Record turnout for Hospiscare Men’s Walk in Exeter

More than 2,000 people took part in this year’s Men’s Walk in Exeter, making it the biggest event in the fundraiser’s history and putting it on course to raise a record amount for Hospiscare.

The annual seven-mile walk took place on Saturday 7^th March, following a route alongside the River Exe, with participants raising more than £142,000 so far – with further donations still expected.

Since the event began in 2012, the Men’s Walk has now raised well over £1.1 million for the charity, which provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care across Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

Senior Events Fundraiser Martin Stokke said this year’s event had exceeded expectations.

“We always expect the Men’s Walk to be a big event, as our flagship, however this year people have gone above and beyond. We had more people taking part and fundraising than ever before.

“At its centre is an ‘in memory’ event. Many people, who have lost someone special in their lives, will bring friends along on the day to support them.”

Many of the walkers were taking part to remember loved ones who had received care from Hospiscare. Mark, whose wife Rachel died at the hospice just weeks ago, completed the walk surrounded by family and friends.

“It’s been emotional, but brilliant,” he said after finishing the walk.

“The Hospice looked after both of Rachel’s parents as well, so it’s got a great place in our hearts. The bit that got me was actually writing her name on the back of the t-shirt. There were various sites around Exeter that we’d all been to together, and it was just nice to tell stories on the way round. I had all my family around me. It was very empowering to see so many people coming together to raise money for a fabulous charity.”

James also walked with relatives in memory of his grandfather Sam, who died almost four years ago.

“Grandad was supported by Hospiscare. It’s the most positive, creative, and lovely place. They looked after him brilliantly, so it felt as if we needed to give something back.”

Participants were treated to refreshments along the route, including a bacon roll and hot drink provided by the Rapid Relief Team. At the finish line, walkers received a pint from Exeter Brewery and a pasty from Chunk of Devon, while Six Nations Championship matches were screened in a special marquee.

Martin Stokke said the event has continued to grow thanks to its strong community spirit.

“Over the years this event has just grown and grown because people have a great day out. It’s got a bit of what everyone loves. Camaraderie, togetherness, supporting something bigger than themselves.”

He also thanked the event’s headline sponsor Wilkinson Grant.

“We could not do it without our headline sponsor, Wilkinson Grant. They go above and beyond to help with the promotion, and they underpin our event cost.”

Roger Wilkinson, from Wilkinson Grant, added:

“We use the word ‘community’ loosely. Communities are in families, they’re in schools, they’re in churches.

“This has become annual calendar event, bringing people together that maybe don’t see each other that frequently, and people who see each other every day.”

Martin Stokke also paid tribute to the volunteers who helped make the event possible.

“We can’t put this event on without all the people who support us, and all of the 120 volunteers. I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved. They’ve made an incredible difference to what we do as a local charity.”

Hospiscare cares for around 2,200 patients every year, but receives just 24% of its funding from the Government, relying on community fundraising and donations to provide specialist end-of-life care free of charge to patients and their families.