Rowcroft launches biggest-ever 36-hour fundraising challenge

Rowcroft Hospice is calling on people across South Devon to support its inaugural 36-hour Every Moment Matters Appeal, with donations doubled during the campaign thanks to local sponsors.

The appeal will run from 10am on Sunday 22 February until 10pm on Monday 23 February. Organisers describe it as an “upbeat, exciting” 36 hours and say everyone is welcome.

The hospice hopes to raise £200,000 to fund specialist end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses across the region. An initial £100,000 has already been pledged by match funders, meaning donations made during the appeal window will be doubled until that pot is used.

Local sponsors backing the appeal include Brothwell Irvine Building Services Engineering, Newton Abbot Racecourse, Exeter Finance, VX3, Wollens and Inter-Line.

Once the matched funding total has been reached, or after the 10pm deadline on Monday 23 February, donations will still be gratefully received but will not be doubled.

Rowcroft provides care for around 2,500 patients and their loved ones each year across 300 square miles of South Devon, from Dartmouth to Dawlish and up onto Dartmoor. Most care is delivered in people’s homes, supporting those who wish to spend their final days in familiar surroundings.

Michelle Lewis-Clarke from Kingsteignton said the hospice’s support came at a crucial time for her family.

Her husband, Jim, a retired police officer, was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2017 but continued to enjoy life.

“We had the most incredible support from Rowcroft,” Michelle said. “Our palliative care nurse, Tracey, was our saviour.”

When Jim’s condition worsened in 2024, Rowcroft’s Community Team stepped in. When pain became too much to manage at home, he was admitted to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

“From the moment we walked through the doors, Jim said, ‘I’m in the right place,’” Michelle recalled.

The hospice later made it possible for Jim to return home.

“They arranged everything so quickly: the bed, the care team, the equipment,” said daughter Emily.

“He was at home, surrounded by love, and we had four more wonderful months together,” Michelle added.

During that time, the family enjoyed trips to the beach, walks on Dartmoor, fish and chips and even a ceremony to renew their wedding vows.

When Jim suffered a stroke in January 2025, Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home Team provided round-the-clock care.

“We called them our ‘whispering angels,’” Michelle said.

Emily added: “They gave us a real sense of peace, as every single nurse was just so experienced… All Dad’s friends were able to come and say their goodbyes. It was very special and enabled everyone to have a moment with Dad in their own way.”

Jim passed away peacefully at home, holding the hands of the people he loved.

“We were all there. It was exactly what he wanted, and Rowcroft made it possible,” Michelle said. “As a service to the local community, Rowcroft is a godsend.”

The appeal comes at a challenging time for hospices nationally. Across the UK, two in five hospices are planning service cuts due to rising costs, limited government funding, falling donations and increasing demand for end-of-life care.

Rowcroft says increases to National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage added £225,000 to its annual costs last year. Only 24% of its income is funded by the NHS, with the remainder raised through fundraising and donations.

As part of the campaign, 80 community champions will be fundraising across the 36 hours, supported by six sponsors and the matched funding donors.

Champions say the appeal is about “just using your voice and shouting about it” and encouraging people in their social circles to give what they can - even £1 each. There is no minimum or maximum donation, and gifts can be made anonymously.

Rowcroft estimates that £49 could fund three meals a day for a patient in its Inpatient Unit.

The hospice is using the Charity Extra digital crowdfunding platform, which allows supporters to track donations in real time. Donors receive a thank-you email and a follow-up call from Rowcroft.

People can donate online during the 36-hour window. Donations can also be made by phone, bank transfer, cash or cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Rowcroft Hospice. Offline donations can be added to individual fundraising pages so they still count towards totals.

Anyone wishing to donate by phone can call 01803 217450. Queries can be emailed to everymomentmatters@rowcrofthospice.org.uk .

Organisers say if the campaign gains momentum online, it has the potential to “go viral”, helping the hospice deliver what they describe as the biggest fundraiser in the shortest time possible.

With just 36 hours on the clock, they say every moment - and every pound - really does matter.