignmouth Beach into a colour cloud of music, happiness and laughter and while doing so helped people in this amazing community facing the hardest days imaginable to make the most of every precious moment with their family and friends.”
Daniel added: “Very special thanks also go to our incredible event supporters and volunteers for giving up their time to ensure the events ran seamlessly, smoothly and as colourfully as possible!”
The total raised by Sound Waves and The Colour Rush Teignmouth is especially significant as Rowcroft continues to recover from a drastic funding shortfall in 2016.
Daniel added: “Rowcroft has had an incredibly turbulent year. Though we no longer face the threat of closure raising as much as possible to secure our long-term future is still of huge importance and every pound is more important than ever.
“After a tough year it was more incredible than ever to see so many people get together to live life in full colour and celebrate the work South Devon’s local hospice does in this community!”
For more information on Rowcroft’s other exciting fundraising events coming up this summer, including The Sleep Walk on Saturday 8 July, Bubble Rush on Saturday 9 September and Ride for Rowcroft on Sunday 8 October, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk.
