Rowcroft’s Big Tackle returns for 2027 with eight-mile charity walk
Rowcroft Hospice’s popular Big Tackle fundraising event will return next March, inviting hundreds of people to take on an eight-mile sponsored walk along the Torquay coastline while raising money for specialist care across South Devon.
The event takes place on Saturday, 13 March 2027, starting and finishing at Torquay Rugby Club. Registration is now open, with early-bird tickets costing £20 for adults and £12 for children. All participants will receive a free event T-shirt.
Walkers will make their way through Torquay and along the coast before returning to the rugby club, where they can enjoy a free pint and pasty and watch the live screening of England v Scotland in the Six Nations.
More than 1,500 people took part in last year's event, raising an impressive £150,000 for the hospice. The money was enough to fund more than 5,000 hours of specialist care delivered during home visits by Rowcroft nurses.
Among those taking part was Ian Lawrence from Torquay, who walks with his family in memory of his father, Bob, who died from stomach cancer in 2024 after receiving care from Rowcroft's Hospice at Home team.
“The fantastic support and care Dad received from Rowcroft meant that his last request could be fulfilled and he was able to spend his final days at home with his wife, Karen,” says Ian. “We will forever be grateful to Rowcroft for the excellent work they do. And I will do whatever I can to support the hospice to make sure others can get help when needed.”
Rowcroft fundraiser Rachel Haime said Ian's experience demonstrated the importance of the event and the support it provides to local families.
“Ian’s story is a powerful reminder of why every step at The Big Tackle matters. Behind every pound raised is a family who may need Rowcroft’s support at one of the most difficult times in their lives – whether that’s helping someone to stay at home with the people they love, or caring for those with complex needs in our Inpatient Unit, or supporting those left behind with bereavement.
“For many people, The Big Tackle is a chance to remember someone special, just as Ian and his family did. It’s a day to walk, talk and share memories, while knowing that your fundraising will help another local family receive the care and support they need.
“And, of course, it’s a brilliant day out too! Whether you’re walking with friends, family or colleagues, there’s a fantastic atmosphere, beautiful coastal views and plenty of rugby fun along the way. Every step and every pound raised helps Rowcroft be there for local families when they need us most.”
The event is open to everyone aged eight and over and provides an opportunity for people to remember loved ones, share experiences of bereavement and support others facing difficult times.
The Big Tackle is sponsored by WBW Solicitors, Torbay Clearance Services and Bays Brewery.
Early-bird ticket prices are available until midnight on 7 December 2026, after which entry fees will increase. While registration costs cover the organisation of the event, it is sponsorship and donations that make the biggest contribution to the hospice's work.
Participants are encouraged to raise or donate at least £50, helping Rowcroft provide specialist end-of-life care for the 2,500 patients and their loved ones it supports across South Devon each year.
The appeal comes as hospices face increasing financial pressures and growing demand for care. According to Hospice UK, nearly 60% of hospices have either made cuts or are considering reductions to frontline services, while 380 hospice beds are currently out of use across England because of the costs involved in providing care.
Funding is a particular challenge for Rowcroft. While hospices across England receive an average of around 40% of their funding from the NHS, the figure for Rowcroft is just 24%. The independent charity relies heavily on the generosity of its local community to maintain its services.
Rowcroft supports around 2,500 people each year across South Devon, providing specialist care both at home and in its 12-bedded inpatient unit in Torquay. Around 80% of its patients receive care in their own homes, supported by community nurses, social workers and other specialist teams.
With demand increasing alongside the region's ageing population, the hospice says community fundraising events such as The Big Tackle are more important than ever in helping local people and their families access care when they need it.
To register for The Big Tackle 2027, visit https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/events/the-big-tackle/