A TEENAGER from Kingsteignton was among more than 1,000 people who took part in the Big Tackle charity walk for Rowcroft Hospice.

Rupert Stickland, 18, walked in memory of his late father, Craig Stickland, who was cared for in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit before he died 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 is a top charity and my dad was a big supporter of Rowcroft, as his dad was cared for by the hospice too.’

Rupert and his ‘squad’ were among the record turnout for this year’s event.

Smashing all previous records, the eight-mile charity walk raised £100,000.

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 Hospice.

Walkers embraced the challenge, sharing stories, and rallying behind Rowcroft’s dedicated care teams.

There was a sense of camaraderie and purpose as friends, families, and colleagues united to raise essential funds for hospice care.

Rowcroft’s CEO Mark Hawkins also completed the walk with his wife Denise and dog Toby.

He said: ‘What a fantastic walk raising valuable income for the hospice.

‘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.'

Alexia Croft, Rowcroft's Community Engagement Manager, said: ‘We are absolutely blown away by the amazing turnout.

‘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.’