Over 400 men walked the streets of Torquay on the 16th March 2019 to take part in the very first male only event, the Male Trail.
The Male Trail was launched to help raise funds for Rowcroft Hospice.
Despite the despicable weather conditions, high winds and rain, the chaps remained tremendously positive and high spirited throughout the walk.
High spirits makes for high results
As a result of the event it is thought that over £40,000 will have been raised to help Rowcroft Hospice provide care and support to patient and families living with life limiting illnesses across South Devon.
Hilary Matthews volunteered at the registration tent said:
I used to be a nurse for Rowcroft, it feels good to be able to come back to support the hospice. Considering this is the first event of its kind in Torquay this is an amazing turn out.”
Male Trail rewards with Pint & a Pasty
The walk started off at the Torquay Rugby Club after a brief haka style warm up, insert your favourite pose here, led by Adam Last, Head of PE at Torquay Boy’s Grammar School and Colts Coach at Torquay Rugby Club.
The walk covered, conveniently, a number of “watering holes” and tied in with the final day of the 6 Nations Rugby.
Naturally the men were concerned whether they would miss the final, however with big screens and a well presented hospitality marquee the final was shown to the successful participants.
On arrival the participants received a well earned pint, and a delicious and hot pasty.
Behind the men was a backbone of more than 100 passionate volunteers who generously gave up their Saturday to help run the event.
Dave Hunt, shared his experience as a volunteer based at the Torquay Rugby Club where the event started and finished:
The whole experience was such a “full on” event and covered a whole rollercoaster of emotions from joy to sadness – As this was the first event to enable males to celebrate the lives of family or friends who have been cared for by Rowcroft. These men and boys were now bonding, grieving and celebrating together
One walker told me on his return to the Rugby Club, that “I cried as soon as I walked out of the gates”. Seeing men hugging each other before and after their 8 mile walk was amazing as it showed that this mass gathering on this male-targeted event enabled them to release these emotions
A massive well done to the lads, and the volunteers involved at Rowcroft Hospice.
In July, women will be taking part in the Rowcroft Sleep Walk, grab your tickets today.
