More than 1,650 people stepped out in a blaze of yellow on Saturday evening for the long-awaited return of Rowcroft Hospice’s much-loved Sleep Walk, raising an incredible £185,000 to support local patients and families facing the hardest of times.
Returning for the first time since 2022, the eight-mile sponsored walk on the summer solstice weekend brought together people of all ages for a night filled with music, celebration, remembrance and community spirit, while raising vital funds for Rowcroft’s specialist end-of-life care across South Devon. The event began at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre, where participants were welcomed with an energetic warm-up from Bingo Bangers, before setting off on a coastal route along Torquay and Paignton seafronts.
Annie Mooney (69) from Paignton, walked in memory of her beloved husband Martin. Rowcroft’s Community and Hospice at Home Teams had provided support and care for Martin at home before he died on 24 March this year, following a diagnosis of colon cancer. Annie said: “The Sleep Walk was heaven sent because I’m a keen walker, and the team – especially our 12-year-old grandson George – wanted to do it in Martin’s memory.
“The support from Rowcroft felt like a tsunami of hope, love and professionalism, when I was at my most desperate. From the very beginning, they were there with immediate support when we needed them. There was so much love throughout it all – they were our angels. They enabled Martin to stay at home, just as he wanted, where he died in my arms, with Jo, our daughter, holding his hand. It was so full of love and peace and dignity. As a family, we remain indebted to Rowcroft, and I know we will continue to support this amazing charity in every way possible for as long as we can.”
Andrea Loader (62) from Kingsteignton, a teacher at St Cuthbert Mayne School in Torquay, walked with family and friends in memory of her mum Sheila Chambers, who died in Rowcroft Hospice in October 2025 aged 85.
“I can only describe Rowcroft Hospice and its staff as a little piece of ‘heaven on earth’ run by earth angels,” said Andrea. “They did the most amazing, wonderful job of looking after my mum until she departed for heaven. The staff were so kind, caring and compassionate, and they spoke to her with such respect, keeping her dignity at the forefront. Nothing was too much trouble.
“The Sleep Walk today has been absolutely brilliant! Everybody’s been cheering each other on, and it’s just been wonderful being here and raising money for such a fabulous hospice.”
Maddy Aldridge (21) walked in memory of her grandmother, Pam Lake, who was cared for by the hospice before she died on New Year’s Day 2010. Walking with her mum, the duo raised around £450 for Rowcroft.
“The Sleep Walk has been really fantastic – it’s buzzing with life! Everyone is chatting to everyone else, and there’s a really great atmosphere. And all the encouragement from the volunteer marshals has been really inspiring; it’s keeping us going!”
Cathy Carey and her friends Jayne, Trish, Rachel and Samantha walked as a team of five from the Chordettes Acappella Chorus – one of Devon’s longest-established ladies’ choirs, based in Abbotskerswell. Cathy said:
“Harmony singing is all about listening to and supporting each other, and the whole is so much greater than the individual parts. The Sleep Walk has that same feeling – an instant sense of camaraderie with everyone being here for the same reason – to raise crucial funds for the hospice. It feels bittersweet of course – it sparks fantastic memories of people who have passed away, but you also know you’re helping Rowcroft support more local families in need.”
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came at Roundham Head, where participants gathered to light LED candles in memory of loved ones. They were also invited to write their loved one’s names on memory tags, which were then placed on a giant wicker heart. The heart has since been returned to the grounds of Rowcroft, where it stands as a lasting tribute to all those remembered.
At Goodrington, walkers were welcomed with a festival party vibe courtesy of DJ Mike McGowan and they enjoyed a complimentary mocktail from Cantina before continuing their return journey.
Rachel Haime, Events Fundraiser at Rowcroft Hospice, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who helped make the return of The Sleep Walk such an incredible success. From our brilliant walkers to our amazing volunteers, sponsors and supporters, it really was a true team effort.
“Special thanks go to our event sponsor, Majestic Holidays, and to the many local businesses, suppliers and individuals who went above and beyond to support the event and to help create such a fantastic atmosphere on the night. We’d also like to thank Torbay Council for lighting up the Bay in purple in honour of Rowcroft!
“The funds raised from the event will make a real difference to local families, helping ensure patients and their loved ones receive the specialist care and support they need, wherever and whenever they need it.”
While events such as The Sleep Walk play a vital role in helping to raise the funds needed to provide specialist end-of-life care, Rowcroft continues to face significant financial pressures alongside hospices across the country. Rising costs and increasing demand for services are placing further strain on hospice provision. At Rowcroft, 76% of care is funded by the generosity of the local community, with the NHS funding just 24%. Rowcroft is calling for fairer, more sustainable funding to help safeguard the future of hospice care and ensure everyone can access the support they need when it matters most.
For more information about Rowcroft Hospice and its upcoming fundraising events, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk.
