‘We’ve done it’ – Rowcroft appeal tops £200,000 in 36-hour fundraising drive

We’ve done it - thanks to you!

The people of South Devon have shown extraordinary generosity and community spirit, helping Rowcroft Hospice raise more than £200,000 in just 36 hours through its Every Moment Matters Appeal.

The ambitious matched-funding campaign challenged the community to come together over a single 36-hour period – and they rose to the occasion.  And by close of play the final figure stood at £211,000.

Rowcroft CEO Mark Hawkins said: “There are moments when words are inadequate. 

“I’m so deeply moved by the care and generosity shown by our community, our match funders, our amazing Champions, staff and volunteers, and everyone else who stepped forward in solidarity during this appeal. 

“Your support will make a profound difference for so many patients and their families, and we can’t thank you enough.”

The appeal not only hit its target but highlighted the depth of support for local hospice care. Thanks to generous match funding pledged by local businesses, groups and individuals, every donation made during the appeal was doubled.

Alison Upton, appeal manager at Rowcroft Hospice, said: “We are completely overwhelmed by the response. 

“To see our community come together in this way – donating, sharing, fundraising and cheering us on – has been incredibly moving. Every single gift, no matter the size, represents someone choosing to support local families at one of the hardest times of their lives.

“The incredible £211,000 raised will make a real and immediate difference, helping us continue to provide specialist care and support to people across South Devon when every moment truly matters.”

At the heart of the appeal was a message deeply embedded in everything Rowcroft does: every moment matters. 

It’s the philosophy behind the hospice’s care – helping people make the most of every precious moment with those they love. 

And with just 36 hours to reach the fundraising target, every moment of the campaign mattered too. Every share, every conversation and every donation played a part in reaching this remarkable total.

For Sarah Mason from Shaldon, those moments meant the world when Rowcroft supported her son Harry Medwin through the most difficult time of his life. 

An active young man who loved water-sports, Harry’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with a rare cancer at just 21. He carried on working as an electrician for years, but when the illness returned more aggressively, Rowcroft stepped in.

“The Rowcroft team were just so lovely,” said Sarah. “They would come out in the night if Harry needed pain relief – they were so quick to arrive, it was just amazing.” 

Sarah Mason with sons Charlie (left) and Harry (right)

She remembers the kindness shown to her, too: “At the door, they’d always give me a hug and ask, ‘Are you looking after yourself too?’”

Being at home meant everything to Harry. “He hated it when he was in hospital,” said Sarah. “He was so much happier being here. It made so much difference to him - and to us - that he was at home.”

Harry died at home in August 2022, aged 28. 

“It does actually give me comfort that he died here,” said Sarah. “I know a lot of people wouldn’t like it, but I just feel he’s here with me. If he’d had to go to hospital, it would have been so much more traumatic for him.”

Funds raised through the appeal will help Rowcroft continue delivering care through its Inpatient Unit, Community Team and Hospice at Home service, supporting people to be where they feel most comfortable, surrounded by those they love.

The success of the campaign comes at a challenging time for hospices nationally, with rising costs and increasing demand placing significant pressure on services. With only around a quarter of its funding coming from the NHS, Rowcroft relies heavily on the generosity of the local community to sustain its vital end-of-life and palliative care.

A Torbay Business Forum team led by chair Steve Reynolds and executive members Ben Tisdall and Kelly Widley (with a lot of help from young daughter Leighton) and Lyn Spindley travelled across the Bay to say thanks to the businesses who had donated and supported the campaign.

Alison Upton added: “This appeal has shown just how much hospice care means to South Devon. The compassion and generosity we’ve seen over these 36 hours will directly translate into more families receiving specialist and compassionate care at the end of life. We simply couldn’t do what we do without the support of our brilliant local community.”

Rowcroft fund-raisers Alison Upton and Hayley Townsend

Rowcroft Hospice says the campaign is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when South Devon pulls together.

To find out more about Rowcroft’s work, visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk