With its usual jam-packed schedule of fundraising events cancelled or postponed, and its charity shops closed across South Devon, Rowcroft Hospice has set up a ‘Front Room Fundraising’ Facebook page — so that local people can get involved in raising money for Rowcroft from their own homes, and share stories, photos and videos of their fabulous fundraising efforts. The money raised is providing high quality care for vulnerable patients — some with COVID-19 — across the region. Charity staff and volunteers have been moved by the incredible generosity and goodwill shown by the local community during this difficult time of lockdown.
“It is through the darkest of times, that our community’s spirit shines the brightest,”
says Alison Upton, Rowcroft’s Community Fundraising Manager.
“I have been dazzled by all the messages of solidarity and support coming from all corners of South Devon. Many people have been asking what they can do to help our doctors, nurses and careworkers on the frontline. That’s why we have set up Front Room Fundraising, as a way of safely raising money to fund Rowcroft’s expert end-of-life care.
“The idea is to bring our community together again – to unite people for a great cause, and to have a little fun along the way. People can choose for themselves what they do to fundraise from home – whether it’s holding a virtual coffee morning, participating in an online quiz, or running a marathon around a garden.”
A few examples of the ingenious fundraising events that have taken place in the region so far include: a virtual disco whereby Adam Kime of Kingsteignton held a ‘lockdown fundraiser’ streaming live DJ requests on Facebook and raising £650 for Rowcroft in just two hours; children selling homemade crafts via a goodwill donation box outside their home; people donating money they would have spent at the hairdresser’s; and Torbay Hospital’s ICU Consultant Adam Revell, after recovering from COVID-19, completing a 26.2-mile marathon, running around his garden and raising over £1000. In addition, Brian Cort, at the age of 83, is planning to undertake a marathon on his rowing machine on Friday 1 May.
Local businesses have rallied too, demonstrating their appreciation for Rowcroft’s care teams on the frontline. For example, Devon Distillery of Dartington produced and donated hand sanitiser to be used in patient care; Roly’s Fudge Pantry sent boxes of fudge to lift the care team’s spirits; and Buen Apetito of Dawlish delivered a hearty meal of paella which went down a treat with Rowcroft staff and volunteers.
“I have been so inspired and humbled by the creative and novel ways in which our community is supporting us,”
explains Alison.
“We at Rowcroft have been really touched by all the gestures of kindness and the considerable efforts that people are making to show how much they care. I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone who is helping us during these tough times.
“If you would like to support us, in whatever way you can, please do get in contact as we would love to hear from you.”
For further information about how you can get involved in Rowcroft’s Front Room Fundraising, please see: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/front-room-fundraising or call Rowcroft Hospice’s Fundraising Team on 01803 210835.
