Rowcroft Hospice is delighted to announce that its much-loved fundraising walk ‘The Male Trail’ is back for 2022 and will celebrate the 40 years of care that the charity has provided since the hospice opened its doors to patients in 1982. Taking place as a physical event at 11am on Saturday 12 March 2022, this special anniversary version of The Male Trail is open to all – not just men – and the hospice is calling on everyone to join in this fun and lively sponsored walk. Aiming to raise vital funds to care for patients with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon, The Male Trail will start at Torquay Rugby Club, with participants taking on an eight-mile walk around Torquay and being welcomed back to the club with a pint and a pasty to watch The Six Nations rugby.
Rowcroft’s Events Manager Alexia Croft said: “This year’s Male Trail is all the more special as it’s our 40th anniversary year and we’re thrilled to be opening the event to everyone. We’re hoping that local people across the region will join us in celebrating 40 years of the hospice by taking part in this amazing fundraising walk, which promises plenty of fun and laughter while supporting Rowcroft’s specialist care in our local community.”
Many of the people who take part in The Male Trail do so in memory of someone they love – some of whom may have been cared for by Rowcroft. Participants are encouraged to collect sponsorship money to support the outstanding end-of-life care Rowcroft Hospice provides to patients with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon. For those who prefer not to collect sponsorship money, there’s the option to make a donation to the hospice instead.
“The last year few years have been so difficult for everyone, and particularly for those who have lost loved ones,” said Alexia. “Over previous years of The Male Trail, we’ve found that some participants have gained support and strength from each other during their walks, by having the time and space to share feelings and experiences. Given the struggles that we’ve all been facing over the last year and the associated impact on our mental health, this type of support is needed now more than ever.
“We’d like to say a massive thank you to Torquay Rugby Club for their amazing support, and to our fabulous sponsors WBW Solicitors, BIG ANT and Bays Brewery for supporting The Male Trail again this year.”
Money raised from this year’s Male Trail will be used to fund Rowcroft’s specialist care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses. Rowcroft’s services are provided free of charge to all adults across South Devon – from Dartmouth to Dawlish and up onto Dartmoor. Each year the charity cares for over 2,000 patients and their loved ones, helping people to make every day the best day possible and enabling families to share precious moments together.
Anyone over the age of 8 can take part in The Male Trail (children aged 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult who has registered to participate in the event and who is over the age of 21). To sign up, it costs £28 for adults (£20 for under 18s) and Rowcroft asks participants to either raise or donate a minimum of £20 to support the hospice. To book your place, or for further information, please go to: www.themaletrail.com