This October, we invite you to take the plunge in Rowcroft’s brand new and exciting stand up paddle boarding event, SUP — Your Way, where SUP newbies and seasoned pros alike will glide across South Devon’s beautiful waters in a sponsored paddle to raise vital funds to care for local people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Supported by Red Paddle Co of Totnes — a leading paddle boarding business and global brand — the event will run over the course of a week starting Saturday 3 October to Saturday 10 October. Participants create their own route — of 5km, 10km or another distance of their choice — and then paddle it at any time that suits them during that week.
Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, paddle boarding has taken off as a new craze across South Devon’s waterways and it is now said to be Britain’s fastest-growing watersport.
“Looking around South Devon this summer, it seems that stand up paddle boarding is the thing to do, so we thought we would give all these SUPpers a challenge — and a chance to support their local hospice,” says Alison Upton, Community Fundraising Manager at Rowcroft Hospice. “People can choose when, how and where they take part. It can be a chance to get together with friends; have a fun family day out; or enjoy a peaceful journey with someone special. You might like to SUP at dawn taking a flask of coffee and a croissant; or take a picnic and make a day of it. That’s the great thing about this event: you do it your way!”
The event is open to all: whether people have just got into paddle boarding this summer, or are proficient experts. We are inviting everyone to join in, challenge themselves, have fun and help support patients in their community.
“Taking part in the fun SUP — Your Way event enables people to support Rowcroft Hospice while enjoying some fresh air, exercise and beautiful scenery,” says Alison. “Please join us if you can!”
It costs £5 to sign-up to the event and all participants are asked to raise over £20 in sponsorship (or make a £20 donation to Rowcroft). Rowcroft’s top 100 fundraisers will receive a free Red Paddle cap.
Charlie Green, Head of Marketing at Red Paddle Co, said:
“We are thrilled to be supporting our local hospice in this new, exciting event. As a global paddle board brand, we’re calling on our community both near to us in South Devon but also far and wide, and we will be encouraging as many people as possible to take part in the SUP event. It’s a great opportunity to keep paddling past summer and to explore your local waterways while supporting an incredible cause.”
As a charity, Rowcroft relies heavily on fundraising and donations to fund our expert end-of-life care for local patients and families. Due to the pandemic, we have suffered a devastating loss of income this year, with many of our mass-participation fundraising activities cancelled and our shops closed. We are hoping to recoup some of our lost income through the SUP event.
For further details about SUP — Your Way, please see: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/sup-your-way or for more information about Rowcroft Hospice, see: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk or call 01803 210800.