Kingskerswell-based Tristan Smith, 43, has completed a remarkable fundraising challenge in memory of his parents, Colin and Sadie Smith. On 3 July, Tristan and a team of friends and family climbed the Three Peaks, with Tristan tackling Scotland’s Ben Nevis barefoot to raise vital funds for the hospice that cared for his parents. Together, the team completed the challenge in 34 hours and raised over £5000.
“I wanted to do something massive in memory of my parents while raising funds for the outstanding work the hospice does,” said Tristan. “I could have done it the way most would (with shoes on!) but I wanted to do something that would really stand out and help raise as much as possible.
“As a dad and a rugby coach, I wanted to show my children and the young people I coach that there are no limits to what you can achieve if you’re determined and put your heart into it. One of the last things my dad said to me was to make sure that, when I reach the end of my life, I have no regrets. That has stayed with me and kept me going throughout this challenge.”
The challenge was far from easy. Tristan climbed Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the UK – completely barefoot incold, wet and, at times, icy conditions, with snow along the route. His feet and legs swelled, and he suffered painfulblisters along the way.
“The pain was immense but knowing that every step was helping Rowcroft care for other people’s loved ones was a stronger feeling than any pain. The people I met on the mountain were incredible. They couldn’t believe I was climbing barefoot and cheered me on every time we crossed paths.”
Despite the pain, Tristan went on to climb Mount Snowdon in Wales wearing shoes to protect his injured feet. His team then hiked up Scafell Pike in Cumbria to complete the challenge.
“My team kept me motivated every step of the way. I couldn’t have done it without my family and friends. Seeing my wife and son waiting for me at the finish, cheering me on, gave me the final push I needed. The support from the community throughout has been incredible.”
Tristan took on the extraordinary challenge in tribute to both his parents and to raise awareness and funds for the hospice that meant so much to his family.
“My mum and dad met when they were just teenagers. They fell in love from the second they met and remained deeply devoted to each other for almost 60 years. Mum was quite simply the best mother I could have wished for, and I considered my dad not just my father, but my best mate.”
Following a hospital stay with COVID-19, Tristan’s father Colin was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and his health began to decline. It was then that Rowcroft Hospice stepped in to support him and his family at home.
“From the second the Rowcroft team met him, they loved him – his mischievous ways, his jokes, his infectious laugh. Over the next three weeks, they cared for him alongside us as if he were their own family. The nurses were so gentle, making sure he wasn’t in pain, wasn’t scared and was as comfortable as he could be.”
Tristan’s mother Sadie had previously overcome serious illness and, when her health began to decline again, Rowcroft was there to support her too.
“With support of the angels from Rowcroft, we cared for my mum as best we could. Their gentle, caring presence put her at ease, and they supported us too, guiding us through every step.”
As demand for hospice care continues to grow across South Devon, community fundraising remains essential to ensure local families can access compassionate end-of-life care, at home and in the hospice. Challenges like Tristan’s help ensure more families can receive the same support that meant so much to him and his family.
You can support Tristan’s incredible challenge by making a donation via his JustGiving page at justgiving.com/page/tristan-smith. If you’re inspired to take on your own fundraising challenge for Rowcroft Hospice, visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk/challenges
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