Devon hospitality workers raise more than £12,000 on Dartmoor charity walk
More than 50 hospitality professionals have raised over £12,000 for a charity supporting people facing mental, physical and financial challenges while working in the industry.
The group completed a nine-mile Walk For Wellbeing across Dartmoor National Park on Sunday, October 18, raising funds for Hospitality Action, which provides support to people working in hospitality when they need it most.
Devon’s first Walk For Wellbeing was co-ordinated by Dean Gunston, General Manager at Bovey Castle, with the luxury hotel leading the hotel fundraising table after raising nearly £7,000.
The five-hour walk began at Bovey Castle before taking participants along country lanes, footpaths and bridleways through Dartmoor National Park, finishing at Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa. The event was part of a UK-wide initiative, with walks taking place in 14 other regions on the same day.
Alongside the Bovey Castle team, participants represented six other organisations: Ilsington Hotel, Exeter Golf and Country Club, Visit Devon, Devon Hotels Association, Food Drink Devon and Burgh Island. The walk brought together people from across the county’s hospitality sector, giving colleagues and businesses an opportunity to connect while raising money for a cause supporting workers throughout the industry.
Dean Gunston said: “Hospitality is an incredibly rewarding industry, but it can also be demanding, and it's important that we look after the people who make it so special. Hospitality Action does fantastic work supporting those in our industry when they need it most, so I wanted to do something meaningful to help raise awareness and funds for the charity.
“Working alongside Richard Hassell and the team at Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa to bring Devon’s first Walk for Wellbeing to life felt like a wonderful opportunity to bring our hospitality community together.
“We're fortunate to work in such a beautiful part of the country, and what better way to support one another than by getting outdoors, enjoying Dartmoor National Park and coming together for a cause that matters to us all.”
Hospitality Action works across the hospitality industry, offering help to people experiencing a range of difficulties, including mental health challenges, physical illness and financial hardship. The charity supports workers through difficult periods in their lives, recognising the pressures that can come with working in a demanding sector.
Fundraising events such as Walk For Wellbeing help raise both money and awareness, while bringing hospitality professionals together to show support for colleagues across the industry. Organisers and participants raised more than £12,000 in total, with Bovey Castle’s contribution accounting for nearly £7,000.
For more information about Hospitality Action visit https://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/ and to make a donation to the cause visit https://uk.emma live.com/WFW2026/fundraisers/team/bovey-castle