The Big Tackle raises £100,000 for the hospice
In a remarkable show of support for Rowcroft Hospice, 1,090 participants took to the streets of Torbay for The Big Tackle on Saturday 15 March, making it the biggest and most successful event in its history. Smashing all previous records, the eight-mile charity walk raised an incredible £100,000 – a magnificent total that will help fund Rowcroft’s vital end-of-life care across South Devon.
Starting from Torquay Rugby Club, people of all ages and backgrounds came together in a powerful display of community spirit, many walking in memory of loved ones cared for by Rowcroft. Buzzing with energy, walkers embraced the challenge, sharing stories, and rallying behind Rowcroft’s dedicated care teams. The sense of camaraderie and purpose was prevalent, as friends, families, and colleagues united to raise essential funds for local hospice care.
A son’s tribute to his father
Rupert Stickland, 18, from Kingsteignton (pictured centre in photo above with ‘Stickies Squad’ team mates) walked in memory of his late father, Craig Stickland, who was cared for in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit before he passed away last year aged 54. Walking with the ‘Stickies Squad’ and raising around £300 for the hospice, Rupert said:
“My dad had always been a military man – he was a serviceman in the Blues and Royals (a cavalry regiment of the British Army) and he died at the hospice on Remembrance Day 2024.
“He’d been diagnosed with a brain tumour in spring 2023 and then had a stroke. It was such a relief when he arrived at Rowcroft, and the nurses were fantastic. Rowcroft did everything for the family; nothing was too much trouble.
“I wanted to do The Big Tackle walk today to support the hospice. It’s a top charity and my dad was a big supporter of Rowcroft, as his dad was cared for by the hospice too.”
Honouring a much-missed family member
Nicola Lane, 47, and her sister Lisa Packer, 51, both from Torquay, took part in The Big Tackle in memory of their late father who was cared for by the hospice in 2023. Walking with their children Daniel Lane, 14, and Sophie Packer, 17, they raised over £900 for the hospice.
“Our dad wanted to stay at home for his end-of-life care and Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home Team made that possible for him,” said Nicola. “They arranged equipment for the house, and the specialist nurses were amazing. Rowcroft also offered bereavement support to our mum in the weeks after our dad had passed. They are incredible, special people and we will all be forever grateful for their care and support. Our walk today is about giving thanks for the care that dad received. It’s about giving something back, and helping other families to have that same care and support. It’s worth every step.”
‘Top notch’ fundraising
Ian Nuttal, 77, of Kingswear took part in the walk with his inflatable Grimsby Town Football Club mascot – Harry the Haddock.
“The hospice care is top notch so it’s important to support it,” said Ian. “Rowcroft’s care makes such a difference to people who are going through a very sad time in their lives. Long may the hospice continue.”
The walk’s biggest fundraiser
This year’s top fundraiser was Keith Durbridge, 75, from Paignton who raised nearly £3,500 for the hospice, walking in memory of his late wife Judith who was cared for by Rowcroft. Keith said:
“The atmosphere today is really good. I’m representing the whole family by walking for Judith, and I’m hoping to support and help whoever needs care in the future.”
Rowcroft’s CEO takes on the challenge
Rowcroft’s Chief Executive Office Mark Hawkins also completed the walk with his wife Denise and dog Toby.
“What a fantastic walk raising valuable income for the hospice,” said Mark. “It was a privilege to take part with so many wonderful fellow walkers – many with their own personal stories of how we have cared for their loved ones. Thank you to everyone who walked or donated, our amazing staff and volunteers who organised and directed us and kept us motivated, and our sponsors. This special day was a wonderful example of a community coming together as one.”
Community as one
Reflecting on the event’s record-breaking success, Alexia Croft, Rowcroft’s Community Engagement Manager, said:
“We are absolutely blown away by the amazing turnout here today! The Big Tackle has always been about walking, talking, remembering, and supporting – and this year, we’ve done it on a scale we never imagined!
“The funds raised for the hospice from The Big Tackle have come at a time when they are very much needed – when the charity is facing huge financial challenges due to increased operational costs and low government funding, coupled with an increased local demand for end-of-life care.
“We are so grateful to everyone for their support today in helping us to continue to deliver our care to patients living with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon. The record-breaking success of this year’s Big Tackle has been a whole community effort, and I’d like to thank every single participant, volunteer, and supporter who went above and beyond to make it happen.”
A big thank you to our sponsors
Rowcroft extends its gratitude to Torquay Rugby Club for hosting the event and screening the Six Nations Rugby, as well as key sponsors WBW Solicitors, Torbay Clearance Services, Bays Brewery, and Caterfood for their generous support.
To register your interest for The Big Tackle 2026, please visit: thebigtackle.org.uk
Rowcroft Hospice offers a range of exciting fundraising events and challenges throughout the year. The next big date in Rowcroft’s events calendar is ‘Strictly Rowcroft’, taking place at the Princess Theatre on Saturday 17 May 2025 and promising an unforgettable night of glitz, glamour and spectacular entertainment.