Newton Abbot community invited to sing Christmas carols for Rowcroft Hospice
A festive afternoon of Christmas carols, refreshments and seasonal fundraising will bring the community together in support of Rowcroft Hospice in December.
St Luke’s Church in Newton Abbot will host Community Carols for Rowcroft on Sunday, December 6, at 3pm, with local people invited to join in singing favourite Christmas songs while raising money for the South Devon hospice. Led by Father Matthew, the service will offer an opportunity for friends, families and neighbours to enjoy traditional festive music and share in the spirit of Christmas.
Rowcroft’s Senior Community Fundraiser Kate Holmes will also speak about the hospice’s work supporting people living with life-limiting illnesses and helping their families and loved ones through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Father Matthew said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this special afternoon at St Luke’s and supporting the wonderful work of Rowcroft Hospice. We hope people will bring their friends and family and enjoy singing some favourite carols.”
Following the service, visitors will be able to enjoy festive treats and refreshments, with raffle tickets and Christmas wreaths also available to purchase. Tickets cost £5 per person, with proceeds helping Rowcroft continue to provide specialist care for patients and their loved ones.
Kate Holmes said the festive season could be particularly difficult for families facing serious illness.
“For many of us, Christmas is a time to look forward to being with the people we love - but for families facing a life-limiting illness, it can also be one of the hardest times of the year. Rowcroft’s care and support can make an enormous difference to people facing some of the most difficult moments imaginable, helping them to make the most of precious time together.
“Community events like this are a wonderful way to support that care. By coming along, singing together and enjoying the afternoon, people will also be helping Rowcroft be there for local families when they need us most. We’re incredibly grateful for every ticket, raffle entry and purchase that helps make this possible.”
Rowcroft Hospice supports around 2,500 people each year across South Devon, providing specialist care and practical and emotional support to patients and those closest to them. The independent charity cares for people across an area stretching from Dartmouth to Dawlish and onto Dartmoor, with around 80 per cent of its patients receiving care in their own homes.
Its services include community nursing, social work, bereavement support, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, complementary therapies, spiritual care and music therapy. The Hospice at Home team provides free specialist support to patients during the final weeks of life, helping manage symptoms and offering reassurance to relatives and carers. A 24-hour telephone support line is also available.
For patients whose complex needs cannot be met at home, Rowcroft’s 12-bed inpatient unit in Torquay provides specialist care in a welcoming environment, with support tailored to individual needs.
As an independent charity, Rowcroft relies heavily on the generosity of local people, with around 75 per cent of its funding coming from community support. With demand for hospice care increasing alongside an ageing population, fundraising events such as the Newton Abbot carol service play an important role in helping the charity continue its work.
Organisers hope the afternoon will provide an enjoyable start to the festive season while giving the community an opportunity to support local families when they need it most.
Booking and information: Visit https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/